Lawmakers Face Discouraging Debate Over Sports Betting Legislation in Kansas
Kansas lawmakers continued hearing about the controversial topic of legal sports betting on Thursday, but the Committee on Federal and State Affairs adjourned with no vote. The hot debate revolves around HB 2671, which is considered unpopular due to its high tax rate and a mandate for "official league data."
Several sports betting bills are circulating in Topeka, with HB 2671 being the most contentious. Casinos, racetracks, pro sports venues, and the lottery could offer sports betting, both mobile, and retail, if HB 2671 passes.
Despite local casino lobbyists testifying in favor of the bill with reservations, national operator FanDuel Sportsbook remained neutral during the hearing. Testifying against the bill was Whitney Damron on behalf of the Hollywood Casino, who argued that the Kansas Lottery being an owner, operator, regulator, and competitor in this model is not appropriate.
Alternative options exist. SB 84, the Senate version of the bill passed by the Senate, calls for state-wide mobile sports betting, sets a lower tax rate, and does not have an official league data mandate. This bill may be more favorable for operators who see key differences in HB 2671, such as unlimited lottery kiosks, a 20% tax rate, and age restrictions for betting that created confusion.
Differences between HB 2671 and SB 84 could decide the future of sports betting in Kansas. Governor Laura Kelly is said to support the House version, while the legislature has until May 31 to make a decision. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may influence future meetings and decisions.
Enrichment Data:
HB 2671 was one of the early efforts to legalize sports betting in Kansas, aiming to allow over 1000 lottery retailers to offer sports betting in person. In contrast, Senate Bill 84, which passed in the Senate and later in the House, legalized both retail and online sports betting in Kansas while setting a lower tax rate. If you are referring to a different Senate Bill (SB 283), additional information would be needed to provide a detailed comparison.
- The ongoing debate among Kansas lawmakers revolves around the issue of sports betting, specifically HB 2671, which is considered controversial due to its high tax rate and a mandate for "official league data."
- Numerous sports betting bills are under consideration in Topeka, with HB 2671 being the most contentious among them.
- If HB 2671 passes, casinos, racetracks, pro sports venues, and the lottery could offer sports betting, both mobile and retail.
- Despite local casino lobbyists testifying in favor of the bill with reservations, national operator FanDuel Sportsbook remained neutral, and Whitney Damron on behalf of the Hollywood Casino argued against the bill.
- An alternative option is SB 84, the Senate version of the bill passed by the Senate, which calls for state-wide mobile sports betting, sets a lower tax rate, and does not have an official league data mandate.
- The differences between HB 2671 and SB 84 could determine the future of sports betting in Kansas, as Governor Laura Kelly expresses support for the House version while the legislature has until May 31 to make a decision.
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may influence future meetings and decisions regarding sports betting policy and legislation in Kansas.
- Personal growth opportunities in sports betting are also at stake, as investors and entrepreneurs aim to tap into the education-and-self-development market for sports analysis, sports-betting strategies, and mixed-martial-arts techniques.
- Unlike HB 2671, general news outlets are keeping tabs on various sports, such as football, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, and tennis, in the context of sports betting, politics, and legislation.
