Archive for Wednesday, October 4, 2000

Chairman: Casinos not connected to lottery

Closing program wouldn’t effect other chance games

The Associated Press

October 4, 2000

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Topeka — A failure by the Legislature to renew the Kansas Lottery won't shut down the casinos operated by four American Indian tribes, the House Federal and State Committee chairman says.

Chairman Tony Powell, R-Wichita, whose committee handles gambling legislation, said failing to renew the lottery still would leave intact a constitutional provision permitting one, and wouldn't touch another provision allowing pari-mutuel dog and horse racing.

If the Legislature doesn't renew the lottery, then it would have to shut down, although the state constitution would allow for its re-creation.

A 1988 federal law allows American Indian tribes to operate the same types of games that a state can operate under its constitution. It's that law, coupled with the lottery and pari-mutuel provisions, that allowed four tribes to open casinos on reservation land in northeast Kansas.

Powell and other legislators see that chances are slim that the Legislature won't renew the lottery, given the money it generates for the state. The state's take from lottery ticket sales was more than $57 million during the 12 months ending June 30.

But a criminal case against a former lottery employee and other allegations about the agency's management have led to speculation among some legislators that renewing the lottery could be more difficult next year. That speculation has led to questions about the status of American Indian casinos.

"You can't just not reauthorize the lottery," Powell said. "You've got to take the next step as well."

Powell said voters would have to repeal both the lottery and the pari-mutuel provisions in the constitution, adding, "I don't think there are the votes to do that."

Both amendments won voter approval in 1986; the lottery provision, with 64 percent of the vote; pari-mutuel, 60 percent.

One anti-gambling leader isn't sure yet whether his group would push for a repeal of the lottery and pari-mutuel provisions.

Glenn Thompson, of Wichita, lobbyist for Stand Up for Kansas, said he would encourage such an attempt.

"But I don't want to get into a battle we wouldn't have a reasonable chance of winning," he added.

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