Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs Introduces Sports Betting Bill

The Kansas State Senate’s Committee on Federal and State Affairs has introduced a bill on sports betting. Senate Bill 283 would allow casinos already licensed by the Kansas Lottery Commission to launch on-premises sports betting, while these facilities may also offer two online betting skins.

Retail sports betting revenue would be taxed at a rate of 7.5%, while a 10% tax would be placed on revenue from online sports bets.

If only one (or no) operator takes up the option to create an online product after two years, the lottery may create an online betting product of its own. In addition, sporting venues in the state may enter into a contract with a licensed sports betting operator to allow the operator to set up a location at their venue.

The bill also allows licensees to create “an area where patrons may engage in sports wagering at sporting facilities”, though adds that this activity shall be limited only to online platforms.

However, it specifies that this only applies to motorsports or multi-sport facilities in Wyandotte County with a minimum investment of $50,000,000, in practice meaning only Kansas Speedway and MLS team Sporting KC’s Children’s Mercy Park may take advantage of this option.

The bill would also require that if a federally recognised Indian tribe submits a request to negotiate a gaming compact regarding sports wagering, then the Governor must to “negotiate in good faith” to enter into such a compact.