Guest hits largest jackpot in Southland Casino Hotel history

Big payouts are adding up for winners at West Memphis venue

By Natalie Carlson

Southland Casino Hotel

WEST MEMPHIS – Luck was in the air on Thursday, January 25, James Martin won $657,089.35 when he placed a side bet on an AGS Progressive Jackpot Hold’Em 5 Card Poker game.

It is the largest single jackpot in Southland’s history just beating out the AGS Stax Blackjack Match progressive hit of $649,000 on December 21, 2023.

Southland is the place to be to get lucky. In one month’s time, we have celebrated two jackpot wins totaling over $1.2 million dollars,” said Kendra Chaffin, director of gaming of Southland Casino Hotel.

Dealer Wesley Norvell said, “I have been waiting for the royal flush jackpot to hit, little did I know I would be the one to deal it! What a great experience! I’m glad that I could make somebody’s day, and probably year!

Congratulations Mr. James come back and see us!

“We are excited to see players at Southland Casino continue to experience life-changing jackpots and break records with our table game progressives. Blackjack Match and Jackpot Hold’em are two examples of AGS games that have changed the landscape of traditional table games by offering players experiences that go beyond winning a big hand,” said John Hemberger, AGS GM & SVP of Table Products.

About Southland Casino Hotel

Southland Casino Hotel has been a major racing venue for more than 60 years and recently opened its newly expanded casino complex that boasts 2,400 total slot machines, as many as 50 live table games, sports betting and a new covered parking garage with over 1,400 spaces. Restaurants at Southland include The Kitchens – a unique buffet experience, Ignite Steakhouse, The Fry House, The Grind, Seasons Cafe and the Sports Bar & Grill – while new bars include the Chairman’s Bar, Charred Oak Bourbon Bar and the Ignite Steakhouse Bar.

Southland has long been a pivotal fixture of the West Memphis community, strongly supporting the community with jobs, business stability, and economic contributions. It has consistently won awards for its outstanding community service, including millions of dollars donated to neighborhood charities and educational institutions.

Southland is owned and operated by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment. www.southlandcasino.com.

About Delaware North

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. The company annually serves more than a half-billion guests

See JACKPOT, page A3

Photo courtesy of Southland Casino Hotel Bodies discovered in Finch under investigation

FINCH — A welfare check on Monday at a home in the Finch community led to the discovery of two bodies, according to Greene County authorities.

Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder said in a social media post Monday evening that deputies went to the home earlier in the day after getting a call from someone who told authorities they had not heard from a friend in a few days.

“A deputy was dispatched to an address near the Finch community to attempt contact. Upon arrival, the deputy was unable to raise anyone at the door. Attempts to contact the homeowner via phone or other means were also unsuccessful. Feeling that something was amiss, Sgt. Tanner Hill waited for backup to arrive before crawling atop an outdoor HVAC unit in order to view inside the residence,” Snyder said. “In doing so, Sgt. Hill observed a body lying in the floor of the home.”

Deputies later went into the house.

“Upon entry, deputies located two deceased persons in the residence. Both suffered fatal wounds caused by gunfire. Investigators with our criminal investigation division responded to the scene, as did the Greene County Coroner’s Office,” Snyder said. “An investigation is ongoing.”

The bodies were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Authorities have not released the names of the people found dead in the home, pending notification of family.

Snyder said authorities believe the public is not in any danger at this time. ***

PARAGOULD — The Arkansas State Police are investigating an incident in which an inmate was found unresponsive at the Greene County jail and later died at a local hospital, according to authorities.

Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder said in a social media post that an inmate being housed in an isolation cell near the booking desk was found unresponsive around 6:20 p.m. Feb. 6 during a wellness check.

“Our facility’s medical staff responded within seconds to assess the inmate and begin care while Fire/EMS were notified by jail staff. Upon Fire/EMS arrival at the detention center, patient care was transferred to them and the inmate was prepped for emergency transport,” Snyder said. “Paragould Fire, Paragould Police, and myself assisted in escorting EMS to Arkansas Methodist Medical Center for care. Shortly after arrival to the emergency room, the inmate was declared deceased by medical personnel.”

Snyder said he contacted Company F of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to immediately start an investigation into the incident.

The inmate’s body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Snyder said.

Officials are not releasing the inmate’s name, pending notification of next of kin. Snyder said he anticipates more information will be released in the near future.

***

Teen shot in robbery attempt

JONESBORO — An 18-yearold man was shot and injured Saturday during an aggravated robbery, according to Sally Smith, public information specialist with the Jonesboro Police Department.

Police were called to Northeast Arkansas Baptist Memorial Hospital at 10:51 p.m. about a gunshot victim, Smith said. Jayden Clark was treated by the emergency department for a gunshot wound to the right arm. He was later transferred to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, Smith said.

Smith said there are four to five suspects listed and no arrests have been made.

Clark had a 17-year-old girl as a passenger in his vehicle at the time of the shooting, Smith said.

Smith said the suspects could face charges of aggravated robbery and first-degree battery when arrested.