Kansas Casinos Report Steady 3.9% Increase in August, State Set for New Casino Addition

Kansas’ four casinos, Boot Hill Casino, Kansas Star Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Kansas Crossing Casino, have reported $37.3 million in revenue for August, a steady 3.9% increase compared to last year’s figure of $35.9 million. 

However, that revenue is set to grow even more with the arrival of a fifth casino. An opening date has been revealed for Gilley’s casino, with the establishment expected to open its doors on December 15 of this year. The casino, developed by Wichita businessman Phil Ruffin, is taking over the former Wichita Greyhound Park and will house an estimated 1,000 historic horse racing (HHR) machines. 

Gilley’s casino isn’t the only new thing happening to the state’s casino space. At the beginning of September, Kansas Star Casino unveiled $3.9 million worth of upgrades and renovations it has planned in the coming months. Up to $3 million will be spent on refurbishing existing restrooms, converting a room into a party room, and new interiors, including updated lighting and flooring. The remainder of the money is speculated to be spent on adding a high-limit table gaming room. 

Hollywood Casino Paves the Way in August

According to the figures published by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, three of the four casinos reported revenue increases last month. In contrast, Boot Hill Casino reported stagnant revenues in August, declining 0.3% year-over-year. 

Hollywood Casino was the biggest revenue generator in August, reporting $15.1 million, up 4.2% year-over-year from $14.5 million. Of this, electronic gaming machines yielded $13.4 million, an increase from $12.9 million, and table games produced $1.6 million, up from $1.59 million. 

Kansas Star Casino was the only other casino to report a double-digit revenue, rising from $14.1 million to $14.6 million, a 3.7% increase. Electronic gaming machines were also up from $11.6 million to $12.9 million, while table games declined from $2.4 million to $1.7 million. 

Kansas Crossing generated the lowest revenue for the month, reporting only $3.5 million, up slightly from last year’s figure of $3.2 million. The majority of the revenue came from electronic gaming devices, which produced $3.2 million, while table games generated $258,449. 

Boot Hill was the only casino with a year-over-year decline, dropping by 0.3%. Electronic gaming machine revenue fell from $3.69 million to $3.67 million, while table games increased from $442,880 to $456,506. 

Park City Casino Gets December Date 

Kansas residents will have something new to look forward to with the addition of a new casino located in Park City. The latest casino, Gilley’s, was granted approval in 2023 by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. It’s expected to include a gaming room for slots and a Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que, which also has a venue in Treasure Island, Las Vegas. 

“I have been a personal friend of Mickey Gilley and family since the early 1990s, and it led me to bring the Gilleys’ experience to Las Vegas,” said Ruffin in a news release. “Now, with his wife, Cindy Gilley, leading the company, I’m bringing the iconic brand to Park City, Kansas—guaranteed to be the best entertainment destination in the region.”

On top of that, the new venue will have live entertainment and an outdoor concert space as well as a Golden Circle Sports Bar. A 96-room branded hotel is also in the works.