At Least Kansas Gets Problem Gambling Help Right

The state of Kansas has become somewhat of a joke around the nation when it comes to the handling of their casino expansion. The state had casinos approved back in 2006, and to date there still are no casinos open.

That being said, the state made a major move on Thursday that shows that they are intent on helping problem gamblers when the four state-owned casino finally open. The first of those casinos, Boot Hill, is set to open in Dodge City in a couple of months.

The programs that were unveiled on Thursday include a voluntary exclusion program and a twenty-four hour hot line. The exclusion program would allow gamblers to essentially ban themselves from entering a casino.

"The programs you hear about today are all examples of these agencies working together to share brain power and resources in order to get something done," said Mike Deines, a Spokesman for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

The Commission has not done many things right when it comes to casino expansion. Four state-owned casinos have been approved, but the first time through the developer selection process was a disaster. Critics claimed that the process was too long and drawn out.

At the end of the process, three of the four selected developers pulled out of their deals with the state. The economy had just crashed in the US, and the developers no longer felt that their projected investment would pay off.

Several of the developers have come back and placed new proposals in the second round of bidding. Dodge City is currently the only one of the four zones where a casino in under construction.

August 7, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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