1-26-07 - A new movement in south central Kansas could bring a destination casino to the area. County commissioners across the region met for the first time on Friday with the intent of forming a regional gaming coalition to make sure our area doesn't miss out on a chance for expanded gambling.

Commissioners from Sedgwick, Sumner, Harvey Reno and Butler counties met at Mount Hope City Hall.

The basic idea is for these counties to decide as a region where to put a casino and as a region share in potential profits.

The most important part is that a coalition could hold more power with those who will make the final decision.

All gaming bills that have come before the state legislature have left out south central Kansas.

So it's more of a gamble for area counties to continue to go it alone.

Harvey and Sumner counties already held a vote on a destination casino and voters passed it overwhelmingly.

As you may remember last year the Sedgwick County Commission decided against a casino referendum. But just this week they decided to reconsider.

Commissioner Gwen Welshimer says first they will decide if they want to join the coalition and then they will tackle a vote of the people.