Bidding reopened for Sumner County casino
Kansas has opened a third round of bidding for the state-owned casino in Sumner County, after two earlier attempts fell apart.
By Wade Ellison
The state is trying for a third time to land a casino in Sumner County.
A new bidding round opened this month, and three companies have applied. Harrah’s and Peninsula Gaming both propose building in Mulvane. Global Gaming wants to build in Wellington, the county’s largest town.
The first round, in 2008, ended with Harrah’s selected over two other bidders, but Harrah’s pulled out during the financial crisis. A second round in 2009 drew three applicants, and all three eventually withdrew.
Mulvane sits about 14 miles closer to Wichita, the area’s main population center, and that has been a big part of the argument for the Mulvane sites. Wellington supporters point out that the county seat badly wants the jobs.
For Cowley County, the casino would be a short drive up the road. A decision is expected later this year.