Wichita Man Arrested for Alleged Bookmaking at Casino

A Wichita man was arrested last week after authorities said he ran a bookmaking operation while working at Mulvane’s Kansas Star Casino. Q.P.L. now faces multiple gambling-related charges, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s office.

Proxy Bettor Faces Many Charges

Investigators with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission say the 47-year-old acted as a proxy bettor, placing wagers on behalf of other people, a practice that is in clear violation of state laws. 

Court documents allege some of the offenses took place between November 14, 2022, and September 23, 2023, and others between August 4 and October 8, 2023, during his time at the casino.

“Investigators determined that L. attempted to have fellow employees and others place bets through him as a proxy,” a statement from Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office read. 

“He also solicited another employee to join his commercial gambling operation to assist in collecting money from these bets.”

L. faces two counts of commercial gambling, one count of unlawful wagering via proxy betting, one count of attempted unlawful wagering via proxy betting, and one count of solicitation to commit commercial gambling.

“Presumed Innocent Unless Proven Guilty”

Following his arrest, L. posted a $25,000 surety bond and was released. His case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Lauren Watson, and he is scheduled to appear in court again on March 12.

“L. is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law,” the Kansas Attorney General’s announcement further said. 

The investigation once again reiterates the state’s ongoing efforts to enforce gambling laws and prevent illegal betting operations within licensed casinos. 

Proxy betting, which allows individuals wager on behalf of others who are not present in the casino boundary, continues to remain an important focus. 

The reason is self-explanatory: the activity overthrows the regulatory requirement that says betting can only be conducted by authorized individuals within authorized jurisdictions.A year ago, in February 2025, we reported on Iowa’s debate over whether it should criminalize proxy betting. The act was, at the time, featured in the state rules as a prohibited activity, without being punishable.