Kan. casino developers push ‘virtual’ hotel

TOPEKA, Kan. - Developers of a proposed casino in Kansas City, Kan., are trying to sell a state review board on what they call a "virtual" hotel.

The developers aren't proposing to build a hotel during the first phase of construction for the project, which would bring a casino to the Kansas Speedway racetrack. But they argue there are plenty of avialable rooms in the area.

The lack of a hotel at the site is a major issue for members of the Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board. It met Tuesday for a final review of the proposal as well as a proposed casino south of Wichita.

They plan to vote Wednesday on whether the Kansas City project can go forward. The $521 million project is being pushed by the speedway's parent company and Penn National Gaming Inc. of Wyomissing, Pa.