Topeka Capital-Journal, The: Gambling

Sen. Derek Schmidt advocates putting bill to a vote

Slots, casinos likely to arise

Legislature meets for next few days to wrap up session

Some chuckle to say it, but it is plenty accurate --- "Slots for Tots."

It is the unofficial nickname for a bill drafted by those wanting more casinos in Kansas. A coalition of gambling special interests is hoping for better luck this time.

Later this week, Kansans will see how their hand plays out.

The Legislature returns for its annual wrap-up session today and is expected at least to consider a bill that would expand casino gambling beyond the state's four Indian-owned casinos in Brown and Jackson counties.

The measure would allow "destination" casinos in five areas --- Pittsburg, Dodge City, Junction City, Wichita and Kansas City, Kan. It also would allow for thousands of slot machines at Kansas' five dog and horse tracks.

And it would ensure that the money generated from those endeavors --- an estimated $150 million in the first year; $300 million each year after that --- goes to enhance public school funding.

In an industry that has seen more than a decade of legislative failures, gambling interests this year are making education the center of their argument.

They have combined forces for the first time --- possibly ever -- - to roll out a radio advertising campaign urging Kansans to keep their gambling dollars at home.

"Those Missouri riverboats and tribal casinos don't put a dime into Kansas education," said Doug Lawrence, a lobbyist for the Kansas Greyhound Association and a spokesman for the pro-gambling Kansas Wins Coalition.

The casino bill didn't have enough support during the regular session to compel Senate leaders to put it to a vote. With the vote count still unclear, it may wind up on the floor anyway.

"My inclination is to run it," said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence. "The only way to get a firm count is to vote on it."

Gamble for education

The Kansas Supreme Court is evaluating the Legislature's $125 million funding boost for schools. If the plan is struck down, the Legislature would have to come up with even more money in a budget that has little extra to offer.

Also, the court specifically asked about the "constitutional significance" of the Legislature finding no specific stream of revenue for schools beyond the 2005-2006 school year.

That is where some lawmakers get nervous and where gambling interests step in and open their wallets.

Radio spots by the Kansas Wins Coalition note that 20 percent of casino revenue collected just across the border in Missouri goes to schoolchildren there. The advertising campaign began Tuesday and is hitting 40 markets across the state.

'Parasite'

But the long-standing opposition to casino gambling persists.

It often is criticized by social conservatives as a disreputable business that leads to addiction and bankruptcy.

"The biggest misconception is that a casino creates economic development in the area, when in reality, a casino is a parasite," said Glenn Thompson, a gambling opponent from Wichita.

Still, the gambling truck seems to have more momentum this year because of the uncertainty surrounding school funding.

House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, on Friday said a proposal for casinos in Wyandotte County and southeast Kansas may have enough support to pass the House.

Gamblers in those areas already frequent casinos in Oklahoma and Missouri. And Crawford County voters recently passed a ballot initiative expressing support for a casino near Pittsburg and slot machines at their closed greyhound track.

A proposal that extends beyond far eastern Kansas, however, has no chance, Mays said.

Thompson said he wouldn't oppose Indian casinos in the Pittsburg and Kansas City, Kan., areas.

"But it would have to prohibit any further expansion throughout the rest of the state," he said.

Tribal compact

Meanwhile, a proposed compact that would put an Indian casino near the Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County remains on the table. The measure is expected to provide $50 million each year to the state.

But Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who negotiated the agreement with the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes, appears content to let the destination casino bill move through the Legislature before pushing for the compact.

"She views this very pragmatically," said Matt All, the governor's chief counsel. "She wants something to get approved."

Chris Moon can be reached at (785) 233-7470 or chris.moon@cjonline.com.

Please see LEGISLATURE, Page 8A

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Legislature: Mays says expansion stands a chance