Harrah's submits new proposal on Kansas casino

MULVANE, Kansas -- Harrah's Entertainment said Thursday it has submitted a new proposal to develop and operate a state-owned casino is south-central Kansas.

The submission to the Kansas Lottery Commission is on a smaller scale than plans that were dropped by a company-led partnership in November 2008 at the beginning of the economic downturn.

Although Harrah's did not disclose a cost, the new plan is for a casino anchoring a 100-room hotel, multiple restaurants, a sports bar, retail space and nearly 15,000 square feet of entertainment and meeting space.

Future expansion plans could include a golf course, water park, tennis facility, additional hotel rooms and an RV park.

The resort is planned for Mulvane, a small town 15 miles south of Wichita and 150 miles north of Oklahoma City. The state would receive nearly 20 percent of the casino's revenues, but Harrah's would wholly own the amenities.

Harrah's nearest property is 211 miles northeast, Harrah's North Kansas City in Missouri.

The company's 2008 plan was for a $535 million resort with 175-room hotel and included an 18-hole golf course.

Harrah's is submitting the plan without its previous partner, Sumner Resorts.

The application deadline with the state Lottery Commission was Thursday. Applicants have until July 29 to submit plans to Sumner County, where the resort would be located. Harrah's and competing applicants are scheduled to give presentations to the Sumner County Commissioners on Aug. 10.

Final decision on awarding the contract will be decided by the seven-member Kansas Lottery Commission.