On August 29, the Dog Track, formerly known as Southland Greyhound Park, will submit a proposal to the Arkansas Racing Commission for approval. In the proposal, Dog Track in West Memphis plans to have electronic games, including video poker, blackjack and “re-spin” slots, ready for operation by November.
In a 30,000 sq ft electronic gaming area that will anchor $40 million in improvements, Southland will install the machines, transforming the beleaguered 50-year-old facility into a glitzy rival to Tunica casinos. In a grand opening on November 1st, Southland will show off its new amenities including a mega-buffet and nightclub.
According to Barry Baldwin, President of Dog Track, Southland officials want between 750 and 900 gaming machines. “Studies we did … suggested that the prime number of machines for where our facility is located — on Interstates 40 and 55 and with the Tunica competition nearby — the prime number of machines is 990. I don’t envision having that many when we open. But somewhere around 900,” Baldwin said.
Southland wants casino games like video blackjack, in which strategy can give players an advantage; video poker, which uses cards randomly dealt from a 52-card deck; and “re-spin” slots, where players spin and pick reels to keep before spinning again.
Baldwin stated that the machines will use a variety of monetary denominations, but likely nothing larger than $10. Southland will ask that the gaming floor’s hours of operation be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily.
Baldwin further stated that many changes can be reshaped to fit the desires of patrons. “We will be listening to the public about the food and buffet and everything…We will analyze everything. We will be very cognizant.”
February 04, 2007
