Topeka ? A bill aimed at luring a state-owned casino to southeast Kansas and slot machines to race tracks has been endorsed by a state Senate committee.

The measure was approved Wednesday by the Federal and State Affairs Committee on a voice vote and goes next to the full Senate for debate.

The bill lessens the financial requirements facing potential track owners and casino developers. Supporters say those requirements would keep the new gambling from being profitable and attracting interest.

Any prospective developer of a casino for the state lottery in southeast Kansas must invest at least $225 million. The bill drops the figure to $100 million.

Also, track owners must give the state 40 percent of their slots revenue. The bill drops the figure to 22 percent.