Kansas board mulls casino developer for competitive market

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas board is preparing to decide which of three proposals for a new casino in the state’s southeast corner it believes would best withstand strong competition from tribal gambling operations in Oklahoma.

The board expected to decide Tuesday evening among Castle Rock Casino Resort, Frontenac Development and Kansas Crossing.

Kansas law allows one casino in either Crawford or Cherokee counties operated for the state lottery. The new venture will have to compete with 12 tribal casinos within 70 miles in northeast Oklahoma.

Castle Rock’s proposal is the largest at nearly $145 million and would be built near a Quapaw casino just across the Oklahoma line.

Frontenac Development is proposing an $84 million project north of Pittsburg.

Kansas Crossing is proposing a $70 million project south of Pittsburg.