Last Friday Kansas senators rejected the proposal “Little Casino,” which would open the way for 5,500 slot machines at pari-mutuels and two casino developments in a bid to comply with the Supreme Court order to provide $143 million more funding for education by a July 1 deadline. The special session, the first in sixteen years, yesterday produced an amended version of the proposal from the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Acceptance from the full chamber is still not a certainty.

The new aspect of the proposal is designed to please gambling opponents. It would place a five-year ban on any further casino development in Kansas, where four tribal operations already exist. The new proposal also increases state revenues from prospective slots at the pari-mutuels from 24% to 40%, which over the first year should boost Kansas’s finances by some $69 million. The state would also receive a $15,000 upfront payment for every slot machine, bringing in another $112 million.

Although Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius approves of expanding gambling to increase state coffers, there is still strong opposition from some legislators. Last Friday’s vote for gambling expansion was rejected 22-17 and it remains to be seen if the amended version will fare better. However, as the special session proceeds to its ninth day, the gambling bill is still in with a chance. (E-06.29.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage