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Kansas Committee to Scrutinize Casino Protection Clause

KANSAS -- As reported by the Associated Press: "A legislative committee will scrutinize market protections granted to a proposed casino in Wyandotte County as part of a compact between Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and two Indian tribes, the panel's chairman said Wednesday.

"Rep. Bill Mason and the Joint Committee on Tribal-State Relations began a review of the compact, which guarantees the state revenues from a $210 million casino-and-hotel complex proposed by the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes.

"While Sebelius' office estimates the state could receive $50 million or more annually in revenues, the amount is tied to how aggressively Kansas limits gambling elsewhere. If the state permits too much other gambling, its share of revenues from the Kickapoo-Sac and Fox casino could drop to a few million dollars.

"...The state would face penalties if it permitted more than 500 nontribal slot machines or video lottery terminals within 100 miles of the new casino and more than 1,500 such machines outside 100 miles. The state also would be penalized if it did not oppose other proposed Indian casinos within 100 miles.

"Legislators must approve the compact, and the U.S. Interior Department must declare the site, near Kansas Speedway, eligible for gambling.

"The committee planned to review the compact Wednesday, then discuss proposed changes Thursday. The governor's office and tribes can incorporate proposed changes -- or reject them -- before seeking legislative approval..."

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