Kansas Casino May Be Left Without Slot Machines, Thanks To Law

There is only one casino currently being built in Kansas after the state had allowed for four. Now it appears that even that one casino could have some problems before they even open their doors to the public.

In order to run a casino, the developer needs to equip the establishment with essentials such as slot machines. That could become a problem for Butler National as they move forward with their project.

An obscure provision in Kansas law that has to do with background checks for officers and investors in equipment supply companies could delay the casino near Dodge City being opened. According to Butler, many slot machine providers are weary of doing business with the Boot Hill Casino and Resort.

"If they (machine suppliers) cannot do business in the state of Kansas, then we can't get the machines, If we can't get the machines, then that's a serious problem," said John Frieden, an attorney representing Butler National.

Frieden is proposing that the law provision be fixed to avoid further embarrassment to Kansas. The state already has lost three of the four developers chosen to run state owned casinos.

The three developers that pulled out of their deals did so for varying reasons. Penn National was afraid they would not be able to compete with a neighboring tribal casino, and Harrah's walked away because of the state of the economy.

In recent months, Kansas lawmakers have had the chance to revamp their selection process, but decided not to do so. They are now taking bids to run the other three casinos in the state.

March 12, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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