No Gambling Addictions Reported Stemming From Dodge City Casino

Casino gambling opponents immediately point to the possibility of gambling addiction when arguing against new casinos in their area. In Dodge City, Kansas, however, there have been no signs that a new casino will lead to addiction.

The Boot Hill Casino & Resort has been open in Dodge City for seven months. The casino has become the first state-owned casino to be opened in Kansas, and so far there has been little evidence that an increase in gambling addiction will move into the area.

New Chance, an addiction impatient facility in Dodge City, prepared for the possibility that the casino could bring gambling addictions. The facility trained three counselors that are ready should anyone walk through the door with gambling problems, but up until now none have been reported.

The casino has had its ups and downs in the first seven months of operation. Being state-owned, the developer running the casino has had some problems getting things done. They have had to wait on clearance from the state, and that process has delayed some aspects of the business.

Dodge City is the only one of the four approved zones in Kansas that has their casino open. The other three zones have struggled to find developers willing to pay the state's asking price. The economic recession caused developers in all three zones to pull out of approved deals.

The projections had the casino making $44 million in the first year. With revenue figures in for the first seven months, the casino appears to be slightly below the projected pace. Still, Boot Hill officials believe that by the end of the full year, those projections will be on target.

February 16, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!