Late last week, the Saracen Casino Resort had a soft opening to local state officials as it prepares to open fully to the public on October 20. The casino has been under construction since August 2019 and is highly anticipated in the community. Over 300 people from nearby and across the state were on hand to get a first look at the new casino. The property is 80,000 square feet in size and includes 2,300 games and seven dining establishments.
Showing Off the New Property
In attendance, were several local officials including Governor Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. Judges, the mayor of Pine Bluff Shirley Washington, and other elected officials were invited to come and see what the new property has to offer.
The casino is set to provide revenues to Pine Bluff which will be used for developments. According to reports, the casino will help to build a new health department, coroner’s office and a veteran’s service building.
The new gaming property came to fruition after a constitutional amendment was approved by voters in the state. The casino must pay Jefferson County an 8% tax and then Pine Bluff will receive a larger 19.5% in revenues. Overall, the revenues will help to support infrastructure and businesses in the local area.
The venue is unique as it offers 2,000 slots at the casino resort and an additional 300 at the Saracen Annex, which his located across the street. There is also a poker area, table games and sportsbook. For indoor activities, the property has an event venue that is 15,000 square feet in size. The on-site hotel features 300 guest rooms with premium accommodations.
Tourist Destination
The goal is to make Pine Bluff a destination city. Officials want to see the casino as the catalyst that brings the city into a new era. Officials want to see the locals gain employment at the facility, make a nice living and be able to change their way of life.
Right now, the casino is still hiring. You can easily visit their website and access the application process. The resort offers competitive wages and includes paid holidays and vacations. They also offer a complete benefits package which certainly comes in handy these days during the pandemic.
If the casino sees modest traffic, even during the pandemic, it will bring revenues in. There has been some concern as to how the casino will operate during the pandemic. Many casinos across the United States are operational at this time, choosing to institute health and safety guidelines for employees and guests.
For this casino, the health department has looked at its guidelines for operation and if they are complied with, the casino will be able to remain option. We shall see in the coming days if the casino is well-received in the community and just how many come to check it out as the grand opening takes place. There is no doubt that the new property will be successful and provide unlimited potential for the Pine Bluff area.
