Kansas may be attracting new interest from gaming companies

Golden Gaming and Harrah’s Entertainment may be interested in reapplying for casino concessions in Kansas after the economy and prohibitive state laws forced winning bidders to drop their projects.

Both Las Vegas-based companies have hinted in statements that they will watch developments in the Sunflower State, althought they are noncommittal about whether they will reapply next year.

Rod Atamian, executive vice president of Golden Gaming, said last week: “If the Kansas opportunity is available again, we still believe our location and plan would best serve visitors and locals alike.”

Golden Gaming lost its $662 million bid to build in Wyandotte County to a group wanting to develop a Hard Rock-branded resort. That group said Friday it was withdrawing its application and will resubmit plans for a phased project next year.

Harrah’s officials remain noncommittal publicly on its interest in Kansas, but haven’t ruled out another bid either.

The casino giant pointed to the inability of its partnership to obtain funding for its planned $535 million resort as the reason for canceling its application.

One signal that Harrah’s isn’t interested in any new development in the near future is the pending Dec. 19 departure of long-time executive Chuck Atwood.

Atwood, who oversaw the casino company’s development projects, headed Harrah’s efforts in Kansas.

 Only one project out of four awarded earlier this year is moving forward — the $88 million Dodge City casino.