With Kansas’ 2019 legislative session in full swing, many policymakers have sports betting on their minds. Since the Supreme Court struck down the failed federal ban in May 2018, seven new states created and implemented legal sports betting markets. In the coming months, Kansas could potentially join their ranks.
Currently, there are two sports betting bills in Kansas: H 2032 and S 23.
According to the American Gaming Association a safe, legal sports gamin market would have a big eonomic impact in Kansas.
According to the organization, here’s what legal sports betting markets can do:
- Protect consumers, athletes and fans by providing a safe, regulated alternative to the dangerous illegal sports betting market; and
- Positively impact state and local economies through job creation and overall economic impact.
Already, the gaming industry is a crucial economic driver in Kansas. The most recent data shows gaming supports 7,457 jobs, contributes $261.5 million to the state and local governments, and has an overall economic impact. T
he potential benefits of introducing legal, regulated sports betting in Kansas have been well documented. A study from Oxford Economics found that if sports betting was conveniently available in Kansas with a base tax rate, the Sunflower State could:
- Add 2,123 jobs; and
- Add $29.7 million to state and local tax revenue.
Kansas is already home to commercial and tribal gaming operators that support jobs for more than 7,000 Kansans and $261.5 million in tax revenue and tribal revenue share payments annually for all levels of government. Gaming tax revenue funds critical infrastructure projects in the state. State gaming taxes are also used to reduce the state’s debt and property taxes paid by Kansas residents.
