Boot Hill Resort and Casino broke ground in Dodge City on Monday. It will be the first lottery-run casino in the state.

"Many said it would be a cold day before a casino is built in Dodge City," said Jeff Thorpe, President of Boot Hill Gaming.

Well, on what turned out to be a cold and windy December day, officials who lobbied and fought for a casino in Dodge City put on their hard hats and broke ground.

"We're so excited," said Thorpe. "We're returning to the old west and bringing it new entertainment," he said.

The Wild West 'comeback' will be a 400-acre entertainment center they hope will attract visitors from all over. The center will include retail stores, restaurants and a hotel.

This casino project is the only one out of four from across the state which is taking shape as planned. The other three pulled out and blamed tough economic times.

Those with Boot Hill Gaming said they expect to start moving dirt before the end of December. The casino doors are scheduled to open December of 2009. The complex is expected to be completed by 2012.