The Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Board held two meetings yesterday – one in Pittsburg and one in Columbus, which are to help the board choose the best of all three bids for the construction of a state-owned casino in the southeastern part of the state.
More than 120 people attended the Pittsburg meeting, with residents and City Commissioners being among the attendees. The board will announce its decision on which one of the three projects is to be given the green light on July 2.
Speakers at the Columbus meeting stated their support for a $140-million gambling venue not far from Interstate 44. It is to feature as many as 1,400 slot machines, 35 table games, and a poker room with 16 tables. Sue Gast, Baxter Springs City Councilwoman, said that the city welcomes this project, as it would be beneficial to its economy.
The bid for the construction of the $64.7-million Kansas Crossing casino in Pittsburg was paid more attention at the Pittburg meeting. If built, the venue will feature a total of 625 slot machines and 16 table games. According to initial forecasts, it will annually attract more than 500,000 visitors. Pittsburg City Commissioner Monica Murnan said that the casino is just what the community needs, as new jobs will be created and citizens’ quality of life would be improved.
Ms. Murnan also stated that the city has already annexed a 160-acre site where the property is to be built.
Frontenac City Administrator Doug Sellars spoke in support of the $78.5-million Camptown Casino, which was proposed by Las Vegas-based businessman Phil Ruffin. According to him, the venue is ahead of the other two proposals, as its building “is already in place.” Camptown Casino would be located at a former dog racing facility.
It is to feature 750 slot machines and 20 table games. It will also be added a 62-room hotel, and various retail, dining, and entertainment options.
Both opponents and supporters of all three projects were heard at the two meetings. Members of a group called No Kansas Crossing presented board members with a petition from Pittsburg residents, who stated their concerns that the venue would have negative impact on the city’s infrastructure and would lead to increased crime figures.
Carrie Tedore, a spokeswoman for Kansas Crossing, said that unlike the other cities where the competing casino projects are to be located, Pittsburg would be able to provide the necessary public safety that the gambling venue would require. She also pointed out that despite its opponents, their proposal has also met strong support from Southeast Kansas communities.
