Lawmakers forward proposed Indian casino compact

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Two Indian tribes that hope to build a casino in Wyandotte County moved a step closer to their goal Tuesday after a legislative committee approved their compact with the state.

The Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations voted to forward the compact with the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes to the Legislature's top seven leaders. The compact would guarantee the state a shares of casino revenue -- possibly $50 million a year or more -- if the state protects the new casino from competition.

The committee's 6-2 vote came with no recommendation on whether legislative leaders should approve the compact when they meet Nov. 17. The tribes are proposing a $210 million casino and hotel complex near Kansas Speedway.

It would be the first Indian casino in Kansas to share revenue with the state, though seven other states have such agreements with tribes.

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