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Topeka — Kansas and some of its neighboring states are watching one another closely in a high-stakes contest for gambling revenue that is sure to get more competitive.

While Kansas is trying to decide whether to stay in the game or fold, Oklahoma recently adopted legislation to expand gambling, Nebraska voters will decide whether to allow casinos, and several measures are in the legislative hopper in Missouri that supporters say will make casinos in the Show-Me State more attractive.

"As with any type of business, especially the entertainment business, you just have to be competitive, and we will try to get our share of that business," said Kansas Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten.

Currently, there are four Indian casinos in northeast Kansas, from which state government derives no revenue.

A bill before the state Senate would allow up to five major casinos, including one in Kansas City, Kan., and electronic gaming machines at horse and dog racetracks, bowling alleys, veterans clubs and fraternal organizations.

The Legislature will reconvene its 2004 session April 28 to consider the bill, along with numerous other proposals on education and the budget.

In Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry recently signed into law a bill that will allow electronic games at three horse tracks in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Claremore and dozens of Indian gaming facilities. Gambling officials say the games could be in place by this fall.

Debbie Schauf, executive director of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Assn., said the legislation was approved to save the state's horse-breeding industry, raise more revenue for the state and to try to prevent Oklahomans from leaving the state to spend their gambling dollars elsewhere.

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"If you want to keep them here, you have to pass something that allows the business to stay," said Schauf, who happens to be a former Kansas legislator from Mulvane.

She said Kansas was "light years behind" on the issue, and needed to expand gambling, especially to help the state's horse-breeding industry.

"I've looked at their legislation. Honestly, it will be a tremendous shot in the arm for the industry if they can just get it passed," she said.

Cornhusker, Show-Me states

In Nebraska, lawmakers on Wednesday approved putting a constitutional amendment to build two casinos on the Nov. 2 ballot.

In Missouri, the Missouri Riverboat Gaming Assn. wants the General Assembly to repeal the $500 loss limit on individual gamblers.

Harold Bailey, a spokesman for the Missouri Gambling Commission, said Missouri officials were watching Kansas, especially for Kansas City, Kan., because Missouri has four riverboat casinos right across the border.

"It certainly would impact those properties. We would just have to monitor it to see how it goes. It's really the private companies that would react," he said.

Mike Ryan, a spokesman for the Missouri Riverboat Gaming Assn., declined to comment on how the casinos would react to the presence of a major hotel and casino in Kansas City, Kan.

More marketing

Kansas officials say they expect Missouri's riverboat casinos would increase marketing to attract more players, if Kansas were to put in a casino in Kansas City, Kan.

Van Petten, the Kansas lottery chief, said he was confident Kansas could compete against Missouri because the Kansas casino would be in the same Village West development where the Kansas Speedway, Cabela's, The Great Wolf Lodge and other new attractions and stores are located.

"Kansas has a more attractive area; it's just a more dynamic area than Missouri has to offer," Van Petten said.

One proposal before state officials is being offered by the Kickapoo Tribe and Sac and Fox Nation, which have proposed a $180 million resort and casino in that area. The Delawares also have proposed a $210 million casino.

"Vicious cycle"

But opponents of expanded gambling in Kansas, say competition between the states will produce strong lobbying efforts by gambling interests every year to loosen the rules and reduce the amount of money the states will receive.

"It will start a vicious cycle of wants," said Glenn Thompson of Wichita, head of the anti-gambling group Stand Up for Kansas.

"Kansas is a great state and we should try to keep it that way. Just because the Joneses buy a bigger car, that doesn't mean we have to," he said.