Another Casino Proposal Filed

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Clueless

That's why I said earlier - ask lots of questions Bubba. This may not look the same later.

If the arena's are built with WND money, then there won't be much added to assessed valuation or sales tax revenue. Or, if Dodge City Resorts build the arena's, then do they get subsidized for operation? Just a lot of Semi's fueling at the 'Truck Plaza'....

I see a lot of motion, but not much growth revenue and positive tax benefits to residents.

Clueless,

As most everyone knows I'm not a big supporter of a casino in my back yard, but I've always said, "some good things will come from it."

Has Dodge City Resorts suggested that wnd pick up the bill for the arena(s)? What's the difference between that (if it's true) and wnd building a sec with Butler? (I'm just talking facility, not what type of facility)

Will the city and county endorse two proposals just to stay away from looking like they favor one (the local boys) and not the other? How will the lottery look at that decision? (if they look at it at all)

I think the growth in revenue and positive tax benefits will come from the casino, not the facility that is attached!

Are you sure you're not related to Jeff Thorp?

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

Clueless,

As most everyone knows I'm not a big supporter of a casino in my back yard, but I've always said, "some good things will come from it."

Has Dodge City Resorts suggested that wnd pick up the bill for the arena(s)? What's the difference between that (if it's true) and wnd building a sec with Butler? (I'm just talking facility, not what type of facility)

Will the city and county endorse two proposals just to stay away from looking like they favor one (the local boys) and not the other? How will the lottery look at that decision? (if they look at it at all)

I think the growth in revenue and positive tax benefits will come from the casino, not the facility that is attached!

Are you sure you're not related to Jeff Thorp?

1) I think you should look for an agreement that will cover building or operating, or some combination, of a 'facility'(s)

2) I believe the City-County (one or both) will endorse both unless a problem surfaces. No one knows how Lottery will look at anything. The last word on selection will come from the new Review Committee. In their meeting last week they made it clear they will look hard at every applicant.

3) I can agree - but long-term, I think the largest growth in revenues, employment and property tax benefits will come from retail development surrounding the Casino site. The 'facility' can be a positive too, depending upon who it attracts.

4) I talked with him before answering your post.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Clueless

1) I think you should look for an agreement that will cover building or operating, or some combination, of a 'facility'(s)why?

2) I believe the City-County (one or both) will endorse both unless a problem surfaces. No one knows how Lottery will look at anything. The last word on selection will come from the new Review Committee. In their meeting last week they made it clear they will look hard at every applicant.

3) I can agree - but long-term, I think the largest growth in revenues, employment and property tax benefits will come from retail development surrounding the Casino site. The 'facility' can be a positive too, depending upon who it attracts.

4) I talked with him before answering your post.

Clueless,

Why don't you talk to Jeff about coming aboard the Dodge board and answer more questions. Or maybe you can just ask him...

Why look for an agreement that will cover building or operation or some combination of the facilities(s)?

I've always thought that if a sec were such a great idea (as many do) why not let the casino (private sector) do it and let the citizens (taxpayers) reap the benefits? Or maybe the private sector isn't interested for a reason?

I say let the casino have the sec, they have or will have alot more money than wnd. Right?

Who really cares who owns and operates the sec as long as it carries it's own weight? (which it won't, no wnd project has yet)

I know...I know...wnd projects were intended to be family based entertainment projects that would facilitate economic growth and development. And besides wnd was passed long before gambling was even an option. Back then (before gambling was an option) we only had ourselves to look to for measured success. Perhaps it's time we adjust our focus and allow private interprise to bit into the apple?

[Detector]

At this point I don't see any problem with the casino doing the SEC just as long as WE(Dodge City) had the access to use it. I don't think that would happen.

What I wouldn't want to see is one red cent of the SEC funds siphoned off to support illegals. And that especially includes the schools.

[old timer]

Reminders:

It was the 'locals' (local friends of Butler) that want the city/county to pay for all the utilities up to 50 feet from their casino, by putting 'our' events center by 'their' casino. (And Butler is not local, let's remember -- it is Butler National Services Inc., Olathe, KS, that applied, not a local group .. in fact there are now two Boot Hill Gaming groups that have private corporate standing with the state of Kansas ?? Mr. Thorpe is in both -- )

It is the 'locals' that don't want horses around their casino -- but the Wichita group welcomes them ...

Whether either group has purchased land is of no issue -- both did/will/could -- whether from Joe or John. Both locations are good for roads, highways, etc., although the north location has utilities much closer, and fire dept just down road. The west location will need a new fire station nearby, I would suggest, another cost not being discussed.

Now that the CFAB/Ford County has started designing a much more affordable events center, to be built near to the race track -- the events center might not be part of this issue anymore. The state requires that either casino proposal include convention and meeting facilities as part of THEIR cost, not public cost. And the Judge's order will be met by building a smaller $8 to 10 million Event Center down south.

I would think that we might be better off building the smaller Events Center that Elam is working on, ending the sales tax, and letting private companies place their money on the green tables.... as it were. The money in the bank now from the special sales tax will pay for the whole thing right away. No interest or bond cost. Bonus!

That will reduce the long-term cost a huge amount for the maintenance of the smaller Events Center -- put the use back to agricultural and horse shows, etc., -- and not expect the gamblers to do much spending except at the casinos, the casino food places -- ah, more steaks and Mexican food -- and the casino bars and hotel -- proven by all research done on casinos in small towns, by the way. (And, note in today's news that the unions are also interested in being part of the casino. Wonder how that will play out?) Of course there will be places that close when the casino opens, but that is the American Way of free enterprise, isn't it. (As long as our tax money isn't going to either private casino group ... )

[Made in the USA]

There was an article in todays Globe about a third group wanting to submit a proposal. They evidently didn't get the proposal turned into the State in time, and want DC to file for another extension.

[Detector]

I have mixed feeling over that article. I think the more the merrier as far as bids go, but I would be hesitant to trust a company that can't get their bid in on time.

[Made in the USA]

Looking at some of the people that are members of these groups, is scary enough!

[old timer]

Curious -- how do you have a legal meeting without notice to public ?

Doesn't seem that a late third proposal is an emergency ? What/who is locally behind Epic Gaming ? How did they get that local lawyer so fast -- or not ?

About Epic Gaming
Epic Gaming is a Las Vegas-based global gaming company that is dedicated to improving the economic foundations of sovereign people through joint participation in gaming development and other business enterprises. Epic Gaming offers non-political, realistic assessments of existing operations and recommendations designed to improve and often to expand gaming businesses. Utilizing the vast experience of the company’s executives, Epic Gaming provides professional assistance in the development, design, and operations of new gaming ventures worldwide.

About Epic Gaming @ www.epicgaming.com

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by old timer

Reminders:

It was the 'locals' (local friends of Butler) that want the city/county to pay for all the utilities up to 50 feet from their casino, by putting 'our' events center by 'their' casino. (And Butler is not local, let's remember -- it is Butler National Services Inc., Olathe, KS, that applied, not a local group .. in fact there are now two Boot Hill Gaming groups that have private corporate standing with the state of Kansas ?? Mr. Thorpe is in both -- )

It is the 'locals' that don't want horses around their casino -- but the Wichita group welcomes them.

Whether either group has purchased land is of no issue -- both did/will/could -- whether from Joe or John. Both locations are good for roads, highways, etc., although the north location has utilities much closer, and fire dept just down road. The west location will need a new fire station nearby, I would suggest, another cost not being discussed.

Now that the CFAB/Ford County has started designing a much more affordable events center, to be built near to the race track -- the events center might not be part of this issue anymore. The state requires that either casino proposal include convention and meeting facilities as part of THEIR cost, not public cost. And the Judge's order will be met by building a smaller $8 to 10 million Event Center down south.

I would think that we might be better off building the smaller Events Center that Elam is working on, ending the sales tax, and letting private companies place their money on the green tables.... as it were. The money in the bank now from the special sales tax will pay for the whole thing right away. No interest or bond cost. Bonus!

That will reduce the long-term cost a huge amount for the maintenance of the smaller Events Center -- put the use back to agricultural and horse shows, etc., -- and not expect the gamblers to do much spending except at the casinos, the casino food places -- ah, more steaks and Mexican food -- and the casino bars and hotel -- proven by all research done on casinos in small towns, by the way. (And, note in today's news that the unions are also interested in being part of the casino. Wonder how that will play out?) Of course there will be places that close when the casino opens, but that is the American Way of free enterprise, isn't it. (As long as our tax money isn't going to either private casino group ... )

old timer,

I sure do esp. like what is highlighted in red!

I agree with on most everything you said, however getting the sec built and paid for would not end the sales tax, and doing such a thing would not be an easy task. Many steps involved and those (myself included) involved would be taking on the boys with big money. They are the ones who would be looking at losing alot of money. That's exactly why they want the 35+ million $ sec.

Detector,

I agree with you about..."the more the merrier as far as bids go" Competition has always been the back bone of the free interprise system. I think they were late submitting their proposal because they had a change in plans that allowed them, at the last moment, to start looking at Ford County. I say include 'em!