Kansas casinos to close to limit spread of the coronavirus

Tuesday will be the last day to gamble in any Kansas casinos with state-owned gaming until at least March 30, the Kansas Lottery said Tuesday.

The news announcement — which will affect four casinos, including the Kansas Star Casino — said the decision to close all of the casinos at the end of business Tuesday was in response to Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order that bans gatherings of 50 or more people. Kelly’s order on Sunday follows the recommendations by the Center for Disease Control in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The four casinos with state-owned gaming are the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas Crossing in Pittsburg and Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City.

“The health and safety of casino guests and employees (are) of the utmost importance,” the news release said. “The Lottery understands the impact this decision will have on both players and employees, but the State must be dedicated to doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas communities.”

The closure of Kansas Star Casino and Event Center will not affect the hotel.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 10:26 AM.