Kansas governor, Laura Kelly, signed a bill authorizing sports betting in the state into law. This, after it was presented to her by the Senate approved Bill 84 on May 12th.
The bill also allows historical horse racing machines in Kansas to be included in the state’s Parimutuel Racing Act.
The bill, which essentially expands the existing Lottery Act, will allow lottery facility managers to operate sports betting on behalf of the lottery. These managers will enter into partnerships with online sports betting operators.
It has been over a year since Senate 84 was first introduced. It passed the state Senate but didn’t progress further since some many amendments were made to it in the process. Eventually, it managed to move through the legislative pipeline once more when it was referred to the Committee on Federal and Stat Affairs earlier this year. From there, the bill swiftly progressed until Governor Kelly signed it into law this week.
Key features of Senate Bill 84
- Lottery facility managers may operate up to three interactive sports betting platforms.
- The application process for a license has to take place before September 1st, 2022. Applications for licenses can only be submitted once this application process has been put into motion.
- The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission will regulate sports betting and historical horse racing machines. It will also issue sports betting licenses and supplier licenses.