Associated Press - May 11, 2009 8:44 PM ET

Corrected Version

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Two applicants to operate a state-owned casino have received the required endorsement from the Sumner County Commission.

The commission voted today for Foxwoods Development, of St. Louis, which wants to build at the Mulvane exit off the Kansas Turnpike. The commission also endorsed Lakes Entertainment, of Minnetonka, Minn., which wants to build at either the Mulvane or Wellington exits.

The commission didn't endorse a third applicant, South Central Gaming Partners, which includes Topeka investors. But 1 of its proposed locations is inside Mulvane, and that town's city council could provide the required endorsement.

The local endorsement is needed before the Kansas Lottery, which owns the gambling, can start negotiating contracts with a developer.

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