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Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. gave an open presentation Wednesday on the predicted local impact of its proposed Dodge City casino.
Stephen Joseph, president of Dodge City Resort and Gaming, allowed time for residents to ask questions concerning waste management, traffic and the impact the casino would have on local businesses.
If Dodge City Resort and Gaming's proposal is selected by the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board for further development, the casino would be built on 281 acres in the northeast corner of the city by Highway 50. The Western-style casino would consist of 800 gaming machines, 20 gaming tables, conventions and meeting rooms, three rodeo arenas, an RV park and livestock showroom and several buildings reminiscent of Front Street in the 1880s.
The company also envisions building a large event center adjacent to the casino in partnership with the city.
"If we get the contract, we'll have a tremendous entertainment complex, which will provide a real western experience," Joseph said.
A temporary casino, with an estimated price tag of $20 million to $30 million, would be built using an existing 25,000 square-foot property on the land, which is currently being used for a residence and a horse arena. This temporary site could be open as early as late March 2009, but would most likely take longer to complete.
The $60 million permanent casino would then be built and later expanded in two more development phases, costing an additional $30 million or more.
During the initial two years of building, Joseph estimated $21 million would be pumped into the local economy through construction costs for labor and materials.
"We estimate an additional 245 jobs in Ford Country from the construction," said Joseph.
Joseph and his associates predicted that number would rise to more than 750 jobs once the casino is operating.
Casino revenues
During the first year of operation, the casino developer would pay the state about $13 million in gaming revenues as well as property, local and sales taxes, said Joseph. Of that amount, $1.3 million would be split evenly between the Ford County and Dodge City.
"We think everyone in southwest Kansas can benefit from this casino," he said.
Wednesday's presentation was part of an ongoing competition between Dodge City Resort and Gaming and Butler National Corp. to develop and manage a state-owned casino in Ford County.
Both developers have been endorsed by the Dodge City and Ford County Commissions. The winner will be selected by the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board, which will conduct a public hearing on the two proposals July 31 in Dodge City. The board is expected to select a winner by mid-September.
Butler National has proposed building a Wild West-themed casino near U.S. Highway 50 on the west edge of town. The 400-acre casino, costing approximately $93 million, would include 800 electronic gaming machines, 20 gaming tables and a 124-room resort-style hotel.
The complex would also feature various dining areas, a rooftop spa and a center for live entertainment and conferences.
Butler National has also indicated plans to built a temporary casino that would be open as soon as possible.
In both proposals, the state stands to receive at least 22 percent of annual casino revenues. Ford County and Dodge City would receive 1.5 percent each, and another 2 percent would go into a special fund to help problem gamblers.
The growth generated by the casino in tourism and residents could cause stress to the city's infrastructure.
In addition to planning how to spend the increased city revenue, city officials will also need to anticipate and deal with problems associated with the increasing population.
Education facilities, sewage systems and housing all would likely be affected by the addition of a casino in Ford County.
Dodge City Resort and Gaming has formed partnerships with various special consultants for advice on issues related to water and sewage systems, traffic, economics and transportation, Joseph said.
"Because of infrastructure issues, we decided to have them advise us," he said. "We also plan to work closely with the city commission."
Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at t.cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.
Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. gave an open presentation Wednesday on the predicted local impact of its proposed Dodge City casino.
Stephen Joseph, president of Dodge City Resort and Gaming, allowed time for residents to ask questions concerning waste management, traffic and the impact the casino would have on local businesses.
If Dodge City Resort and Gaming's proposal is selected by the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board for further development, the casino would be built on 281 acres in the northeast corner of the city by Highway 50. The Western-style casino would consist of 800 gaming machines, 20 gaming tables, conventions and meeting rooms, three rodeo arenas, an RV park and livestock showroom and several buildings reminiscent of Front Street in the 1880s.
The company also envisions building a large event center adjacent to the casino in partnership with the city.
"If we get the contract, we'll have a tremendous entertainment complex, which will provide a real western experience," Joseph said.
A temporary casino, with an estimated price tag of $20 million to $30 million, would be built using an existing 25,000 square-foot property on the land, which is currently being used for a residence and a horse arena. This temporary site could be open as early as late March 2009, but would most likely take longer to complete.
The $60 million permanent casino would then be built and later expanded in two more development phases, costing an additional $30 million or more.
During the initial two years of building, Joseph estimated $21 million would be pumped into the local economy through construction costs for labor and materials.
"We estimate an additional 245 jobs in Ford Country from the construction," said Joseph.
Joseph and his associates predicted that number would rise to more than 750 jobs once the casino is operating.
Casino revenues
During the first year of operation, the casino developer would pay the state about $13 million in gaming revenues as well as property, local and sales taxes, said Joseph. Of that amount, $1.3 million would be split evenly between the Ford County and Dodge City.
"We think everyone in southwest Kansas can benefit from this casino," he said.
Wednesday's presentation was part of an ongoing competition between Dodge City Resort and Gaming and Butler National Corp. to develop and manage a state-owned casino in Ford County.
Both developers have been endorsed by the Dodge City and Ford County Commissions. The winner will be selected by the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board, which will conduct a public hearing on the two proposals July 31 in Dodge City. The board is expected to select a winner by mid-September.
Butler National has proposed building a Wild West-themed casino near U.S. Highway 50 on the west edge of town. The 400-acre casino, costing approximately $93 million, would include 800 electronic gaming machines, 20 gaming tables and a 124-room resort-style hotel.
The complex would also feature various dining areas, a rooftop spa and a center for live entertainment and conferences.
Butler National has also indicated plans to built a temporary casino that would be open as soon as possible.
In both proposals, the state stands to receive at least 22 percent of annual casino revenues. Ford County and Dodge City would receive 1.5 percent each, and another 2 percent would go into a special fund to help problem gamblers.
The growth generated by the casino in tourism and residents could cause stress to the city's infrastructure.
In addition to planning how to spend the increased city revenue, city officials will also need to anticipate and deal with problems associated with the increasing population.
Education facilities, sewage systems and housing all would likely be affected by the addition of a casino in Ford County.
Dodge City Resort and Gaming has formed partnerships with various special consultants for advice on issues related to water and sewage systems, traffic, economics and transportation, Joseph said.
"Because of infrastructure issues, we decided to have them advise us," he said. "We also plan to work closely with the city commission."
Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at t.cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.
