Kansas Star casino nets $3.25 million in first eight days

The Kansas Star Casino netted $3.25 million in gaming revenue through its first eight days of operation, according to the Kansas Lottery.

Those days included a controlled demonstration for state regulators on Dec. 16 and five days of “soft openings” for player’s club members before the casino, located at the Mulvane turnpike exit, opened to the public.

During Monday’s public opening, the Kansas Star earned nearly $900,000 in gaming revenue.

“It clearly exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Keith Kocher, gaming facilities director for the Lottery. The casino is intends to operate 24 hours a day eventually but is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Gaming revenue is the money that state law requires be split between the Kansas Star’s manager, the state, three local government entities and a state problem gambling and addictions fund.

By state law, the manager, Peninsula Gaming of Dubuque, Iowa, will keep 73 percent of the gaming revenue, the state will get 22 percent, and the addictions fund 2 percent. The city of Mulvane and Sumner and Sedgwick counties will receive 1 percent each.

The breakdown of revenues by day:

Dec. 16: $201,525.09 (controlled demonstration. Peninsula donated its share to charities.)

Dec. 20: $114,423.84 (soft opening)

Dec. 21: $459,675.35 (soft opening)

Dec. 22::$372,069.61 (soft opening)

Dec. 23: $636,459.02 (soft opening)

Dec. 24: $ 75,880.83 (soft opening. The casino closed at 4 p.m.)

Dec. 25: Closed

Dec. 26: $898,659.76 (First day open to the public)

Dec. 27: $492,701.86

Total: $3,251,395.36

The figures are unaudited and may be subject to minor reconciliations, Kocher said.

This story was originally published December 28, 2011 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Kansas Star casino nets $3.25 million in first eight days."