Legislation Passed 12 Years Ago Becomes Roadblock For Casino Plans

Nov. 8

The casino issue taking a strange twist, and the issue stems from an election 12 years ago.

Developers looking to build a casino and entertainment compound around Century II, are hoping to "cash in" on downtown gambling. But legislation passed more than a decade ago becomes a roadblock in approving the plans.

A public vote on gambling isn't a new issue. In fact, it's one Wichita voters tackled 12 years ago. At the polls in 1993, they approved an ordinance that restricts casino style gambling on any city owned property.

Now, a major stumbling block for a casino and entertainment venue downtown. As KAKE News has told you, developers dream of building the 300 million dollar compound around the Hyatt and Expo Center area.

Just this week, they talked to at least one county commissioner about holding a county-wide vote in late January or early February.

But Monday morning county manager Bill Buchanon says the county has no plans to change its mind and will still wait to see what happens on the state level. He also says if the city voted to get rid of the ordinance, that would be a sign for state legislators the area wants in on casinos.

The city has two possibilities. Hold another election or, because it has been more than ten years, the city council itself could repeal it.

Mayor Carlos Mayans says the council hasn't talked about taking any action right now. If they were to it would be after the state made a decision and after the county held a referendum says Mayans.

The mayor says people should consider this ordinance as a safeguard. People would have to vote to get rid of it, so it's one last step to make sure people would want a casino downtown.