Until recently, three major events in this century defined the West Memphis area economy: a vote by the Arkansas Legislature in 2005, a flood along the Mississippi River in 2011, and a statewide vote of the people in 2018.

In 2005, what was then known as Southland Greyhound Park was on the verge of closing. The Arkansas Legislature voted that year to allow what it called "games of skill" at Southland and Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. Southland's owner, Delaware North of Buffalo, N.Y., responded by spending $40 million on a facility to house electronic games. It also built an events center and added restaurants.

In 2011, a flood forced casinos at nearby Tunica, Miss., to close for months. Memphis residents began crossing the bridges to Southland rather than driving to Tunica. Most decided

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