ROUNDUP: Governor Kelly Legalized Sports Betting in Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Kelly legalized sports betting in Kansas, a move that is set to bring in millions of dollars by 2025. Legalizing sports wagering has been a popular proposal for years and Governor Kelly brought both parties together to get it across the finish line. Restaurants, bars, casinos and entertainment venues across the state will see the benefits as more revenue is injected into the economy. This latest move is another example of Governor Kelly’s commitment to making Kansas the most pro-business state in the country.
Here’s what others are saying about Kansas’ sports betting future:
“Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 84 to legalize the act of sports wagering in Kansas on Monday. Legislators and casino industry representatives joined the governor for the signing at the Statehouse.
“‘Soon, sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues will have another way to attract Kansans to their establishments,’” said governor Kelly. “‘Legalizing sports betting is a common-sense solution that will keep Kansans’ money in Kansas. It’s one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business, pro-growth state in the country.’”
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Kansas Reflector: Kansas sports wagering aims to beat Jan. 1 deadline, begin operations during football season
“Sports wagering in Kansas is effective July 1, and the governor said Monday she is optimistic state regulators will have live betting up and running as early as football season.
While projections for how much the state stands to gain from legal sports wagering vary, once up and running, Kelly touted the potential to help in critical areas. ‘It allows us to do things like fully fund our schools, fully fund our roads and expand broadband, Kelly said.’”
“Kelly also noted that SB 84 allows venues like restaurants and nonprofit fraternal or veteran organizations to hold sports wagering while also maintaining tribal sovereignty allowing the negotiation of new or existing gaming compacts regarding sports betting. In the spring, stakeholders told KCTV5 they believed sports betting would open up casinos and other businesses to a new clientele.”
“Forecasts indicate sports betting could create $1 million to $5 million in new revenue for Kansas. Under the terms of the bill, 80% of state-earned revenue from regulated sports wagering will be funneled to the Kansas Department of Commerce fund. Those proceeds could be allocated to developing a professional sports venue in the state.
It’s also believed that some Kansans are traveling to neighboring Colorado and Iowa to place bets, and that tide could be stemmed by launching sports wagering in the plains state.”
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