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Kansas Casino Finally Open After Years-of Delays
DODGE CITY, KANSAS --
A Kansas town renowned for its past of cowboys and cattle now hosts the first casino opened under the 2007 state law allowing the Kansas Lottery to lease out operating rights for four casinos. Although the measure was passed almost three years ago, an unending vetting process followed by a steady withdrawal of gambling suitors held up development of the casinos, causing the Boot Hill Casino and Resort to be the first to open.
Butler National will run the Dodge City casino complex, managing it for Kansas, which retains ownership. Butler promised to invest $90 million into the hotel and gaming venue.
Other, more prominent gambling operators disappeared during the bidding review, as narrowing of candidates took months without any discernable changes and the recession's effects made gambling revenue projections decline. Among the casino companies whose interest in Kansas disappeared are Las Vegas Sands, the Cordish Company, and Penn National Gaming.
The new Dodge City operation carries almost 600slots and 12 gaming tables, with plans for a 124 room hotel. Butler says it expects the casino to generate $44 million in revenue in the first year, with$10 milliongoing to the state.
Currently, Boot Hill employs about 300 workers, with that number expected to double once all phases, including the hotel, are up and running. Kansas legislators are breathing easier, as opening casinos in the state will help stop the flow of revenue over borders to neighboring states' gambling venues, especially Oklahoma tribal casinos.
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