Kansas Governor Reveals Casino Compact

KANSAS – As reported by the Lawrence Journal-World: "Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Monday formally announced completion of a proposed compact with the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes for a $210 million casino and hotel at the hottest tourist corner in Kansas -- near Interstates 70 and 435 in western Wyandotte County.

"…Matt All, chief counsel for Sebelius, defended the proposed compact, saying it would produce jobs and much-needed revenue for the state.

"…Under the proposed compact, the state could receive as much as $50 million annually in revenue sharing. Wyandotte County could receive $10 million per year. Construction of the facility would require 2,500 workers; 1,500 full-time employees would run the 250-room hotel and 80,000-square-foot casino, officials said.

"The four tribal casinos now operating in Kansas don't provide revenue to the state, but the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox have agreed to a revenue-sharing plan in return for market protections from the state.

"Within 100 miles of the proposed casino, which would be near the Kansas Speedway, the compact sets a limit of no more than 500 slot machines at a pari-mutuel racetrack. Also, the state would not allow any new tribal casino. Outside the 100-mile limit, the state would allow no more than 1,500 slots at tracks.

"…Senate President Dave Kerr, a Republican from Hutchinson, said the compact opened the door for increased pressure on gambling…"