KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -
The slot machines have been turned on for gamblers at the newest casino in Kansas City, KS, and state inspectors are watching the test run Monday at the Hollywood Casino.
The casino officially opens on Friday just off turn No. 2 at the Kansas Speedway, but Monday is a test spin for staff.
About 1,600 invited guests helped kick off the new area's newest casino. They could use the casino's 2,000 slots and more than 50 gaming tables.
And all the proceeds were going to charity Monday.
The proceeds will benefit Sunflower House, a charity that protects children from physical and sexual abuse, and the KCK Foundation for Excellence. The foundation hopes to hand out 12 $3,000 scholarships funded by the soft opening.
The $200 million casino has a 100,000 square foot gaming floor, with 2,000 slots and 52 table games. It is expected to boost the area economy by $220 million.
State officials will have to sign off that all the internal controls and operations are ready for the public opening later this week.
The casino has hired nearly 1,000 workers from in the metro. Hollywood General Manager Bob Sheldon said it has taken six months to hire and recruit everyone.
One gambler joked the carpet had already been initiated after spilling soda on it. Gamblers told KCTV5 that they were quite impressed by the posh surroundings.
"We have waited for 12 years, we voted it in forever ago," said Carolyn Crutchfield of KCK. "They are just now getting around to opening the first casino."
Missouri officials should have shivers after hearing Crutchfield's comments.
"I love to gamble. I hate going to Missouri and putting money in their coffers," she said. "I really do and I lose enough money over there... It's as nice as any of the ones I have been to in Vegas, and here in Kansas City it compares very well."
Jan Yocum also said she typically goes to Argosy in Missouri to gamble but will now go to Hollywood because it will benefit her home state.
The casino is state owned but operated by a private group. Kansas gets 27 percent of the winnings. The casino is hoping for 4 million visitors annually.
It will be the fifth largest casino in the area. Missouri's four area casinos brought in $710 million in revenue last year. That number is expected to drop significantly with Hollywood's opening.
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The casino officially opens on Friday just off turn number No. 2 at the Kansas Speedway, but Monday is a test spin for staff. (Image courtesy of The Kansas City Star)
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