Pinnacle Entertainment Video Breaks Kansas Casino Ethics Law
Just as the lengthy and molasses-slow process of naming the state's partners in the Kansas casino operations was nearing a conclusion, a disturbing display of unethical behavior might taint the selections. The Lottery Commission's choices to operate the state-owned casinos in Cherokee and Sumner Counties are due this week, and the winners in Ford and Wyandotte in mid-September.
But now three Unified Government Commissioners have been found appearing in a video promoting Pinnacle Entertainment for the license in Wyandotte County. Bill Miller, Don DeSeure and Ann Brandau-Murguia were all shown making positive comments about Pinnacle in the casino company's presentation to the Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board.
It is a misdemeanor in Kansas to use an official position to sway or influence a state
agency decisions regarding the casino licenses.
The commission filed a formal complaint with the attorney general, and the Kansas Gaming and Racing Board has also requested a copy of the tape.
A Pinnacle spokesman claimed the three acted as private individuals, an absurd notion considering the odds of three randomly selected private individuals who just happen to be state commissioners.
Miller and Murguia both said they didn't understand the problem, and that they would have spoken for the good points of the two competing proposals if asked. DeSeure was unavailable for comment.
