The reopening of Interstate 40 Bridge connecting West Memphis, Arkansas, and large Memphis in Tennessee has contributed to Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis to win more in August than in the previous month.
According to Arkansas Racing Commission, Southland won more than $21.1 million in August. In an earlier month, the casino and dog track only won $19.6 million.
An increase in gaming revenue is attributed to the reopening of Interstate 40 Bridge early in August. The six-lane bridge crossing over the Mississippi River had was almost closed for three months for repairs.
The Interstate Bridge was closed on 11th May after inspectors discovered a mechanical fracture on the support beam. The eastbound traffic was reopened on 31st July while the westbound reopened on 2nd August.
Southland Casino is important gambling for people from across the River in larger Memphis. Tennessee has no casino or a dog track.
In August, Southland casino won $19.3 million from slot machines, which is higher than the $17.7 million it won in July. The casino, however, won less in table games in August than in July.
Southland Casino won $1.3 million from a sportsbook in August, slightly higher than the $1.08 handle in July.
Though Southland’s handle in August seems well off in August than in July, the casino win is still $4.09 million below its October 2020 winning.
Arkansas is home to two other casinos, the Oaklawn Racing Resort in Hot Springs and Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.
Oaklawn Racing Resort won $10.98 million in August, which is less than the $13.4 million it won in July. The casino also won less in categories that include table games, terminals, and sports betting.
Saracen won $12.1 million in August, which is below July win by more than $2 million. However, the Saracen sportsbook handle slightly improved from $557, 773 in July to $580, 104 in August.
