State Board Reluctantly Approves Hollywood Casino Proposal

The state of Kansas has had a tough time finding suitors that could operate state-owned casinos in Kansas. Of the four developers that were selected the first time around, three of them dropped out because of the economic recession.

That left the state to go back to the drawing board and restart the search. This past week, a proposal was accepted by a state board for what will become known as the Hollywood Casino in Wyandotte County. It was not the ideal proposal, but it was the only one.

After several other proposals fell apart in the late stages, the Kansas Lottery was left with the Hollywood Casino proposal. The location, overlooking the Kansas Speedway, was also a main reason the proposal was accepted this past week.

"Is it ideal? No. But we understand the constraints of the economic times," said Board Member Jackie Vietti, "It's in the better interests of the state to move forward now."

Moving forward is something that Kansas has been unable to do for several years. After casino gambling was legalized, the state thought they would have developers from all over looking to run the casinos.

At first, that is what happened, but the economic recession has changed the minds of some of these developers. Three of the four developers chosen the first time around pulled out of their deals. That left only a casino in Dodge City currently under construction.

The Hollywood Casino construction is expected to begin late in 2010. The opening date for the casino is tentatively set for early in 2012.

December 6, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

MGM Slowly Opening CityCenter, Casino Gambling Coming Soon
Virtual Blackjack Gambling Begins At Florida Pari-Mutuels
ACES Casino Train Service Cuts Back Trips From New York
Detroit Casinos Claim Gambling Will Be Down With Smoking Ban
Advisory Letter Paves Way For Cherokee Casino Floor Alcohol