Sports betting legalised in Kansas

The Governor of the US state of Kansas, Laura Kelly, has signed a bill legalising sports betting into law.

Senate Bill 84 was first signed off by legislators in the state in late April. Kelly’s approval now means Kansas residents will soon be allowed to legally bet on sports teams – although a casino has now sued the state, immediately after approval, over a provision in the new law that also legalises historical horse racing.

“Legalising sports betting will bring more revenue to our state and grow our economy,” Kelly said. “This is another mechanism that casinos, restaurants and other entertainment venues can now utilise to attract Kansans to their establishments.”

The law calls for a 10 per cent tax on each bet, with estimates of about $41m in revenue for the state over the next five years. A total of 80 per cent is earmarked for a Kansas Department of Commerce fund to provide incentives for pro sports teams to come to the state, including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri.