When the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas opened in February 2012, owners promised the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and the city they would start building a hotel within two years. But as that deadline approaches, casino owners have proposed a fall deadline, said Hollywood Vice President of Marketing Dean Doria.
A joint venture of International Speedway Corporation and Penn National Gaming, the $200 million Hollywood Casino was to add a 250-room hotel this year. Now, Doria said, “We’re basically asking for an extension.” He did not indicate if the hotel would be the same size.
An official announcement of the final hotel details will be made on May 10 during the start of the spring NASCAR season, according to the Unified Government. A groundbreaking will follow in October to coincide with the Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR race. The Unified Government added if the hotel is not built the casino company will have to pay a penalty equal to 1 percent of the casino’s annual revenue. In 2012, gambling revenue at Hollywood Casino was $114 million, according to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.
