It’s official. The Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly, signed the bill that will legalize sports betting in the state. The ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 84 took place on Monday in the company of multiple stakeholders in the state’s casino industry.
SB 84 will allow places such as restaurants and non-profit organizations to offer sports wagering. It will also allow state casinos to use digital platforms and create sportsbooks. The bill also allows the negotiation of sports betting gaming compacts with Native American tribes.
At the signing ceremony, Gov. Kelly said that sporting events, casinos, restaurants and other entertainment venues will soon have a new way of attracting state residents to their venues.
“Legalizing sports betting is a common-sense solution that will keep Kansans’ money in Kansas,” she said. “It’s one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business, pro-growth state in the country.”
Sports wagering becomes effective from July 1, although Gov. Kelly believes that it is more realistic to expect state regulators to have live betting in operation from the upcoming football season.
Sports betting will be controlled by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Regulators have until January 1st, 2023 to set up guidelines and launch operations.
A number of major operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings have already announced plans to partner with state casinos in order to offer sports betting services.