PARK CITY, Kan. (KAKE) - This week, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission gave an update on when to expect the highly anticipated Golden Circle to open in Park City.

"Just the thrill of it all, you know. Just the unknown. Not knowing if you're going to win or lose," said Kim Craig.

People who enjoy spending time and money at slot machines have different reasons for why they do it. For Craig, it's about more than just the thrill.

"Just the getaway. It's a getaway. It's like, you don't have to think of anything else while you're in there," said Craig.

That's why she was so excited this week when KRGC finally nailed down a solid timeline for when the new historic horse racing facility will open in Park City.

"Their estimated go-live date is September of 2025," said KRGC representative Brandi White.

It all started in 2022 when owner Phil Ruffin hired an auction company to go through and sell everything inside the old Greyhound Park that closed in 2007. Ruffin pulled the plug on the sale last minute before announcing his new plan to turn it into Golden Circle.

"They will open with 1,000 historical horse racing machines and a simulcasting facility. They'll also have a pizza by the slice, a deli, a smoothie bar, a rooftop patio, and they intend to open with an entertainment amphitheater," said White.

White explained in the meeting how the casino will be a totally new experience for gamblers like Craig.

"The difference between an EGM, a traditional slot machine, and a historical horse racing machine is basically the programming. So, a slot machine is based on a random number generator... A historical horse racing machine is based on parimutuel pools and previously run races," said White.

Craig says, as excited as she is, she just hopes the project stays on track.

"There's no competition, so everybody comes to the Crosswinds, and they need competition, I think, to make their facility a little better," said Craig.

White says Ruffin also plans to build a 96-room hotel next to the casino. She says the company is currently narrowing down candidates for the General Manager position and expects an announcement on that decision soon.