Scaled-down gambling expansion plan offered

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 | 9:13 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Seeking to slow the momentum toward expanded gambling in Kansas, a Senate leader Monday offered a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit just one large casino and four slot-machine parlors in the state.

Senate Majority Leader Lana Oleen, R-Manhattan, said her proposal was an alternative to "some sloppy, greed-driven measures" that have gained legislative support this session.

Oleen's proposal -- which would go on November's statewide ballot -- makes no provision for slot machines at private clubs and is far smaller in scale than gambling bills backed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and a Senate committee.

Sebelius has proposed allowing up to five, state-owned "destination" casinos with hotels and other amenities; up to 2,500 slot machines spread among the state's dog and horse tracks; and up to five slot machines at each of 240 private clubs run by veterans' and fraternal groups.

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