Attorney General Steve Six says it's acceptable under Kansas law for prospective casino developers to phase in their investments.

The question arose as the Kansas Lottery Commission approved contracts with potential casino developers in Sumner, Cherokee, Ford, and Wyandotte counties.

The new gambling operations are allowed by a law enacted last year. They will be owned by the Lottery. But the agency will hire developers to build and run the casinos.

The law requires a minimum investment of $225 million in Cherokee, Sumner and Wyandotte counties, and an investment of $50 million in Ford County.

In a legal opinion, Six said nothing in the law prevents the phasing in of an investment.