Topeka Capital-Journal, The: 'Fox guarding the hen house' Plan would open door to corruption,

GAMBLING PROPOSAL

THE IMPACT

According to Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline, state residents could be subjected to corruption and crime if lawmakers adopt Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' gambling plan.

From staff and wire reports

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' gambling proposal would invite corruption like a high roller draws a crowd, Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline said Wednesday.

Kline said Sebelius' plan to create as many as five state-owned and -operated casinos would spawn a conflict of interest by putting regulatory authority for casino operations with the Kansas Lottery, which also would own the gambling operations. The setup provides an "invitation to corruption," he said.

"You've got the fox guarding the hen house," Kline said.

But Matt All, the governor's chief counsel, said Kline was exaggerating the problems associated with expanded gambling. All said Sebelius' plan would mean better regulation of gambling than if casinos were privately owned.

"I think we have provided a structure that will oversee gaming in a responsible and effective way," All said. "I don't think Attorney General Kline understands the bill very well.

Speaking at a media conference in his office, Kline also criticized Sebelius' plan for failing to provide additional funding for local law enforcement or for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which could provide independent investigation of casino operations.

He said introduction of casinos in other states --- as well as Indian casinos in northeast Kansas --- had produced strains on law enforcement through increases in crime, traffic and corruption investigations.

"The experience ... is there's a dramatic impact on law enforcement, but there's no provision in the bill to address those concerns," he said.

Kline said he thought crime and corruption were unintentional consequences of the plan.

Tom Williams, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent who now leads the investigation division of the attorney general's office, said the introduction of riverboat casinos in Missouri led to convictions against six public officials and a dozen associates and co-conspirators on corruption charges.

Kline's media conference came nearly two months after Sebelius unveiled her proposal and a week and a half before first adjournment of the Legislature. With lawmakers scheduled to adjourn on April 2, the Democratic governor's plan hasn't received a vote on the House or Senate floors.

Asked about the timing of his announcement, Kline, a Republican, said he had "just recently" reviewed the plan.

"It's been out for several months, and we welcome him to the debate," All said. "We're glad he's finally had time to read the bill."

Sebelius' proposal also would distribute as many as 2,500 video slot, poker and blackjack machines to the state's five dog- and horse- racing tracks and would allow the state's 240 veterans' and fraternal organizations to operate up to five video gambling machines each.

Last week, the Senate Federal and State Affairs committee boosted the number of machines for pari-mutuel facilities to 4,000 and added a provision that would make gambling machines available in 122 bowling alleys currently licensed by the Kansas Lottery to operate the lottery's Club Keno game. The provision could possibly apply to other family-oriented recreational businesses such as go-kart tracks and driving ranges.

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ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Attorney General Phill Kline talks about his concerns with gambling enforcement provisions provided in Senate Bill 499 during a media conference in his office.