K.C. seeks uses for casino fund

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000 | 11:18 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Port Authority discovered it has more than $400,000 in a fund to help combat compulsive gambling and is trying to figure out the best way to use the money.

The authority appointed a committee to search for ways to spend the cash, the Kansas City Star reported.

The money has been building since 1995 on contributions from Station Casino Kansas City, Flamingo Hilton and the closed Sam's Town casino. Station has committed to contribute $100,000 a year through 2006. But new authority officials only discovered the fund even existed several months ago.

Experts appealed to the authority for assistance with scientific research and community education. Rick Salinas, an executive at Station, said the funds could be used to help direct more callers to Missouri's problem-gambling hotline.

To date, only 300 state residents have used the network of 127 certified counselors.

The National Center for Responsible Gaming, established in Kansas City by the American Gaming Association, also appealed for funding. The center has received some funding in the past from the port authority.

To date, the casino industry has contributed $2.6 million to the center.