<img src="http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/new.gif" border=0> 1:08 p.m. Firm seeks to phase in investment in Cherokee County casino

April 09, 2008 02:08 pm

— KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The company seeking a contract to build a southeast Kansas casino wants the state to relax its rules.
A law authorizing the casino last year requires a developer to invest at least $250 million in a hotel-and-casino complex.
Wyomissing, Pa.-based Penn National Gaming Inc. wants to phase in its investment over an unspecified number of years.
Company President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy J. Wilmott told The Kansas City Star that Penn National wouldn’t rule out walking away from the project.
The company is negotiating with the Kansas Lottery, which will own the new gambling. Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten said it’s not clear whether the state law allows the flexibility the company is seeking.