Kansas leads Missouri in its infamous ‘Border War’ college basketball rivalry, 175-95 all time.
Today it tallied another victory against its rival state by passing legal sports betting first.
The Kansas Senate voted in the wee hours of Friday morning 21-13 to legalize online and retail sports betting under a 10% tax. Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to sign the bill when it reaches her desk. It’s estimated to raise $10 million a year and should start by January 1, 2023.
Earlier this week the Senate rejected a proposal already passed by the House. The two sides came together Thursday agreeing to several concessions before passing the same legislation in both chambers:
-> Reimbursements paid to historic horse racing operators pending a Supreme Court decision that their machines breach the state’s gaming law.
-> Direction of a fund used to attract pro sports teams given to the Department of Commerce.
Permanent rules and regulations must be made by Jan. 2023, setting the state up for one of the fastest launches since the Supreme Court allowed them to legalize.
Kansas’ four casinos will hold three online licenses each and may partner with up to 50 private retailers. Tribes can also get involved if they wish.
