Gaming official speaks about the steps being taken to pick casino developer

Stephen Martino, executive director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, spoke at Casey's Cowtown Wednesday about state casino expansion.
    The Rotary Club said they invited Martino to address the public about the selection and regulation procedures with casinos in Ford County to boost community involvement and awareness in this ongoing process.
    "We want to go that extra mile to get public input at the July 31 meeting," said William Hammond, president elect of the Rotary Club.
    The Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board will select one casino to be built in Ford County, which will be developed and managed by either the Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. or Butler National.
    Butler National has proposed building a Wild West-themed casino on the west edge of Dodge City, near U.S. Highway 50. This $93 million project would consist of 875 electronic gaming machines, 20 gaming tables and a 124-room resort-style hotel. The 400-acre casino would also feature a variety of restaurants, a rooftop spa and a center for conferences and live entertainment.
    Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. has pitched a similar plan to build a Western-style casino on 281 acres in the northeast corner of the city by Highway 50. This complex would include 800 gaming machines, 20 gaming tables, meetings rooms, three rodeo arenas, an RV park and a livestock room.
    Martino said the commission will select the casino proposal with the best potential to generate maximum revenue, increase local tourism and enhance the community. 
    Once the casino is built, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission will have complete oversight concerning its gaming operations, according to state law. The managers will maintain control over the property in all other areas.
    Martino said the commission's goal is to carry out this process with integrity.
    "This endeavor needs to be transparent and squeaky clean in the selection of the casinos and in our regulation of them as we move forward," Martino said.
    As a result, commission members, employees and agents are held to a strict code of conduct to prevent any conflict of interest between themselves and the casino.
    At least 22 percent of the gaming revenue generated by the casino will be given to the state of Kansas. In addition,three percent will be distributed between Dodge City and Ford County, and another two percent will be reserved for a fund to help problem gamblers and people struggling with other addictions.
    "We realize there are some social costs to the expansion of gambling," Martino said. "I strongly believe gambling, if done at all, should be done in moderation."
    The Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board will conduct a public hearing on July 31 at 9 a.m. at the Dodge City Civic Center. Both Butler National and the Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. will have 70 minutes to present their proposal. Ninety minutes of public comment will then follow. 
    Martino encouraged everyone to participate in the public meeting.
    "We would be reluctant to turn people away who had an opinion to share," Martino said.
    Those unable to attend the meeting can e-mail their comments to to the Racing and Gaming Commission at krgc@ksracing.org.
    The Review Board is expected to select the final casino proposal by September 19.

Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at t.cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.