Kansas Tribal Casinos' Prospects Depend on Government

As reported by the Joplin Globe: "The prospect of a tribal casino opening in Cherokee County depends on the commitment of the governor and Legislature to state-owned casinos, an attorney for two tribes said Monday.

"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius told The Associated Press last week that state-owned casinos remain a viable option for increasing state revenues. In the same report, House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said he wasn't sure there was support in the Legislature for state-owned casinos. Gambling proposals have failed in the Legislature each year for more than a decade.

"The Kickapoo Tribe, Sac and Fox Nation and Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation have an agreement with a group called Kansans for Economic Growth to build a tribal casino and hotel south of Galena and east of Baxter Springs, about a half-mile from the Highway 400 exit to Interstate 44.

"…A draft copy of the proposed compact states that the casino would make an annual contribution to the state equal to 12 percent of the first $100 million in adjusted gross gambling revenues, and 22 percent of the adjusted gross gambling revenues above $100 million. The casino also would provide Cherokee County with an amount equal to 3.75 percent of adjusted gross gambling revenues for seven years and 4.25 percent after the first seven years. Contributions to cities have yet to be addressed…"