Editorial
In our view: The bets are off
It was just a couple of years ago that a potential developer, Penn National Gaming Inc., appeared ready, willing and able to construct a multimillion-dollar gambling palace in the southeast corner of Kansas, a site touted in an early study for the state as likely the most profitable of any eventually built in that state.
What a difference the flipping pages of a calendar can make.
No applications were received by the Kansas Lottery Commission by the Jan. 21 deadline for building and operating such a gambling house near Galena and Baxter Springs. The commission has extended the deadline to April 21.
There are a variety of reasons for the lack of enthusiasm by casino companies.
Foremost is the slipping economy. Gambling operators may be uneasy about plopping down the $250 million minimum investment and operating fee required by the state in the face of the economic reality of industrywide declining revenues.
Second, a $220 million Oklahoma tribal casino and hotel has opened on the Oklahoma side of the juncture of the borders of that state, Kansas and Missouri. Furthermore, there are other tribal casinos nearby, including just across the border near Seneca, in Miami, Okla., and Wyandotte, Okla.
The result is an increasingly tough, competitive environment in a tough economy. Casinos are used to competing aggressively for the dollars and cents of legions of gamblers. Consider Las Vegas, Atlantic City and, of course, the proliferation of tribal casinos as prime examples.
Penn National Gaming Inc. had appeared to be the leading contender for the casino in Cherokee County. But it didn’t submit an application. Does that mean a destination casino will never be built in Southeast Kansas?
Never say never when it comes to gambling. Remember that only a few generations ago, gambling was taboo in most states. But people wanted to place bets on the toss of the dice, the turn of a card or the spin of the wheels in a slot machine in more states.
Time bring changes.
- Editorial
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In our view: The future of Iraq
At least as far as direct, full-scale combat operations, the Iraq war is over. On the international front, Iraq is not a threat to any of its neighbors or others in the international community.
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In our view: Hal Roper’s map to life
It’s one thing to receive a great honor.
It’s another thing to earn it. -
In our view: Failed tenure
Mark Templeton, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, turned in his resignation on Monday and will gone by Wednesday.
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Voices: County roads
As a Newton County resident, I want to give a hearty “thank you” to the county administration and workers for the wonders performed this spring and summer on our county roads.
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Voices: Politics as usual?
I can’t help wondering why our governor just spent $86 million on broadband Internet access for “rural” Missouri in the northern 59 counties that include the cities of St. Louis, Jefferson City, Columbia and Kansas City.
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Voices: No confusion here
In the Aug. 20 issue of the Globe, a lady wrote to complain about the Missouri State Proposition C. Her complaint was that the wording was so confusing that she could not understand it. I believe that her real problem was that she was opposed to its passage.
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Voices: Too subtle
I fear many missed Pete Peterson’s subtle point with his letter (Globe, Aug. 20) aimed at Mexico and its government’s tacit encouragement of illegal immigration.
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Other views: Stick with voters’ wishes
Lawmakers should stick with new rules for renewable energy compliance.
Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved a renewable-energy mandate known as Proposition C two years ago. -
Jim Stone, guest columnist: Armed, but not necessarily safe
It is an American mythology that access to a handgun is equivalent to effective self-defense. No other country maintains the persistent attitude that individuals may not be safe unless they own and sometimes carry handguns.
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In our view: Soldiers paid price of Iraq war
Was America the evil one forcing its imperialistic will upon the peaceful citizens of Iraq resulting in millions of innocent deaths or was she at her best; toppling an evil and repressive dictator and securing freedom for the Iraqi people?
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In our view: The future of Iraq
