WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- Construction of the Kansas Star Casino's permanent facility is running ahead of schedule, thanks to the mild winter weather.

The Wichita Eagle reports the permanent casino is scheduled to open by the end of the year. Its temporary casino in an arena opened in December.

The permanent casino will be more than 180,000 square feet. That is much more space than the 100,000 square feet it now has in the arena facility, with its 53,000 square feet of casino space. It will offer expanded gaming, including a poker room, as well an events center, five restaurants and a 150-room hotel.

The final phase in early 2014 will double the number of hotel rooms and include the opening of an equestrian center.