The Downstream Development Authority has appointed Rod Centers as CEO of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, following the termination of two senior executives.
Centers takes over after the Authority terminated CMO Carlton Saffa and GM Matt Harkness, with the decision receiving approval from the Quapaw Nation Business Committee.
The Authority had previously voted unanimously to remove the executives.
The Authority's resolution alleged that Harkness and Saffa created and marketed a separate gaming business called GamePhysics to third parties within Arkansas' gaming industry. It also alleged failures relating to financial oversight and the approval of sponsorships and donations beyond internal policy limits. Saffa has denied the allegations.
Centers joins Saracen with more than 25 years of operations experience. He previously served as COO of Seneca Gaming Corporation, overseeing operations across Seneca Niagara, Seneca Buffalo Creek and Seneca Allegany.
His career has also included senior roles with Pinnacle Entertainment, JACK Entertainment, Penn National Gaming and Caesars Entertainment.
The leadership change comes during a significant expansion period for Saracen Casino Resort. Its 14-story hotel opened in June with 318 rooms, following the opening of a 1,600-seat event center earlier in 2026.
The wider development brought total investment in the Pine Bluff property to more than $500m.
Saracen is one of three casino properties operating in Arkansas alongside Southland Casino Hotel and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Arkansas' three casinos generated $742.5m in total revenue during 2025, while state gambling tax receipts reached a record $116m.
Saracen generated $30.4m in casino tax revenue during 2025, representing a 12.7% year-on-year increase and the highest growth rate among the state's three casinos.
Pine Bluff received $5.9m from Saracen's tax contribution, while Jefferson County received $2.4m.
Downstream Development Authority Chairman, Billy Shapp, said: "The board is moving forward with new leadership and a new direction."
Earlier this year, Saracen Casino Resort CFO Jim Burns died at the age of 58 following a golf cart accident. Burns joined the property in October 2020 and held a central role in its financial and operational development.
Saracen Casino Resort opened its permanent casino in October 2020 and is owned by the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma
