Hard Rock pushes for an Arkansas casino

Hard Rock has partnered with Warner Gaming to propose an Arkansas casino, set to open in Pope County.

US.- A new Arkansas casino may soon be developed in Pope County after voters approved a constitutional amendment. That triggered a partnership between Warner Gaming and Hard Rock, which are pushing for a fully-integrated resort casino.

“We aim to deliver to Pope County a facility that will attract visitors throughout the region and beyond,” Bill Warner, owner and CEO of Warner Gaming said. “With its truly global reach, the Hard Rock brand will help us do that.”

“Arkansans have decided to keep the jobs and tax revenues associated with casino gaming within the state, and we are excited for the opportunity to be a part of that,” Warner said. “In the coming weeks, we will continue our discussions with Pope County residents so that we can get a feel for what the community would like to see in a project like this. Our past experience has taught us that community input and involvement is critical to our success.”

“The Hard Rock brand is one of the most recognisable in the world. We are pleased with the opportunity to bring the Hard Rock brand to Arkansas and continue our relationship with the Warner Gaming team,” said Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International.

The next step

According to Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration spokesman Scott Hardin, they will issue further licences. In May, the commission will accept applications for a casino in Jefferson County and another in Pope County.

“The Racing Commission looks forward to opening the application process. We anticipate applications will be accepted beginning in early May,” Hardin had advanced.

“The total number of applications received will determine the timetable for review of said applications. As Oaklawn and Southland plan to offer expanded table games in the near future, the Commission will formally license both locations at an upcoming meeting.”