Expanded Gambling Again On The Table In Kansas

Frustrated lawmakers who thought that the state would be seeing tax revenue from four state-owned casinos by now are resorting to a possible alternative plan. With only one of the four casinos built, legislators are now considering gambling expansion in other forms.

Voters approved state-owned casinos several years ago, but the Kansas Lottery has had a hard time keeping commitments from developers. Three of the four developers chosen the first time around have pulled out of their agreements.

The lack of gambling revenue has caused lawmakers to consider slot machine gambling at state racetracks. The tracks are struggling financially, and the slot machines would be a way to inject millions of dollars into the racing industry.

The state would benefit as well from the addition of slot gambling. A portion of the revenue generated from the slots would be given to the state. That would be in addition to revenue generated from the casinos when they are finally operating.

Currently, only Dodge City has a casino up and running. The Kansas Speedway just agreed to develop a casino, and two other zones are in the process of casino development. Overall, the gambling expansion project has not gone as planned in Kansas.

Although some lawmakers favor the slots at state racetracks, other more conservative members of the legislature do not want any form of gambling expansion. The developers of the Kansas Speedway casino are opposing the slot idea.

May 7, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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