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Topeka — Southeast Kansas officials say Crawford County voters sent a loud message to state lawmakers Tuesday when they approved two advisory measures supporting expansion of gambling into their county.

But legislators say the state Supreme Court's opinion on a completely separate issue will have the greatest effect on whether new casinos are approved in the state.

Both Crawford County measures passed with more than 60 percent of the vote.

"If people are wanting to gamble, they're going to gamble, regardless of whether they can do it in Kansas," said Crawford County Commissioner Tom Moody. "It's something we should take advantage of. That's the way most people feel down here."

But while lawmakers acknowledge the desire of southeast Kansans for more gambling opportunities, they said a negative ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court on a new school funding plan would carry more weight in determining whether gambling is expanded.

"I really think what the court tells us will have a much more significant impact," said Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton.

The Legislature has proposed a school funding package that includes as much as $127 million more in state aid in response to the high court's demands for additional funding.

If the court decides the school finance plan does not include enough new money, lawmakers could turn to new taxes -- a largely unpopular proposition -- or gambling.

A gambling plan, which hasn't gone to a vote in the Senate because it doesn't have enough support to pass, would allow construction of "destination" casinos in five parts of the state, and video slot machines at the state's dog and horse tracks.

If passed, it is expected to generate $150 million in new money next year, and $200 million a year after that.

The state already has four tribal casinos in Brown and Jackson counties.

Morris, who has opposed expanded gambling in the past, said the gambling measure would have received only 18 or 19 of the 21 votes necessary to pass. For nearly a decade, lawmakers have rejected attempts to expand gambling in the state.

"If it comes to a choice between a pretty good-size tax increase (and expanded gambling), people might think hard about it," Morris said.

Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, said the fact that Tuesday's election drew conservative voters who favored a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage -- and the gambling measures were approved by a big margin, anyway -- is indicative of the desire in that part of the state for new opportunities.

"The people of southeast Kansas want gaming, want it badly," Barone said. "They're willing to deal with some of the negatives, which are greatly, greatly overblown by the opponents."