Topeka Capital-Journal, The: Slots in the alleys Senate panel adds bowling centers to the mix

THE IMPACT

Gambling machines could be installed in family-oriented businesses such as bowling alleys and go-kart tracks under a provision added to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' expanding gaming bill by a Senate committee on Thursday.

EXPANDED GAMBLING

By Ric Anderson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Kansas residents would be able to strike it rich at more than 100 bowling alleys statewide under a provision added to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' expanded gambling plan on Thursday by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.

In advancing Sebelius' plan to the full Senate, panel members adopted a proposal providing as many as five video slot, blackjack and poker machines to recreation- and sports-related businesses that are licensed by the Kansas Lottery to offer the state's Club Keno game.

Committee chairman Sen. Pete Brungardt said the proposal, which would exclude businesses that have operated for less than five years, would apply to 122 bowling alleys and could include go-kart tracks, driving ranges and other family-oriented businesses.

The provision could hit the gutter in the Senate, he said. Some lawmakers felt Sebelius' plan extended gambling too far to begin with.

"It weakens the total act," said Brungardt, R-Salina. "I think it stands an excellent chance of facing a floor challenge."

Matt All, Sebelius' general counsel, took no stance on the provision but said it went far beyond the governor's plan.

Sebelius proposed creating as many as five major casinos, distributing 2,500 gambling machines among the state's five pari- mutuel race tracks and offering as many as five video slots to each of the state's 240 veteran's and fraternal clubs.

"We'll just have to take a deep breath and take a look at it," All said of the provision. "We're going to review the proposal and get an understanding of what it does."

The committee completed a two-day work session on the governor's plan, which advanced despite opposition by several panel members.

"I know that what this will do is dramatically increase the number of people addicted (to gambling)," said Sen. James Barnett, R- Emporia. "I know that this plan we have before us is going to waste and destroy children's futures. It's just not worth the money."

Barnett and Sen. Bob Lyon, R-Winchester, said the committee should have studied social costs of gambling and legal issues involving casino ownership by the state before advancing the plan.

"This will have some social fallout," Brungardt said. "Whether the good that comes from it exceeds the harm that comes from it is something every one of us will have to weigh."

Ric Anderson can be reached at (785)

296-3005 or ric.anderson@cjonline.com.

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ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, right, looks over an amendment he presented on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' expanded gambling plan in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee while Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, looks on. The panel advanced Sebelius' plan to the full Senate.