Analysis: Kan. casino board would like better hand

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An AP News Analysis

By JOHN HANNA

AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A state board in Kansas doesn't appear to like the hand it has been dealt for proposed casinos in Kansas City and the Wichita area.

Now it's wondering whether it should fold.

Folding for the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board would mean rejecting the single casino proposal for either area.

The Kansas Lottery would be forced to solicit new proposals from developers to build and operate the casino for the lottery, which will own the new gambling.

Rejecting either proposal could delay a decision on a casino until the economy improves enough to encourage more developers to bid -- and to propose more ambitious projects.

But the economy might not improve quickly enough for those things to happen. And rejecting a proposal could discourage companies from seeking a contract later.