DODGE CITY, Kan. (WIBW)_ Gov. Mark Parkinson and other lawmakers joined the celebration in Dodge City where a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the Boot Hill Casino and Resort.

After more than a decade of planning, the casino welcomed its first players on Tuesday. It closed at 11:00 p.m. so it could get ready for Wednesday's festivities. The casino will stay open now 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parkinson said he's glad to see the developers take an interest in a region beyond Kansas City. I think it's a great kansas story that the first casino isn't a high priced casino in Kansas City," the governor said. "It's right here in Dodge."