When the state of Kansas approved four new building sites for state-owned casinos several years ago, the general public was nothing but optimistic about the future of the state’s gambling industry. Thus far, the expansion of the state’s casino holdings has been an uphill battle. Three out of four approved developers have bowed out, and not a single project has been finished (let alone started) in any of the four zones.
Late last week, Ozark Trail Gaming came forward with their own proposal. While the Kansas Lottery Commission has been doing their best to attract such proposals, they turned this one away. With the recent economic crisis, the state’s had a hard time attracting potential casino managers; Ozark Trail’s proposal was the first in months. While Ozark Trail supporters have called foul play, the Lottery Commission expressed doubts about the company’s ability to properly fund and manage the project. But the January 15 deadline for casino proposals is fast approaching, and many have expressed doubts that the Commission will get a better offer.
