Peninsula Gaming begins construction of Kansas Star casino

The Kansas Star Casino and Entertainment Center, which will span 69 hectares in Sumner County, will include a world-class gaming facility, restaurants, a 30 km equestrian arena, two hotels, retail shops and an RV park. The project will create about 1,440 operational jobs and 1,640 construction jobs.

“This week marks the beginning of a robust construction timeline that culminates with a grand opening next February,” said Scott Cooper, General Manager, Kansas Star. “In addition to the US$25 million license fee we paid the State of Kansas, we’ve also spent more than US$10 million preparing to break ground, and we are excited that this vision will now become visible.”

An interim gaming facility will open in early 2012 with the permanent gaming facility and 150-room hotel completed in January 2013. Peninsula Gaming plans to expand the facility again in January 2015 with an additional 150 hotel rooms and additional gaming facilities.

Last year, the State of Kansas chose Peninsula Gaming to operate the state-owned project, marking the company’s first casino in the state of Kansas. Its four other casino properties are located in Iowa and Louisiana and include: Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, IA; Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas, LA; Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, IA and Amelia Belle Casino in Amelia, LA.

“This project is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Very few projects ever generate this much capital investment or create this many job opportunities,” stated Janis Hellard, Sumner County Economic Development Director.