The Woodlands could be on the way back

In an age of consolidation of race tracks and dates, a small step was taken in the opposite direction for one track in America’s Heartland. As first reported by the Wichita Eagle, native-Kansan Phil Ruffin has purchased The Woodlands racetrack located in Kansas City, Kansas. Terms of the deal have not been released, but the purchase comes on the heels of the Kansas Senate agreeing in May to drop the state’s share of racetrack gaming revenue from 44 to 22 percent and allowing 2,800 slot machines at the Wyandotte-county property. The bill still needs to pass in the Kansas House of Representatives, and should be up for vote shortly after the first of the year.

The former state revenue rate (approved in 2007) made it impossible for The Woodlands to profitably operate slot machines, and was forced to close their doors in 2008. Operating at the lower rate puts the Woodlands on a level playing field with other casinos in the state. However, some local leaders are concerned the pending approval could hurt nearby Hollywood Casino, which sits adjacent to the NASCAR Speedway and is 6-miles from the Woodlands. “I would not want to see legislation that jeopardizes that relationship we have,” said Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City.

In years past, The Woodlands operated separate horse and Greyhound facilities, both of which reside on the grounds. No details have been released if plans are to open one or both of the facilities should the bill pass in the House.

With the purchase Ruffin adds to his portfolio of gaming properties that include Wichita Greyhound Park, Camptown Greyhound Park (Frontenac, KS), Treasure Island in Las Vegas and Trump Tower, also in Las Vegas in which he has a 50 percent stake. Should the bill pass, Ruffin plans on re-opening his 2 other facilities as well, and estimates are that they will provide approximately 1,500 jobs (500 in Wichita, 300-400 at Camptown and another 500-700 in Kansas City).

Ruffin will not be discouraged should the Kansas House provide yet another unfavorable result for those supporting the racing industry. “We’re here for a lot of years,” he says. “If they don’t pass it this year, you know, we’ll try again next year like we always have. We’re persistent.”