Boyd Gaming Proposes $160M Kansas Casino with Historic Horse Racing and Jobs Boost
Boyd Gaming Corporation has submitted plans to build a new historic horse racing (HHR) facility in Sedgwick County. Named Diamond Jo Park City, the project will sit near Interstate 135 and cost an estimated $160 million. The company has teamed up with Wichita-based Laham Development to push the proposal forward. The planned Diamond Jo facility will feature a casino with up to 1,000 HHR machines. Guests can also expect a high-end steakhouse, a FanDuel-themed sports bar, a modern lounge, and expanded meeting spaces. A unique addition will be Kansas’s first Amazon Go convenience store, offering cashier-less shopping.
Boyd Gaming estimates the venue will generate around $90 million each year in extra economic activity for south-central Kansas. The company also projects nearly 600 jobs, both direct and indirect, with wages, salaries, and benefits totalling about $30 million annually. Beyond economic benefits, Boyd has pledged $1 million yearly to local nonprofits aiding veterans. Another $250,000 will go toward problem gambling treatment resources. George Laham, CEO of Laham Development, highlighted Boyd’s dedication to community partnerships and responsible growth. The application now awaits approval from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.
If approved, Diamond Jo Park City will become a major entertainment and gaming hub in the region. The facility’s mix of dining, sports betting, and retail aims to draw visitors while supporting local jobs and charities. The project’s success hinges on the commission’s final decision in the coming months.
