Kansas is one step closer to legalising sports betting.
The Kansas Senate has voted in favour of a piece of legislation that would legalise land-based and certain forms of online sports betting in the state of Kansas.
The bill, SB 283, received a vote of 23-15 in favour of it and will now move forward to the House of Representatives for further debate and consideration.
The proposed legislation was introduced in January by the Senate’s Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
What’s covered in the bill?
The provisions laid out in SB 283 would allow casinos that are already licensed by the Kansas Lottery Commission to launch land-based sports betting operations. These licensees would also be able to offer two online sports betting skins.
If one or none of the operators launch an online sportsbook after two years, the state lottery will be able to create its own online sports betting platform.
Sporting venues will also be able to partner with a licensed sports betting operator to launch a land-based sportsbook at the venue. Licensees will also be able to create “an area where patrons may engage in sports wagering at sporting facilities,” but this will be limited to online platforms. However, the legislation states that this only applies to motorsports or multi-sport facilities in Wyandotte County with a minimum investment of $50m.
Land-based sports betting revenue will be a subject to a tax rate of 7.5% and online betting revenue will be taxed at 10%. The bill did not specify a licence fee, but this may be set by the Kansas Lottery Commission. If the bill passes into law, the Commission will set out advertising rules at a later date.
The legislation also covers tribes
The bill also covers gambling tribes that operate in the state. Under the bill, a federally recognized tribe would be required to submit a request to negotiate a gaming compact regarding sports betting. Once a request has been made, the tribe will then enter negotiations with the governor to “negotiate in good faith” to enter into a compact.
