As reported by the Fort Smith Times Record: “Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker said
Thursday he is “deeply concerned” about a proposed riverfront casino. “The
United Keetoowah Band has purchased 10 acres north of the River Park events
building along the Arkansas River where the tribe wants to build a casino.
“The tribe has made application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place the
land in trust, which must be granted by the BIA before the tribe could seek
permission from the National Indian Gaming Commission to operate a casino.
“During an anti-gambling rally at the River Park events building on
Thursday, Baker called on The Westphal Group investment company, which sold
the property to the Keetoowah Band, to move in other directions of
development. “.Baker said he was not speaking for the city board of
directors or the city administration, but out of personal concern as mayor.

“Dr. J.P. Bell, a member of The Friends of Fort Smith, told those in
attendance at the rally that Bennie Westphal, chief executive officer of The
Westphal Group investment company said he wouldn’t bring a casino to Fort
Smith if local residents oppose it.

“.But so far, Westphal said he feels a majority favors the casino based on
his personal interactions and a poll conducted by a local television station
that he said shows Fort Smith residents favor the casino by a 2-to-1
margin.”