Who Owns Saracen Casino?
Saracen Casino is one of the most popular gaming and hospitality destinations in the state of Arkansas. Opened in 2020, it offers over 2000 slot machines, 30 table games, and a hotel with 300 rooms. But did you ever stop and think about who owns Saracen Casino? In this article, we explore the different companies and individuals that own Saracen Casino and analyze the impact of this ownership on the economic development of the area.
Investigative Piece on Saracen Casino’s Ownership Structure
Saracen Casino’s ownership structure is targeted at distinguishing interests among several organizations and people. On the top of the list is the Quapaw Nation, the indigenous group that had been a casino operator since the early 2000s. The provision of the state’s casinos’ final approval was completed through their involvement. The Quapaw Nation partnered with a firm named Delaware North to create the Saracen Casino annex. It has been a balanced joint-venture ever since. The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is one of the regulators of the Quapaw Nation’s casino operations. Delaware North is responsible for handling all the casino’s operations, facilities, and market-related activities.
Economic Impact of Saracen Casino
Saracen Casino is a massive economic driver in the Pine Bluff area, where it is located. Since its inception, the casino has generated over 1200 jobs for people in the surrounding area. It is also estimated to have contributed millions of dollars to the local economy through tax revenue generated by the casino’s operations, as well as through the spending of tourists and casino-goers in the city.
The importance of understanding Saracen Casino’s ownership extends to its role in further strengthening the local economy and creating more jobs in the Pine Bluff area. The ownership structure can impact on the amount and type of investment pumped into the casino. It also determines which businesses work with and benefit from the casino, making it imperative to know the players or shareholding structure.
Profile of Saracen Casino’s Owners
The Saracen Casino’s owners include the Quapaw Nation, a Native American tribe that has a long history of involvement with the gaming industry, and Delaware North, an established hospitality and gaming company. The Quapaw Nation, based in Oklahoma but operating in Arkansas through its casinos, has been fundamental in the formation and success of the Saracen Casino venture.
Delaware North, on the other hand, has a broad global reach, operating hospitality and gaming ventures in different parts of the world. The company has been instrumental in providing expertise and resources for the development of Saracen Casino. As well as using their extensive resources across many industries they have been successful in bringing additional commerce and tax revenue to the area surrounding Pine Bluff.
Construction and Development of Saracen Casino
The development of Saracen Casino was overseen by the Saracen Development, LLC team that has experience in developing other gaming and hospitality establishments. The project was significantly complex, costing around $350 million, with a two-year building period. The task required collaboration with local officials and required acquisitions and annexations that needed to be managed delicately.
Ethics of Casino Ownership
Casino ownership can have both positive and adverse effects on local communities. Supporters of casinos argue that they contribute positively to the economic development of the area by bringing in tourists and creating jobs. However, there are concerns about the impact of gambling on addiction and the associated social problems that arise.
The Quapaw Nation and Delaware North have put measures in place to address these concerns by promoting responsible gaming and offering support to those seeking help with gambling addiction. It is also important to consider the impact of casino ownership on local Indigenous communities and ensuring that their traditions and voices are respected and considered.
Conclusion
The ownership structure of Saracen Casino is crucial to understanding its impact on the surrounding community, economy, and broader ethical concerns associated with casino ownership. The Quapaw Nation and Delaware North have done an excellent job of developing the casino while keeping in mind the importance of responsible gaming and economic development for the surrounding area. While there can always be areas of concern when considering casino ownership, acknowledging the balance of those concerns with the positive contributions of successful businesses should be maintained.