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Kansas Tribes May Join Gaming Tribes

MASHANTUCKET, Connecticut – As reported by the Indian Country Today: "If the Legislature moves on compact approvals, Kansas tribes would be the latest to join a long-breaking new wave in Indian gaming.

"One compact now before a legislative committee, and another that backers hope will be quickly negotiated, share a common element. They would move tribal gaming off fairly remote reservations and next door to major population centers and tourist attractions.

"…By any measure, the urban casinos would vastly expand the volume and accessibility of gaming. But the proposals make gaming much more palatable to state politicians. They would generate up to $100 million of revenue sharing for the state budget, which needs it for education finance reform. Under existing compacts the four tribal casinos pay the state nothing.

"…The tribal strategy in Kansas acknowledges a long-standing fact of Indian gaming. A few big tribal casinos have become extravagantly rich, but the majority is struggling along. The three keys to success are, yes, location, location, location. But the hunt for a good location runs into a whole set of new controversies.

"…The Kickapoo and Sac & Fox have already purchased 80 acres in Wyandotte County next to a development called Village West, said to be the largest tourist destination in the state. Village West, which incidentally offers tax breaks to its businesses, includes a NASCAR track, a Nebraska Furniture Outlet store, entertainment and restaurants. The Intertribal Consortium wants to invest $210 million in a lavishly appointed casino and hotel…"

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