Penn National Gaming, Harrah's Entertainment Get Kansas Casinos

Board members said Harrah's higher revenue projections were a key factor in their decision, along with expanded facilities under the Harrah's plan.

After what seems like decades, the Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board has finally made its choices for the operators of the state-owned casinos in two of the four eligible counties. Harrah's Entertainment was the choice for Sumner County, and Penn National Gaming was the selection for Cherokee County.

Harrah's was voted the licensee by a 4-3 count. Marvel Gaming received two votes, and Penn National got one.

Board members said Harrah's higher revenue projections were a key factor in their decision, along with expanded facilities under the Harrah's plan, such as five restaurants and a 175-room hotel. Also, Harrah's proposed location in Mulvane was closer to Wichita than the other sites.

Penn was approved for Cherokee County by a 5-2 vote, even though they were the only bidder. Apparently, commissioners did not react well to veiled threats by Penn officials, who said the Cherokee casino might be problematic to develop if the Sumner contract were not also awarded to them.

A tribal casino on the Oklahoma border has already opened while Kansas went through its long list of formalities, and promises to be stiff competition to any Cherokee venue. Penn had already downgraded its financial committment to the region, and now a company spokesman has said the project will need to reviewed before starting.

Amazingly enough, there is still more red tape before any construction can be considered. Even though the process has already taken a year, and two more counties wont be decided until next month, Harrah's and Penn must now pass a background check by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.