Kansas Senate Bill Would Allow Slots at Racetracks

TOPEKA, Kansas – As reported by the Wichita Eagle: “Wichita businessman Phil Ruffin would pay $15 million less to the state under a revised Senate plan that would allow slot machines at
Wichita Greyhound Park  his Wichita Greyhound Park.

“The new version still includes an up-front payment of $10 million to Sedgwick County. And, at $15,000 per slot machine, Ruffin would pay the state $22.5 million for the privilege of putting 1,500 machines at the track.

“Senate leaders plan to introduce the gambling proposal Thursday, along with their plan to fund schools over the next three years. The Wichita Eagle obtained an outline of the gambling plan Tuesday.

“Wichita would remain ineligible for a destination casino. That option would be reserved for Wyandotte County and, jointly, Crawford and Cherokee counties.

“Under the earlier version, Ruffin would have paid the state a $15 million gaming license fee in addition to the per-machine levy and the $10 million to Sedgwick County.

“...The latest Senate plan also waives a $12 million state license fee for a pari-mutuel track at Dodge City.

“Dodge City has no pari-mutuel track, or dog or horse racing tracks, where betting is allowed.

“...The Woodlands pari-mutuel track at Kansas City would also get slot machines under the bill, which would authorize a total of 7,000 machines at the four tracks."