Kansas Prepares for Public Hearing of Sports Betting Bill

SB 283, Kansas’ proposed sports betting gambling law, will get its first hearing on January 29 and help decide whether the Sunflower State will have sports betting legalized before the 2020 NFL Season.

Kansas SB 283 Offers Sports Betting to Kansas Bettors

Kansas may be close to legalizing its sports betting industry. Thanks to a favorable SB 283, a piece of legislation that would enable each of the state’s casinos to apply for two licenses, the state could see a quick boom in the number of sportsbooks.

So far, the four existing casinos are all regulated by the Kansas Lottery, which could be appointed to oversee sports betting. Should SB 283 clear all regulator hurdles, the bill should lead to the creation of at least eight sportsbooks in the Sunflower State.

SB 283 also plans a rather low taxation rate, which is good for stimulating growth but also threatens a quick oversaturation of the market. All in-person bets would fetch a 7.5% tax whereas online wagers would be taxed at 10%.

While these rates are helpful, SB 283 hasn’t elaborated on the licensing fees and renewal rates – if and when applicable.

Giving an Edge to Mobile Betting in Kansas

Unlike New York and Vermont, where mobile betting bills recently failed, Kansas is keen on making the most of the hypothetical legalization of the sports gambling industry, allowing players to register remotely and use sportsbook apps from the start.

What’s more interesting is that Kansas’ lawmakers – at least as per SB 283 – aren’t too concerned about game-fixing. The bill doesn’t say anything about a college games ban, although, as lawmakers try to push it through the legislature, they might need to add amendments.

The plan is to get the bill up and running before the 2020 NFL season, Jeff Morris, a spokesperson and VP of Public Affairs & Government Relations, said. Kansas will be missing on two big events this year – to name the Super Bowl and March Madness but it can yet catch up to the new football season.

Kansas is also moving at a good pace at a time when the entire region is also interested in passing sports betting bills. Colorado held a referendum in November 2019 and won narrowly with 51% in favor of a sports betting legislation that is now being hammered out.

Missouri and Nebraska are also in the process of legalizing their sports betting industries, although no clear solution has been reached yet. As to SB 283, the bill will get its first public hearing tomorrow, January 29.

Who Will Join the Sports Betting Race in Kansas?

Home of some 3 million residents, Kansas definitely has the potential to attract some of the biggest names in sports betting. Presently, the U.S. has many flagship brands that could be interested, including FanDuel and DraftKings.

Other local operators that could show interest are The Stars Group, Fox Bet, and Kambi. Until the first public hearing is completed and lawmakers show their true colors, it would be early to talk about future partnerships.

Yet, one thing is certain – the top sportsbooks in the U.S. wouldn’t miss on a chance to expand into another state.