Carlton Saffa faces sack as Saracen alleges side gaming venture

Saracen’s owner alleges GM Mark Harkness & CMO Carlton Saffa ran GamePhysics on the side, breaching non-compete terms.

The hit

Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is reportedly set to fire General Manager Mark Harkness & Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa, according to Casino.org. The Downstream Development Authority, run by the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma, alleges the pair formed a rival gaming company, GamePhysics, & marketed it to Arkansas gaming firms in breach of their contracts. Saffa told Casino.org the resolution was “a total shock” & rejected the claims as inaccurate.

Why it matters

Saffa has been the public face of Arkansas casino politics for seven years, including the fight against DraftKings & FanDuel entering the state. If confirmed, his exit would strip Saracen of its most recognisable spokesman.

The record

Resolution approved	Thursday, 24 September, by the Downstream Development Authority
Alleged violation	Formed & marketed GamePhysics to Arkansas gaming firms, per the resolution
Saffa’s tenure	7 years at Saracen, since 2019
Saracen build cost	$350m casino resort, opened October 2020
Recent expansion	$250m spend on event centre & 320-room hotel

What happens next

The Quapaw Nation Business Committee still has to approve the resolution to make the firings official. Watch for that vote & any update on GamePhysics itself.

Sources: Saracen Casino Resort Expected to Fire CMO Carlton Saffa

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