Kansas Governor Signs Sports Betting Into Law

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Kansas Governor Signs Sports Betting Into Law
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Kansas now is the 35th state to legalize sports betting after Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed a bill to legalize online and retail sports wagering in the state. It will allow Kansas sports betting sites to offer different betting markets to Kansas bettors legally.

Kelly, pictured, announced on Wednesday her intentions to sign the bill this week, after the House and Senate passed the sports betting bill two weeks ago. 

Now that Kelly has signed the bill, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission will start drafting the rules for operators and begin the licensing process.

The hope is Kansas’ new sports betting market will be ready in time for the start of the NFL betting season.

Mobile Wagering Allowed

Under the new law, the state’s casinos and the tribes will be able to partner with gaming operators to bring sports betting to Kansas. 

The four state casinos are eligible to partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators each, while the tribes can amend their gaming compacts to reach deals for online sports betting or retail wagering at their casinos.

State Seeks Professional Sports Teams

The casinos may also partner with up to 50 additional facilities, including professional sports teams, to install sports wagering kiosks. 

Lawmakers are hopeful this will encourage teams to relocate to Kansas, joining MLS Sporting Kansas City. 

Kansas imposes a 10% tax on gaming revenue, with 80% going to a fund to bring pro sports teams to the state. 

Kansas is projected to earn nearly $10 million in revenue annually from sport betting. 

The bill dictates sports wagering must be operating no later than Jan. 1, 2023, but the ideal launch would be in time for the start of the 2022 NFL season. 

Kansas bettors can wager on pro sports, collegiate games, motorsports and any other event approved by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.