Southland Gaming and Racing Latest Racino to Open

ARKANSAS -- As reported by the Arkansas Blog of Max Brantley: "Just in time for a new Arkansas legislature to be invited in for drinks and a few spins of the slots (and you can bet they'll be
Southland Park Gaming and Racing now has over 800 video gaming machines.  there, knocking back the freebies), the old Southland Greyhound Park will have a grand re-opening Thursday as Southland Gaming and Racing.

"They've pumped $40 million into the old 'hound track in West Memphis to make it a racino, where the dogs will be secondary to 750 "electronic games of skill" -- otherwise known as video poker and blackjack and even other machines, based on descriptions at the Racing Commission, that sound mighty similar to an old-fashioned slot machine. Unless somebody files a successful lawsuit, none dare call it gambling. It is a game of skill.

"Southland is well-positioned to draw Memphis customers from the more distant Mississippi casinos and hopes to do so with the Juke Joint, a night club and sports bar; a big buffet restaurant; an events center and, oh yes, that room full of slots.