Pari-mutuel facilities located in Kansas, including Woodlands racetrack, have joined forces in an effort to get racetrack casino gaming legislation passed through the state Legislature.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the racetracks' endorsement of the plan, which would allow slot machines and other gaming at tracks, is key to gaining support from the legislature and Kansas Governor Bill Graves.

Under the legislation, revenue would be set aside for education programs in the state, with estimates that casinos would generate $52-million annually for schools. State racing officials said the casinos, which would have to be approved by local referendums, are needed to fend off competition from Kansas tribal casinos and Missouri riverboats.

"We are all together," Woodlands owner Bill Grace said of the state's racing interests. "We expect to get the bill passed."