DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) _ After eight months, the first state-owned casino in Kansas appears to be playing a winning hand.

Ed Van Petten, executive director of the Kansas Lottery, says lottery officials are somewhat amazed by the popularity of the Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City.

As of July, total revenue at the casino has been just over $24 million. Van Petten says that puts the casino on track to meet its first-year goal of $39.7 million.

The revenue has meant Dodge City and Ford County each have received $362,801 distribution.

The Hutchinson News reports that Jane Longmeyer, spokeswoman for Dodge City, says the money in the city will be used for infrastructure improvements.

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