Kansas governor Kelly signs law legalizing sports betting

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Signs Sports Betting into Law

Kansas became the 35th state to legalize sports betting after Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill to legalize online and retail sports wagering in the Sunflower State. Kelly announced on Wednesday that she would sign the bill this week, following the Senate and House passing the sports betting bill two weeks ago.

Now Kelly has signed the legislation; the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission will start creating the rules and regulations for operators and begin the licensing process.

Lawmakers in the state hope the new sports wagering market will be up and running in time for the new NFL season in September.

Mobile Betting Allowed

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

The four casinos in Kansas are permitted to partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators each. The tribes can amend their gaming compacts to sign deals for online sports betting or retail betting at their casinos.

Kansas looks for Professional Sports Teams

The casinos are eligible to partner with up to 50 additional facilities, including pro sports teams, to install sports betting kiosks.

Officials in Kansas are hopeful this will encourage teams to relocate to Kansas, joining MLS side Kansas City. Kansas imposes a 10% tax on gaming revenue, 80% of which will go to a fund to bring pro sports teams to the state. Kansas is predicted to earn nearly $10 million in revenue annually from sports wagering.

According to the bill’s terms, sports betting must be operating no later than January 1, 2023, but the ideal launch date would be for the beginning of the 2022 NFL season. Kansas players can bet on pro sports, motorsports and collegiate games, and any other events approved by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

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