You’re driving across the Hernando de Soto Bridge from Memphis, and honestly, the skyline looks a bit different than it did five years ago. Once you cross into Arkansas, that massive blue-glass tower is impossible to miss. That’s Southland Casino West Memphis. But if you haven't been there lately, you probably still think of it as "the dog track."
That's a mistake.
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The greyhounds are gone. The old, smoky grandstands have been replaced by a $320 million expansion that feels more like a slice of the Las Vegas Strip than a roadside stop in the Delta. It’s weird to think about, right? West Memphis used to be the place you’d just pass through on your way to Little Rock. Now, people are checking into a 20-story hotel and eating $70 steaks at the Bourbon St. Steakhouse & Grill.
It’s a massive pivot. Delaware North, the company that owns the joint, took a huge gamble. They bet that people would want a high-end resort experience right in the backyard of the Mid-South. And from the look of the crowded gaming floor on a Tuesday night, they were right.
From Greyhound Racing to a Digital Powerhouse
For decades, Southland was synonymous with greyhound racing. It opened in 1956 and quickly became one of the most popular tracks in the country. But let’s be real—the world changed. Animal rights concerns and a shift in how people gamble meant that dog racing was on its way out.
The last dog ran at Southland in December 2022.
It was an emotional day for a lot of the old-timers. But for the casino, it was the final hurdle to becoming a "full" casino. When Arkansas voters passed Issue 4 in 2018, everything changed. It allowed for live table games—real blackjack, real craps, real roulette—not just the electronic versions that felt a bit like playing a video game.
Today, the gaming floor is massive. We’re talking 2,400 slot machines and 50 live table games. The scale is hard to describe until you’re standing in the middle of it. It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a Tier 1 gaming destination. They’ve got these "Stadium Gaming" setups too, where you can play multiple games at once from a single terminal. It’s a bit intense, honestly.
The Sportsbook Factor
Arkansas was relatively quick to jump on the sports betting train compared to some of its neighbors. The Betly Sportsbook at Southland is where most of the action happens now, especially during football season.
You can walk up to a window or use a kiosk. It's simple. But the real game-changer was the mobile app. Since you can now bet from anywhere within Arkansas state lines, Southland isn't just a building anymore—it’s a platform. People sit at the bar, watch the Grizzlies or the Tigers, and place bets in real-time. It’s transformed the atmosphere from a place where you just pull a lever to a place where you're actively engaged with live sports.
Why the $320 Million Expansion Mattered
The hotel is the crown jewel. 300 rooms.
Before the tower went up, Southland was a "day trip" destination. You’d drive in from Memphis or Jonesboro, lose twenty bucks (or win a hundred), and head home. By building a luxury hotel, they turned it into a "staycation" spot.
The rooms are surprisingly high-end. We’re talking walk-in showers, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Mississippi River, and those heavy, blackout curtains that make you forget it’s 11:00 AM.
- The Signature Suite: If you’re feeling fancy, these have separate living areas.
- The Food: It’s not just a buffet anymore. Though the Garden District Chuckery is still there for those who want the classic experience, the Bourbon St. Steakhouse is the real draw.
- The Atmosphere: They moved away from that dark, windowless casino vibe. There’s more light. More air.
If you're wondering about the cost, it wasn't just about the building. It was about the infrastructure of West Memphis itself. The project created hundreds of construction jobs and bumped the permanent headcount to over 1,200 employees. That’s a massive deal for the local economy.
The "Memphis Rivalry" That Isn't Really a Rivalry
People always ask: "Is Southland better than the Tunica casinos?"
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It’s a fair question. For a long time, Tunica, Mississippi, was the undisputed king of gambling in the South. But Tunica is a 40-minute drive from Memphis. Southland is maybe seven minutes from downtown.
That proximity is lethal.
Southland has effectively "cannibalized" a lot of the traffic that used to go down Highway 61. Why drive further for the same games? Plus, Southland is newer. The facilities are fresher. Tunica still has its charms—Gold Strike and Horseshoe are great—but Southland feels like the current "it" spot.
However, there are limitations. Arkansas has different tax structures and regulations than Mississippi. Some players swear the "vibes" are better in Tunica because it’s a dedicated resort strip. Southland is still, at its heart, in the middle of West Memphis. You step outside, and you’re in a working-class town, not a secluded resort area. That groundedness is either a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Odds
Let’s talk turkey. There’s this persistent myth that "new" casinos pay out more to attract people.
That’s mostly nonsense.
The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates the payout percentages. Southland’s machines have to fall within specific legal ranges, just like any other casino. You aren’t "luckier" at Southland just because the building is shiny. What is different is the variety. Because they have so many machines, they have more "penny slots" and low-volatility games that let you play longer on a smaller budget.
If you're a high roller, they have high-limit rooms that are a bit more secluded. But for the average person, the "value" is in the player’s club. The Lucky North Club is their rewards program. Honestly? Use it. Even if you don't gamble much, the points add up for food discounts, and that’s where the real "win" is for most visitors.
Real Talk: The Logistics of a Visit
If you’re planning to go, there are a few things you should know that the brochures won't tell you.
- Parking: It can be a nightmare on Saturday nights. They have a huge garage, but it fills up. Valet is worth the ten bucks if you’re arriving after 8:00 PM.
- The Smoke: Like most casinos, it’s not 100% smoke-free. They have high-tech filtration, and it’s way better than the old days, but if you’re sensitive to it, you’ll notice. There are designated non-smoking areas, though.
- The Crowd: It’s a mix. You’ll see people in suits and people in camo. It’s the Delta. Everyone is welcome, and the dress code is pretty relaxed unless you’re hitting the high-end steakhouse.
- Security: It’s tight. West Memphis has a reputation, but once you’re on the Southland property, you’re in a bubble. They have their own security force, and the lighting in the parking lots is intense. I’ve never felt unsafe there.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
If you want to make the most of a visit to Southland Casino West Memphis, don't just walk in and start shoving bills into the first machine you see.
Join the Lucky North Club immediately. You can do this at the player’s club desk with just an ID. Sometimes they give you $5 or $10 in "free play" just for signing up. That’s a free beer, basically.
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Check the promotion calendar. They do a lot of car giveaways and "swipe to win" promos on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The weekends are for the atmosphere, but the weekdays are for the value.
Book the hotel mid-week. You can often snag a room for half the price of a Friday night stay. If you’re a local, it’s a great way to get a "resort" experience without the flight to Vegas.
Don't ignore the food. Even if you aren't gambling, the Ignite Steakhouse is genuinely one of the better restaurants in the greater Memphis area. The service is top-tier, and the wine list is surprisingly deep.
The reality is that Southland has successfully moved past its greyhound roots. It’s a modern, massive, and slightly flashy anchor for West Memphis. Whether you're there for the blackjack, a concert, or just a really good ribeye, it’s a legitimate destination now. Just remember to set a budget. The house always has an edge, but at least at Southland, the surroundings are nice while you’re testing your luck.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the Betly app before you arrive if you plan on sports betting so you can bypass the lines at the kiosks.
- Make a reservation for the steakhouse at least 48 hours in advance if you're going on a weekend; it’s almost always booked solid.
- Check the live music schedule for the Charred Oak Bourbon Bar—they often have local Memphis acts that are better than your average casino lounge band.