In 2007, the state of Kansas enacted the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act, which included authorization for four casinos to be built and managed by private developers, under contract with the
Kansas Lottery. On June 23, 2015, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission voted to award the Kansas Crossing Casino + Hotel a license to build just south of
Pittsburg, Kansas. The Kansas Crossing Casino beat out two other proposals including the Castle Rock Casino plan from
Wichita businessmen Rodney and Brandon Steven as well as Camptown Casino proposed by billionaire
Phil Ruffin of
Las Vegas. This was the fourth such license awarded in the state of Kansas. Kansas Crossing Casino opened to the public on March 31, 2017, then celebrated its grand opening on April 8, 2017 with a performance from musician
Jerrod Niemann. The Kansas Crossing Casino + Hotel opened with over 625 slot machines, 16 table games, a 123-room
Hampton Inn & Suites, Two Brothers Mining Company restaurant, and an indoor/outdoor entertainment venue called The Corral. ==Philanthropy==