After one last bit of haggling by lawmakers, a bill that would bring legal Kansas sports betting to the Sunflower State is on its way to the governor’s desk.
Members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate spent time on Thursday and early morning Friday hashing out the final details of legislation that would authorize access to the best sportsbooks and retail locations, too.
One last report ironing out the differences between lawmakers on Senate Bill 84 was approved 73-49 by the House and 21-13 by the Senate. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is reportedly expected to sign the bill into law, which means Kansas could become one of the next states with legal sports betting, and wagering could begin this year.
Good morning, #ksleg. Decent run for Veto Session, part 1. We reduced the sales tax on groceries, blocked harmful policy by sustaining vetoes, and brought you #kssportswagering. Only thing missing was medicinal cannabis. See you all for Veto part 2 late next month!
— ??Stephanie Clayton?? (@SSCJoCoKs) April 29, 2022
Wannabe bettors will have to be 21 years or older and be physically located in Kansas to wager.
SB 84 would provide sports betting in the state through its four commercial casinos, which could each take bets on their properties and partner with up to three online sportsbook operators. The legislation also allows for sports betting at as many as 50 other brick-and-mortar locations, including professional sports facilities.
Nice team you've got there...
One of the goals of SB 84 is to attract more professional sports teams to the state. The legislation imposes a 10% tax rate on sports-betting revenue and allocates the bulk of the money raised to a new "Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund," which, as its name suggests, is intended to lure franchises such as the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs.
Indeed one of the drivers behind legalizing sports betting in Kansas was the state’s rivalry with neighboring Missouri, where lawmakers had likewise been weighing wagering legislation. However, the Missouri efforts appear to have hit a roadblock, making Kansas the likely winner of their legislative race.
SB 84 requires the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to adopt permanent regulations by January 1, 2023. The legislation provides a path for sports betting via the state's Native American tribes and their casinos as well if they so desire.
