Microsoft Word document of news release

DATE: November 17, 2008
CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, sally.lunsford@kslottery.net

Sumner Gaming Joint Venture Withdraws Application in SC Zone

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Lottery was notified this afternoon by Sumner Gaming Joint Venture, L.C. (Harrah’s) that it is withdrawing its Gaming Application from consideration for a gaming license in the South Central Gaming Zone.

In a letter addressed to Keith Kocher, Director of Gaming Facilities for the Kansas Lottery, and hand-delivered to Lottery headquarters in Topeka, Jeffrey Ungerer of Sumner Gaming Joint Venture wrote, in part:

“We truly regret that we must withdraw our Gaming Application as a result of circumstances beyond our control that do not permit us to meet the proposed schedule for the project. In the event the financial climate improves, we may be interested in reapplying for a gaming license should the process in the South Central Zone be reopened for bids.”

Sumner Gaming Joint Venture requested a refund of the $25,000,000 privilege fee it paid June 25, 2008. The Kansas Lottery is processing the refund through the State Treasurer’s Office.

“We are, of course, disappointed that Harrah’s has withdrawn its plans for a casino in Sumner County for financial reasons,” said Kansas Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten. “They tell us it is not feasible for them to move forward with the project at this time, and we have to respect their decision. The Lottery will be taking steps to re-open bids in the South Central Zone. While this is a challenging time for the gaming industry as a whole, we believe a gaming facility in Sumner County will eventually become a reality.”