Opinion: Tribes put gaming money to good use

Friday, March 17, 2006  

"The Kansas Senate is considering the creation of two state-owned casinos — one in Kansas City, Kan., and one in southeast Kansas. The Senate is also considering the introduction of slot machines at other venues across the state. This bill has not yet been passed, but with a court-ordered education budget increase of $500 million and no clear alternative path to collecting this money, it is a very real possibility. If it does pass, it will raise a question of social responsibility that we cannot shy away from.

There are currently four casinos in the state. They are run by the Kickapoo; Prairie Band Potawatomi; Sac and Fox; and Iowa tribes under the Indian Gaming Act. It is important to note that not all tribes benefit from these enterprises. In order to participate, a tribe must be federally recognized, and many are not. Many other tribes have no interest in running gambling operations.

Nonetheless, money from these existing casinos is funneled to a variety of projects, including the development and maintenance of reservations, tuition assistance for college students and startup capital for small business initiatives."

Get the Story:
Jeff Vincent: State must consider tribal casinos (The University Daily Kansan 3/17)