Just sayin’
The precedent was set in 2019 when they refunded it to all of the applicants.
By refunding the full amount, they avoid 1 item of potential litigation from Gulfside.
The Casino Gaming Rules provide for returning half of the fee. The State of Arkansas incurred unnecessary costs they wouldn’t have otherwise.
It was a prudent move to return the full amount. It avoids potential litigation from Gulfside on that point. However, returning the whole amount is not covered in the gaming rules, though I do think it comes within the administrative authority of the Commission.