(SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.)—
The owner of the Wichita Greyhound Park says it will be closed and fenced up within 90 days. Phil Ruffin had hoped slot machines would revive his park, but Sedgwick County voters rejected it by only about 300 votes.
For years now, Ruffin says the park has lost an average of $180,000 per month and can't stay open. It means 250 people will lose their jobs.
"The track won't exist," says Ruffin, who met with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission on Wednesday. "It can't exist without slots, so it's very disappointing and very sad for those people."
Ruffin says the 250 park employees may have other job opportunities. He says many will be offered the chance to relocate to his track in Southeast Kansas.
