Published on: June 5, 2026, 08:15h.
Updated on: June 5, 2026, 08:15h.
- Saracen Casino Resort’s hotel is now operational
- First revealed in 2019, the 318-room hotel facility has launched
- Saracen joins Southland and Oaklawn as one of the three casinos in Arkansas
The Saracen Casino Resort is officially ready for overnight guests.
After nearly seven years since the Quapaw Nation disclosed their plans for a Pine Bluff casino, the hotel at the Arkansas resort is now fully operational. This impressive 14-story structure boasts 318 rooms and suites.
The casino part of Saracen made its debut in October 2020, featuring 1,500 slot machines, 30 table games, a poker room, and the BetSaracen Sportsbook. With four dining options and bars, the standout being the acclaimed Red Oak Steakhouse, this destination is now more robust with the hotel’s recent launch, solidifying the Quapaw Nation’s investments in Arkansas.
“Two centuries ago, our ancestors surrendered this land to federal authorities. Today, the Quapaw Nation is thriving once again in Arkansas,” stated Wena Supernaw, chair of the Quapaw Nation Business Committee.
As a commercial property, Saracen is operated by the tribe, which also manages the Downstream Casino Resort and Quapaw Casino in Oklahoma.
History of Saracen
In 2018, residents of Arkansas voted in favor of a ballot measure to authorize four commercial casinos. Issue 4 specifically allocated Jefferson, Crittenden, Garland, and Pope counties for new casinos.
The Quapaw Nation collaborated with Jefferson County, where Pine Bluff is located, to bring their vision for a casino to life. This proposal received approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission in 2019.
The initial phase included a significant $350 million investment, unveiling the casino and its dining options. Progress on the hotel was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding construction challenges such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.
Groundbreaking for the hotel took place in May 2024, with Saracen committing an additional $230 million towards the development of the 14-story building, pushing the entire cost of the resort to exceed $500 million.
The hotel investment also boasts the inclusion of the 1,600-seat Saracen Event Center, which opened in April and has quickly become a popular venue for national acts.
Upcoming performances include John Legend (June 13), Jeff Foxworthy (July 11), and Flo Rida (July 31).
Casino Revenue Insights in Arkansas
In 2025, the trio of casinos in Arkansas generated a record gross gaming revenue of $743 million, marking a 3.1% increase from the previous year. In addition to Saracen, Arkansas is home to Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis and Oaklawn, which is a combination of a thoroughbred racetrack, casino, and lodging in Hot Springs.
Currently, Arkansas’ fourth casino remains in a state of uncertainty.
A protracted legal dispute regarding who held the rights to establish the casino in Pope County culminated in a ballot question. In November 2024, voters in Pope County opted to revoke the casino license that was granted in 2018.
The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, previously awarded the casino license for Russellville, has since launched a lawsuit challenging the 2024 decision. Although a district judge upheld the repeal, the Cherokees have continued to pursue further legal action in the 8th US Circuit. The matter remains unsettled.