"We're running on a pretty steep learning curve," said Van Petten. "I'm not aware of anybody in Kansas government right now that's real well-versed on casino management."
When Van Petten first took the helm as acting director in 2001, the lottery faced a lot of problems. First, there was the theft of $63,000 by the agency's information resource manager. Then there were complaints about inappropriate office behavior. Finally, there was offensive posting on the lottery's internal Web site. That led to the ouster of the former director -- Greg Ziemak.
The new law permits casinos in four zones in Kansas - and creates more security issues for Van Petten's agency, which he said was poised to hire 10 to 12 new employees to deal with auditing and security.
The lottery has overall responsibility for the new operations, but daily control rests with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Gaming regulations are now changing in the state.
Gaming Regulations
"I would put all the gaming regulations under Mr. Van Petten and let him control them because he's done an exceptional job." said Rep. Arlen Siegfreid (R-Olathe), chairman of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.Van Petten knows, though, that there are still opponents of the expanded state-run gambling.
"I don't know that you can ever ease those concerns except by operating an agency that's obviously well run and above reproach," he said. "Those concerns are going to be voiced continually. I would not doubt there are still those concerns being voiced about the lottery itself. All we can do is go forward and try to prove those fears are misplaced."
The lottery re-authorization in the legislature was delayed while lawmakers questioned Van Petten about the aforementioned problems. Eventually, Van Petten was confirmed 37-1, with only Sen. Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka) voting against him.
"I lacked confidence in Ed's ability to bring things back in order," Hensley said. "Since then I've been convinced Ed is up to the task and certainly has a great deal of integrity."
Lawmakers have shown their faith in Van Petten, Hensley said, by extending the lottery's sunset provision for 15 years in the new gambling bill.
A few years ago, a store clerk in Topeka was caught trying to cheat the holder of a winning ticket. He was later convicted of fraud.
"I tend to think people see they're not going to get by with it," Van Petten said. "But after a year or two, that memory fades, or there are different clerks and the new guys think they can figure it out."
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