Sports betting in Kansas is just a signature away from legalization after the state’s senate voted 21-13 in favour of the eagerly anticipated sports betting bill.
After the state Senate’s approval of the bill SB84, the legislature will now go toward Governor Laura Kelly to enshrine the bill into law.
It brings years of controversy and a period of deadlock to an end. After Gov. Kelly puts pen to paper, Kansas will become the 34th state to legalize sports betting.
Last month, a motion to move the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to the state of Kansas almost scuppered plans to pass the bill through the House of Representatives. However, in the vote, the bill passed 63-50, paving the way for the Senate to vote on the legalization of wagering.
Under the provisions of the bill, the state’s casinos will be allowed to partner with online sportsbook providers, as well as 50 retail partners to offer face-to-face sports betting.
Casinos can also partner with the state’s sporting teams but as of yet, only Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer is based in the state.
In relation to tax, the state will take a 10% cut of all wagers placed whether online or at retail, which is expected to generate $10m by the end of the third year of operations.
Stakeholders will cast an eager eye on the Sunflower State over the next few months to gauge a sense of when the sports wagering market will open up once Gov. Kelly has signed the bill.
