The Kansas Senate has passed a bill that would legalize both retail and online sports wagering in the US state, after some minor amendments.
Introduced in January and sponsored by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, Senate Bill 84, which seeks to expand the state’s Lottery Act, cleared the Senate by a vote of 26-12.
SB84 would allow the state’s four land-based casinos to open retail sportsbooks, as well as partner with up to three mobile sportsbooks.
Sports facilities in Kansas, including the Kansas Speedway motor-racing facility, would also be able to link up with casinos to launch online sports betting.
The bill also included provisions for tribal gambling, whereby recognised tribes in Kansas would be able to renegotiate gaming pacts with the state in order to legally offer sports wagering at their licensed casinos.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission would be responsible for regulating the market, as well as issuing sports betting licenses to casinos and operators.
Though the bill did not state how much licenses would cost, it did set out details in terms of tax. Retail sports betting would be subject to a 5.5% tax on revenue, while the rate for online wagers would be set at 8.0% of sports betting revenue.
In addition, 2.0% of all sports wagering revenue would be paid to a new problem gambling and addictions grant fund, which would be established as part of the bill.
Consumers would be able to place bets on professional and collegiate sports, but would need to be at least 21 in order to legally wager in Kansas.
The bill will now progress forward to the House of Representatives for further discussion.