In a third attempt to allow sports betting, the Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee recently filed a bill to legalize sports wagering in the state.
SB 84 would allow each of the state’s four commercial casinos to offer an on-site commercial sports book and to partner with up to three online betting operators. Tribal casinos also would be allowed to renegotiate their gaming compacts to offer retail wagering facilities and the Kansas City Motor Speedway also could open a designated sports betting area for online wagering but could not open an on-site sportsbook.
Retail sportsbook revenue would be taxed at 7.5 percent and online sports betting revenue at 10 percent. Both rates are below the median rate charged in the two dozen states with legal sports wagering. The bill did not mention any initial or annual license renewal fees. The state would not require any payments for official league data. Bettors, who must be at least 21 years of age and physically located within state lines, could wager on college and professional sports, including Kansas college sports teams. The bill does not spell out whether registration must be in person or could be done online. It also would create a voluntary sports betting self-exclusion list. Regulators would be required to finalize draft rules and regulations on or before October 31, 2021.
The bill is similar to one that was introduced in 2020 but didn’t pass because lawmakers were focused on Covid-19. Observers said this year’s version has a better chance of passing because it could generate revenue to help fill the budget gap caused by Covid-19. Also, Kansas is under pressure to pass sports betting legislation because of Colorado’s success and the possible passage of sports wagering measures in Missouri and Nebraska.
Democratic Governor Laura Kelly has voiced support for legalized sports betting. However, before she could sign the bill into law, it would have to pass both chambers where Republicans hold super-majorities. Religious and social conservatives also could challenge any expansion of gambling in the state.
