Topeka ? House Speaker Doug Mays today brought down a quick gavel that prevented discussion of a proposed compact to build a casino in Wyandotte County.

The move frustrated supporters of the proposal.

More stories on gambling

A visibly angry House Speaker Pro Tem John Ballou, a Republican from Gardner, accused Mays of “hiding from an open and honest debate on gambling.”

But Mays, a Republican from Topeka, said no one had approached him about putting discussion of the casino compact on the agenda.

The issue was before the Legislative Coordinating Council, a seven-member committee of legislative leaders that is chaired by Mays.

Supporters of the compact wanted approval from the LCC, which would have meant they wouldn’t have had to seek approval of the compact from the entire Legislature after it convenes in January.

As the LCC ended its agenda before a packed audience of gambling interests, Mays adjourned the meeting and quickly walked out.

Mays later said it would have been wrong to allow the LCC to make a decision on the compact instead of the full Legislature.

“Something of this magnitude should not be decided by seven members of the Legislature,” he said.

The proposed compact was fashioned between Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ office and members of the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes, which have made plans to build a $210 million casino and hotel near the Kansas Speedway.

The compact would gaurantee the state $50 million or more per year in revenues.

Sebelius expressed disappointment with Mays’ decision.

“I would have preferred that the LCC follow Kansas law and consider the compact today,” Sebelius said. She said the proposal would create jobs and generate revenue for education and health care.

Emily Conklin, vice chair of the Kicapoo tribe, was also disappointed that the compact was not discussed by the LCC.

“I think what we have crafted is in the best interest of the state of Kansas,” she said.