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Jefferson County casino one step closer to approval, sends submission to racing commission

People in Jefferson County could see a casino take shape sooner than expected after the Quapaw Tribe released new details about future plans.

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) – People in Jefferson County could see a casino take shape sooner than expected after the Quapaw Tribe released new details about future plans.

Dozens of people met in Pine Bluff to hear about the future "Saracen Casino and Resort” in the area. The Quapaw Tribe already has the approval of the Pine Bluff mayor and judge to go forward with building it.

Chief John Berrey said the tribe completed the application and submitted it to the racing commission. Now, it is a waiting game.

"We're on a holding pattern until the racing commission has a process to accept applications,” Berrey said.

But Berrey said he is already getting a head start on the groundwork. He said he is looking at Dec. 18-19 to decide on a general contractor and architect firm.

"Once we know, once we get the license, I want to start moving dirt immediately,” Berrey said.

Chief Berrey said people can expect the creation of hundreds of jobs, including new restaurants and a 300 room hotel. He said the location of the casino is still unknown, but the casino annex will be within the city limits of Pine Bluff.

Chief Berrey also said every employee hired will also be trained.

"We'll have a regular training school for dealers,” he said.

Jospeph McCorvey is the Executive Director of the Pine Bluff Convention Center. He said a casino is going to have a major economic impact on Pine Bluff.

"It's perfect for the city, brings jobs. It also brings a lot of tourism into the area, people coming from all over who will leave money here,” McCorvey said. "It also allows for the city as a destination to attract more conventions, trade shows, sporting events."

Courtney Smith has lived in Pine Bluff for thirty years. Although he thinks the casino will boost the economy, he has his reservations.

"Of course we have people that are kind of on the fence and want to see what will happen. There's the gambling aspect and the addiction part,” Smith said.

Chief Berrey said the Quapaw tribe will do what it can to help prevent addiction problems in Jefferson County by giving people access to resources to get help.

If the license gets approved, Berrey said construction on the casino would likely be completed in 12 months.

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