"Kansas is the only state that has proposed retaining ownership and operational control of nontribal casinos.

Construction of a casino just outside Galena and Baxter Springs would greatly enhance the economic impact of gambling in this area. The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma already is developing a $220 million-plus resort casino and hotel complex just off Interstate 44 near the intersection of the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma state lines.

We can’t see anything wrong in the state owning and operating casinos. Nor do we see any real conflict over the state letting the gambling companies construct and run the casinos. But those views may or may not comport with the district court and ultimately Kansas highest court. Until that decision is handed down, all bets are off."

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In Our View: State casinos (The Joplin Globe 12/7)