It didn’t take long for the new Republican speaker of the Kansas House to quash any talk about changing the state’s sports gambling fund. The money is dedicated to trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs or other professional sports team to the Sunflower State.
Republican Representative Dan Hawkins, the incoming House Speaker from Wichita, said he has “no interest, whatsoever,” in revising the state law that takes 80 percent of the gambling revenues and earmarks it to try to attract a professional sports team.
That team would probably not be the Kansas City Chiefs. Officials for the NFL team, which is in Kansas City, Missouri, have already said they have no interest in relocating.
Another issue is the money that has been collected by the state. The state budget office has predicted the fund could accumulate $10 million by 2025, with 80 percent or $8 million going to that fund.
The reality is a bit harsher. Sports betting in Kansas launched September 1 with six operators. In two months, they have pulled in $350 million in bets, but have claimed to not have made much of a profit. Thus, the state has only received $271,000 in revenue, according to a report released by the Kansas City Lottery, who oversees gambling. If that trend continues, there is no way they will reach their 2025 goal.
That is what has sparked discussions about changing the law to lower the 80 percent profit margin for the professional sports team fund. One of the biggest advocates is Governor Laura Kelly, who told the Kansas City Star that it is worth revisiting.
“We actually are discussing that with all parties at this particular point,” Kelly said. “You know, whenever you pass a bill like that, there will always be sort of unintended consequences.”
Other lawmakers have echoed Kelly’s sentiments. But without the support of Hawkins it is unlikely that will happen.
