The Kansas Lottery Commission heard proposals Monday from the developers interested in securing a contract for possible state-owned casinos.

The meetings continued Tuesday as well.

The meetings are just so the lottery can make sure the developers meet the minimum requirements to move on in the process.

Two groups from Sumner County came in big numbers to the hearings and are clashing with different views about a casino in Mulvane.

“There is not much revenue in Sumner County, it’s basically in Sedgwick,” said Linda Parker who favors a casino in Mulvane. “It’s going to be just the best thing that's ever happened in the state of Kansas for revenue, for Sumner County for revenue, for jobs. So, it’s really going to make us grow and not be one of those communities that die.”

Les Sims disagrees.

“Historical studies like in Mississippi when they moved the casinos in there a few years back, crime went up 46% in one county and 64% in another the very year they put up casinos,” Sims said. “Bankruptcy goes up, suicide goes up and not to mention the moral problems as well.”

The opposing group feels people in Mulvane aren't letting them speak their mind, but both sides will get their chance soon enough once the proposals go to the Gaming Facility Review Board.

“They begin their meetings in July and the board intends to go to each gaming zone to hear public comment at that time from the area residents,” said Kansas Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten.

If all contracts pass the meetings, a total of 12 will go to the review board.

The meetings are for the proposed casinos in Sumner, Wyandotte and Ford Counties.

One in Southeast Kansas only has one developer bidding, so its contract is being considered separately from the others.