Gaming briefs for Sept. 18, 2003

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 | 11:15 a.m.

Casino opponents critique legislative language

PORTLAND, Maine -- An attorney for casino opponents said today that a referendum allowing a casino in Maine would exempt its operators from a host of state regulations and could give them tens of millions of dollars in credits that could reduce the amount the state receives from the facility.

James Kilbreth, an attorney with Verrill & Dana law firm, said the legislative language in the casino initiative expands the jurisdiction of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, which would run the casino, from tribal to non-tribal lands. Verrill & Dana was hired by the Casinos No! group to provide a legal analysis of the casino legislation.

Kilbreth said if the referendum passes, the state would lack real oversight and enforcement power over the casino. There is also no guarantee that a casino would generate anywhere near the $100 million a year for the state that supporters say it would, he said.

Casino supporters said Kilbreth's analysis of the casino bill is factually wrong.

Oklahoma-based tribe proposes Kansas City casino

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Another proposal for a casino in Wyandotte County, near The Woodlands parimutuel racing complex, is being promoted by an Indian tribe from Oklahoma which has negotiated an agreement giving it a three-year option to buy land from the city.

The 37-page agreement will be considered today by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., said Hal Walker, attorney for the government.

Preliminary plans of the Delaware tribe, which has its headquarters near Bartlesville, Okla., call for a $150 million development that would include a casino, hotel and entertainment complex on the 34-acre site directly in front of the racing complex. The tribe is working with the Las Vegas-based Gillman Group. President Fred Gillman said his firm has developed seven tribal casins in California and New Mexico.

The project would require state and federal approval, which is not a sure thing. If approved, the tribe would pay the city $2 million for the land, plus a share of future revenue -- 4.2 percent for the first seven years and 6.5 percent annually after that.