Study: Wichita is Best Site for Casino

KANSAS – As reported by the Wichita Eagle: "A destination casino and resort is likely to be more successful in Wichita than any other area of the state, a recent study by a national consulting firm says.

"Wichita also was selected as the top choice by Kansans who said they would visit casinos, according to the company's survey of residents.

"Wichita comes out on top primarily because it has no nearby competition. And it comes in first in estimated revenues only if slot machines are not allowed at pari-mutuel tracks or other nearby locations, said Christiansen Capital Advisors of New Gloucester, Maine, which evaluated the gambling market for the Kansas Lottery.

"..But the odds are 50-50, at best, that Wichita or Wyandotte will get a casino or slot machines in the near future.

"…In the Christiansen survey, Kansas respondents who said they would visit casinos were asked where a non-Indian casino should be located if the Legislature authorized one site only.

"Thirty-seven percent statewide chose Wichita. Support was strongest in the south-central region, at 85 percent, but Wichita also was the top choice of the north-central and southeast regions.

"…Wichita city and county officials have not said whether they want gambling…"

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