Although a state law authorizing new casinos faces a court challenge, state officials are moving ahead with preparations for expanded gambling anyway.

The agency responsible for regulating gaming in the state has hired seven new employees, including four executive staff members, and is in the process of adding seven more, spokesman Mike Deines said.

In all, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission could grow by a total of 25 full-time employees by next July, a 37 percent increase above its full-time staffing levels last year.

Deines said that although the state’s gambling law remains untested, the agency still has regulatory duties to fulfill under the law and must add workers to do so. The list of required employees includes security officials, auditors and information technology personnel.