Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas, recently renewed its contract with the Kansas Lottery Commission and Butler National Corp., five years before the original 15-year agreement was set to end. A casino spokesperson said the renewal allows “more favorable financing terms than the casino was able to secure before its opening in December of 2009.” The contract now will be in place through 2039.
As part of the additional contract, the state tax rate will increase from 22 percent to 24 percent, providing an additional $12 million in tax revenue for the state over the 15-year period.
Kansas Lottery Executive Director Stephen Durrell said, “After 10 years of a successful relationship between the state and the Dodge City Boot Hill Casino managers, from a financial standpoint, it’s a sensible move for the state for a number of reasons. To start with, making sure Boot Hill Casino continues as a good employer, a tourism destination and source of revenue for the state is of utmost importance. Plus, this commits Boot Hill Casino to significant capital investment that will keep it competitive in its market.”
Officials said the casino will invest nearly $25 million in major capital reinvestment and marketing programs over the extended new contract term.
Boot Hill Casino and Resort General Manager Diane Giardine stated, “It’s a good day for Boot Hill Casino, Dodge City and the state of Kansas. We are thrilled to extend our contract with the State of Kansas and we are eager to continue offering a fun and exciting gaming environment to the public making southwest Kansas and Dodge City a must-see tourist destination for years to come.”
Clark Stewart, president and CEO of Olathe-based Butler National Corp. said, “We have worked diligently in our 10 years of successful management of the state owned and operated games, creation of over 300 new jobs and development of a tourist destination location in southwest Kansas. We appreciate the successful partnership between the state and Butler National/BHCMC. We have similar goals and objectives that mutually benefit the interests of both parties. As we reach the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Boot Hill Casino on December 15, we thank our fellow Kansans, and in particularly our employees, working with Butler National, a Kansas company.”
Boot Hill Casino posted $41.6 million in gaming revenue in the most recent fiscal year, according to Lottery Commission figures.
