Kansas State Run Casinos Will be Example for Rest of the Country

The State of Kansas is the first state to attempt a system of State-owned casinos. Voters have allowed Kansas the opportunity to open four casinos, owned by the State to become operational. Many other states will be looking to Kansas as a model for them to own and control full casino operations where the revenue would go directly into state coffers, and hopefully reduce the tax burden and budget shortfalls they are all facing.

Kansas has the arduous task of implementing rules and regulations that will ensure the safe and effective operation of such casinos. Governor Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday asked the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to appoint a 'chief gaming officer' to oversee and administer expanded gambling in the state.

Indian tribes within the state that currently operate casinos may challenge the constitutionality of the law. Fearing the addition of up to four casinos in the state will reduce their revenues.

The current plan calls for private contractors to operate the casinos, so proper regulations need to be in place to ensure the laws are followed correctly and accounting procedures are accurate.

The newly created position will have many responsibilities and will report as a liaison to both the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to guarantee coordinated efforts on gaming issues.

State legislators hope that expanded gambling will provide a much-needed financial boost for the state treasury as well as the counties where the casinos will be located.

July 5, 2007
Posted By Bob Hartman
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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