April 2, 2007

Representative Joe McLeland
431 S. Westfield
Wichita, Ks. 67209-1549
316-722-8804 Home
785-296-7681 Topeka

By now, I am sure you have heard the Kansas Legislature has passed a Casino Gambling Bill, and the Governor has stated she will sign it. You may not have heard a Constitutional Amendment to allow the citizens of Kansas a vote on privately owned Casinos failed in the House. I voted for the Constitutional Amendment and against the  casino bill because it is bad for Wichita, Sedgwick County and the State of Kansas.

CONSTITUITONAL AMENDMENT - I did vote for a resolution to allow the citizens of Kansas the ability to vote on a Constitutional Amendment that would allow privately owned Casinos in Kansas. This resolution did not receive the 84 votes in the house necessary to advance to the Senate and Citizens of Kansas. The interests that want expanded gambling in Kansas are not willing to gamble on the vote of the citizens. The odds of a Constitutional Amendment passing in Kansas are not good enough for the pro gambling establishment to take the risk.

STATE OWNED CASINO - Kansas will become the first state in the nation with State owned Casinos. This means, the same organization writes the rules and regulations, writes the contracts, negotiates the contracts, awards the contracts, and finally enforces the contracts. The opportunity for corruption is a major concern.

CASINO MANAGER - A Casino Manager (private firm) will be hired by the State to run the Casino. At this time, it is unknown if equipment, property, and  buildings will be owned by the State or the Casino Manager. It is unknown if the Casino workers will be employees of the State of Kansas or employees of the Casino Manager and who will hire these employees. These are important issues that are not covered in the bill.

SEDGWICK COUNTY GETS TO VOTE ON A CASINO IN SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS. - False, if a Casino vote fails in Sedgwick County a Casino will be built in Sumner County, while if a vote passes in Sedgwick County, the decision on the location of the Casino will be made in Topeka. A Sedgwick County vote for a Casino does not guarantee the casino will be built in Sedgwick County.

NEW REVENUE FOR SEDGWICK COUNTY AND WICHITA - Possible, if a Casino is built within the Wichita City limits (the largest city in Kansas), Wichita will receive 1% ($500,000) of the Casino revenue. The gambling industry estimates 1% of the gambling revenue will generate approximately $500,000. Sedgwick County will receive 1% ($500,000) of the revenue and Sumner County will receive 1% ($500,000). If the Casino is not built within in the Wichita City limits the city will receive no gambling revenue.

STATE REVENUE - Kansas will receive at least 22% of the revenue. This will be the lowest State share in the nation. Missouri receives 27% and it is going up, other states receive 40 - 60%. We will be the only State to own Casinos, along with receiving the lowest State share in the nation. Is this Casino legislation good for Kansas or the Casino Manager?