The number of casinos in Kansas will be going up very soon.
People in Wichita are getting excited because a new gambling and entertainment center is opening. This new place is built on what used to be Wichita Greyhound Park. It’s called Gilley’s Casino, and local businessman Phil Ruffin is behind it.
The casino will open on December 15, 2025, and it’s expected to bring significant economic benefits and entertainment to Park City.
Gilley’s Casino in Park City stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
The property has been reimagined as a premier venue featuring approximately 1,000 historic horse racing machines. These machines, resembling slot machines but dictated by results from historical horse races, promise to captivate visitors with their unique blend of past and present.
The casino is big—141,000 square feet and has three levels. Visitors can also bet on horse races and enjoy a Sports Bar. The bar has lots of seating around two huge 60-foot video walls and three large, moving LED screens that show sports events continuously.
Gilley’s Casino is a multifaceted complex that goes beyond gaming.
The venue captures the spirit of its namesake, Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que, a concept inspired by Ruffin’s well-known venue in Las Vegas. Here, guests will enjoy live entertainment, an outdoor concert space, and the thrill of betting on live horse races from around the nation.
The opening of Gilley’s Casino is bringing big changes to Park City.
Mayor John Lehnherr said the city is lucky to have Gilley’s here, as it’s expected to attract many visitors and get the community involved. The casino offers a lot of fun activities, like the Golden Circle Sports Bar, a Barcade with old-school arcade games, and several places to eat.
Ruffin’s vision has turned an old racetrack into something new and is expected to create 300 to 350 jobs, which will help boost the local economy.
The history of gambling in Kansas is as dynamic as the ever-changing plains it rests upon.
Kansas has navigated a long journey with casinos, balancing public interest and regulatory measures. Historically, horse racing gained traction in the early 20th century, laying a foundation for the state’s betting culture. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that Kansas legalized parimutuel wagering, paving the way for further developments in the gaming industry.
In 1995, the state took a pivotal step by legalizing casino gaming with the introduction of four state-owned casinos, aligning with the broader national trend of expanding gaming opportunities. This evolution reflects Kansas’s growing commitment to accommodating both the entertainment desires of its residents and the economic incentives of gaming facilities.
Looking to the future, construction will soon begin on a 96-room hotel, enhancing the hospitality offerings at the site.
Although the journey to this point encountered its share of delays, including construction challenges, Gilley’s is emerging on schedule, ready to infuse new energy into Kansas’ entertainment landscape.
Gilley’s Casino and Entertainment Complex is expected to pave the way for future ventures and growth within the state’s dynamic gaming narrative. Casinos in Kansas may never be the same.
With a rich history behind it and a promising future ahead, this project reinforces Kansas’s place on the map as a destination worthy of attention and admiration.
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