Southland Casino Donates $150K to Local Police Force in Arkansas

Article ByDavid Weir

September 5, 2023

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Posted in: US Casino News, Arkansas Gambling News

Southland Casino Hotel has made a generous donation of nearly $150,000 to the West Memphis Police Department Foundation.

This contribution is aimed at enhancing the city’s camera system, paving the way for the establishment of a real-time crime center.

The Southland Casino Hotel is one of only three Arkansas brick & mortar casino venues currently open. It is operated by New York-based Delaware North, who have owned the property since the 1970s. Previously, the site was a greyhound track for many years, meaning it has been hosting local gamblers in some form since 1956.

The funds will be utilized to procure an Outdoor Distributed Public Safety Solution system to enhance tracking and detection of criminal behavior in the district.

“The safety and security of the residents and visitors to West Memphis is vital. This donation of cameras to our police department will provide them with the latest in technology to help policing efforts in our community and act as a deterrent to bad actors,” said Osi Imomoh, the president and GM of Southland Casino Hotel.

More Eyes in the Sky

The new system will comprise of six Avigilon LPR Cameras, Avigilon LPR Lane Licenses, and other essential equipment and programming required for the installation process.

This advanced surveillance system is expected to play a pivotal role in monitoring the city’s key roads and corridors, especially with its license plate recognition capabilities.

“We believe this donation aligns with our commitment to be ‘All In’ to help improve and give back to our Mid-South community,” said Osi Imomoh.

Southland Casino Hotel’s donation is not the first time it has given to the local community and police beyond its tax obligations. It is the latest in a series of contributions made by the casino to the city and its police department, reflecting a longstanding relationship.

Delaware North has spent $300 million on the 300-room hotel and casino property, which offers 2,400 slot machines, 50 live table games and a sportsbook in collaboration with Betly.

It must be aware that the opinion of some across the U.S. is that casinos bring crime to an area, so continually funding the local police force counters that sentiment while helping an important public service.

“Southland has always supported first responders and often contributes to the safety of our citizens. I also want to personally thank Southland’s director of security, Joe Baker, for all the assistance he provides to WMPD,” said Brent Bradley, the assistant chief of police in West Memphis. 

“More eyes in the sky are a deterrent to criminals who choose to plague our community.”

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Southland Casino’s Community History

Southland Casino Hotel, owned by Delaware North, has been a staple in West Memphis since its inception in 1956 as a greyhound racing track.

Over the years, it has evolved into a full-fledged casino, becoming one of the largest tax contributors to the state of Arkansas.

Delaware North, the parent company of Southland, is a global leader in hospitality and food service.

While this announcement will no doubt be welcome for the citizens of West Memphis and its officers, the news does come at an interesting time for Southland Casino. It hit the headlines last week after an Arkansas grandmother was sentenced to a year in prison for embezzling $300,000 from the bank she worked at, a significant chunk of which she gambled at the Delaware North-owned venue.