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Kansas Compact Adds New Slant to Casino Debate

TOPEKA, Kansas – As reported by the Wichita Eagle: "Gambling opponents often talk as if they're trapped in a castle besieged by pro-gambling barbarians.

"Each year, the hordes batter the walls. Each year, they're hurled back, but the fear of a new assault remains.

"…That explains the outcome last week of a legislative committee's review of a new compact between Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' office and the Kickapoo and the Sac and Fox tribes, permitting the tribes to operate a large casino in Wyandotte County.

"The compact guarantees the state a share of revenue from the new casino -- perhaps $50 million a year -- but penalizes the state if it allows other gambling to compete with the tribes' operation.

"A majority of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations wanted to sweeten the deal -- for the tribes. The committee asked the tribes and Sebelius' office to renegotiate the compact to make the penalties for the state even harsher.

"Gambling opponents calculate that if they satisfy Wyandotte County's boundless appetite for a casino, they also can block gambling elsewhere. If successful, the state could not afford to consider further gambling -- effectively ending the debate.

"…For the first time, Kansas would get a share of the revenue from an Indian casino.

"…However, if Kansas wants revenue from the new casino, the tribes want assurances that the state isn't going to allow competitors to undercut the tribal venture.

"That dynamic created an opportunity for gambling opponents.

"…But gambling opponents fear that the compact, as drafted, would encourage gambling promoters to return to the Legislature year after year, seeking slots.

"Furthermore, they worry that the longer pro-gambling forces persist, the more likely they are to wear down resistance…"

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