City/County endorsement of Boot Hill Gaming

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

Like it or not somebody is going to make big bucks on this, and they are going to spend big bucks in order to get it. Since it is the state that runs this show, and it is they who are in charge, I doubt anybody but a company that has experience and a good track record will get the bid.

On anther note, found out that in the casino my dad runs, every slot machine averages $150 net profit in a 24 hour period. Take that times 200 slots you get 30k a day in NET profit. Thats 210k a week and over 10 mil a year, NET profit just for the casino. The 21 tables make 22% off of every bet, the poker tables make 18% off every bet. Those are not net figures, just the amount made. If our casino adds a KENO game (which they probably will) you can figure another 30% off of every bet. As much as I like the idea of a local group having the casino, I think they will be outgunned by a bigger company.

Just out of curiousity, how many people live within 100 miles of the casino your dad manages?

[Flying Dutchman]

Damn good point Mike. His casino is located about 20 miles outside OKC. It also has 5 other casinoes within that range. I was mentioning the money it made only to point out that a hole-in-the-wall casino with just the basics makes that kind of money. Ours will be a more upscale one since it is a destination casino and probably will not have the same regulations (mandatory payout to players) that it has. Will our make that kind of money? I don't know, but making just half that amount is still a major chunk of change. I was also trying to point out that anything that makes that kind of money, would you let someone inexperienced run it or be in charge?

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

Damn good point Mike. His casino is located about 20 miles outside OKC. It also has 5 other casinoes within that range. I was mentioning the money it made only to point out that a hole-in-the-wall casino with just the basics makes that kind of money. Ours will be a more upscale one since it is a destination casino and probably will not have the same regulations (mandatory payout to players) that it has. Will our make that kind of money? I don't know, but making just half that amount is still a major chunk of change. I was also trying to point out that anything that makes that kind of money, would you let someone inexperienced run it or be in charge?

I know what you're saying, and I agree. And to answer your question, my answer is... nope!

[Flying Dutchman]

And I want those to know that I do not mean any disrespect to Boothill Gaming or anybody else. I am sure they have done their homework and know what they are up against. I also do not blame them for trying to get the piece of the pie. If they buy the land, then they have the option to sell the land to the people running the show, and I am sure it will be much more than they paid for it. I do not know all the inner workings, but I can guess this land being purchaesd will be where the casino and SEC will be built regardless.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

And I want those to know that I do not mean any disrespect to Boothill Gaming or anybody else. I am sure they have done their homework and know what they are up against. I also do not blame them for trying to get the piece of the pie. If they buy the land, then they have the option to sell the land to the people running the show, and I am sure it will be much more than they paid for it. I do not know all the inner workings, but I can guess this land being purchaesd will be where the casino and SEC will be built regardless.

I think, correct me if I'm wrong, but all this land buying is contingent on BHG getting the Lic. from the state?

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

I may be mistaken, but my understanding is that the City and County may accept and endorse more than just one proposal. The endorsed proposals then go to the State and only one will recieve a lic.

If I'm mistaken...someone feel free to correct me.

You're correct Mike. The gaming statute also says that local municipal endorsement is a required element when filing an application with Lottery to be the facility operator. As I understand, Butler will file on-time, without benefit of the 90-day extension that was granted. They will be the first to do so in Ford County. Others may request endorsement later - no one knows. Also, the City, County do not have to give an endorsement - that will be there decision for each applicant.

Also, you said "I think, correct me if I'm wrong, but all this land buying is contingent on BHG getting the Lic. from the state?" That is incorrect. Butler Nat'l is purchasing the land from Bogner, regardless of whether they are the applicant selected by Lottery. They don't have an option on the land - they are buying it. In my opinion, that's a pretty solid statement of their intent and seriousness.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by vinnielowden

Mr. Clueless,


Sorry I did not want to get into your augment, but for some reason the Dodge City Glob makes a lot of mistakes. If you want the public to believe your statements please give us the facts. According to your post on Sunday 23, you stated there would be 600+ new jobs for the Casino. The DC glob statement in Saturday paper was to the effect the Casino would have 1200 steady jobs.


Which statement is the correct amount?

Unfortunately, the Globe confused some of the information that was presented. The casino will directly employ around 600 or more. Butler Nat'l made the statement that it is expected that there will be a one-for-one effect on employment growth in Dodge City - in other words, other jobs are created as a result of the casino at other businesses.


In all papers the State has used a 50 million dollar figure for Ford County Casino Complex. Now Mr. Clark Stewart has made a statement in the DC glob, the Casino Complex will be in the neighbor hood of 225 million dollar. Are your people trying to say we will be almost as large as Kansas City, Wichita, and South East Kansas Casino complexes.

Again, what is the correct amount?

No, again some Globe confusion. In fact, Thorpe clarified it during the meeting and said the Casino complex would cost $80 Million or more, but that the full build-out of the land will be $225 Million or more (meaning other stores, restaurants, etc). The Globe was sitting there listening just like I was.

I sure hope that Jeff Thorp and Clark Stewart get together and have the same sheet of paper to read the news release from. Sure hope some one know how to fill out the State form to apply for the license. Boot Hill Gaming could be in big trouble. Then the City would have to move the Event Center again.

It's pretty clear that they are reading the same info - others tend not to listen intently, or don't ask questions like you have.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

I think the $50 million is up front money that Boot Hill Gaming/Butler must hand over to the state if they recieve the Lic. The $50 million is not the cost to build the casino.

Quietly,

Is that correct?

No Mike, that's not correct. Butler/BHG must pay a licensing fee of $5.5 Million if they are selected. That fee is more like a franchise fee and it's for a period of 15 years, then has to be renewed.

The developer must spend at least $50Million for the Ford County facility and it has to include certain components that make it a destination facility, such as hotel, restaurant, entertainment, etc. In Butler's case it's expected to be $80Million or more. So, the $50Millio+ IS the cost to build and equip the casino. ps - slot machines alone will cost about $20Million - which gives you an idea of how expensive it can be.

[lurker]

Lemme see if I got this right; The 'state' gets 5.5 million up front and Dodge City gets to fund the infrastructure for the facility?

[hockeychump]

First a couple things.

Vinnie: The 1,200 jobs listed in the Globe comes from Butler's proposal. After the casino is first completed, they estimated 600 jobs would be created. However, Butler wants to work on the casino in multiple stages, eventually expanding it out to fit the 400 acres they have an option on. According to their proposal, by the time all their pie-in-the-sky plans are finished, that number of jobs will double to roughly 1,200.

Mike: There's no real set criteria for endorsement other than the respective commissions feeling the proposal will do a good job benefiting their community. However, there are certain things the developer hopefuls have to present. For example: They must show where their money is coming from. (Butler said their proposal relies heavily on private grants, as the state cannot donate money for development.)

They also have to give estimates on how much money it will bring in, how many jobs will be provided and how much revenue is will generate in non-casino related ventures.

And Mike, as for what I think about the "friendly lawsuit" getting kicked down to the district court... I understand Morrisons theory. However, I do think he has a bit of egg on his face for attempting to skip the mandatory steps for quickness sake. From what I've picked up through newspapers and the laws, he should have gone to district court in the first place.