The Kansas Gambling Laws in a Nutshell
In Kansas, people may engage in a number of gambling activities. Not only can they bet at physical casinos, but soon, sports fans will be able to bet online. The latter is due to the fact that the state’s governor signed sports betting legislation into law in 2022. More information about the Kansas gambling laws can be found here.
Details about the Current Kansas Gambling Laws
The gambling industry made its way into Kansas back in the 1800s. Throughout the years, the Kansas gambling laws went through numerous changes. Luckily, today, residents of the state are provided with the opportunity to participate in several exciting activities, including casino gambling, playing bingo, betting on horse racing, and so on. In addition to all this, it is expected that in the second half of 2022, individuals of legal age will be able to bet on sports, as well. According to the latest bill, online and retail sports betting is about to be officially introduced to the state.
History of Gambling in Kansas
Even though gambling was accepted within the state of Kansas somewhere at the beginning of 1800, certain activities became legalized many years later. Today, there are several options people are presented with when it comes to betting. Pari-mutuel wagering surely is a popular option among punters. Betting on horse and dog racing became legitimate in 1986.
One year later, the Kansas Racing Commission was established. Simulcast betting was also legalized. At present, both activities are considered lawful, however, all racetracks in Kansas have had their licenses taken away. In 1995, tribal casinos got approved, as well. Several Indian tribes were permitted to offer Class II and Class III games in their gambling houses located in Kansas.
In 2007, the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act was introduced. It permitted the foundation of four casino resorts – one for each gaming zone in Kansas. Additionally, this act allowed the then-operating racetracks within the state to have electronic gaming machines within the respective facility. Simply put, the Kansas gambling laws are quite convenient for the majority of active players.
Gambling at Casinos in Kansas
Gambling at physical gambling houses in Kansas is utterly permitted for people who are at least 21. Almost every facility features poker and blackjack tables, numerous slot machines, roulette, and other classical casino games visitors may take their chances with. Some of the most popular casinos are Prairie Band Casino & Resort and Kansas Star Casino.
At some establishments, guests will also be able to engage in a fun game of bingo. There is a proposal for the foundation of a new casino resort in Kansas, however, it has not yet been confirmed if its formation will begin anytime soon. Right now, the overall number of gambling clubs in Kansas is 10.
Sports Betting in Kansas
The sports betting bill was signed in May, and in July, it officially became effective. It is expected for casino operators to offer sportsbooks at their respective facilities. However, it is still unclear what the process of applying for a sports betting license will look like. Casinos in Kansas that will be issued a license will have the legal right to offer in-person and online sports betting.
It has also been speculated that certain restaurants will also offer sports betting services to their guests. According to the recently updated Kansas gambling laws, the legal age for betting on sports will be the same as the legal age for gambling at casinos, namely 21. In the meantime, players may take their chances at offshore online sportsbooks.
Who Regulates Gambling in Kansas?
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is the authority that regulates all gambling activities within the state. The Commission is responsible for granting licenses and overseeing whether or not casinos abide by the Kansas gambling laws. The commercial casinos within the state are obligated to pay a 27% tax on gaming revenue.
Punters, on the other hand, will also have to pay taxes on their gambling winnings. However, there isn’t a fixed percentage they should consider. Instead, in the state, the tax a person should pay depends on their annual taxable income – the higher it is, the higher your taxes on gambling winnings will be.
FAQ
To conclude this informative article of ours, we will answer a few more additional questions regarding the Kansas gambling laws. We are positive that you can find all the necessary details on this page. Please, feel free to re-read the piece as many times as you wish, especially if you consider laying a bet on any gambling activity in Kansas.
1️⃣ Is online betting legal in Kansas?
At the moment, users cannot gamble at the licensed US casino sites. However, according to the available information, online sports betting will officially be introduced in the state at the end of 2022 since the sports betting bill was approved in May.
2️⃣ When did the Kansas gambling laws introduce betting in the state?
Gambling was officially introduced within the state of Kansas many years ago. However, according to Kansas's gambling history, the first legal gambling activity was horse betting, and it became legitimate in 1986. In the following year, the Kansas lottery was founded. And later, gambling at casinos became lawful, as well.
3️⃣ How many casinos are there in Kansas?
Currently there are ten operating KS casinos within the state. However, some of them offer more limited selections of games. The casino resorts in Kansas feature slot machines, poker tables, roulette, blackjack tables, bingo rooms, and so on. The smaller gambling facilities, on the other hand, offer several slots and a poker table.
4️⃣ Do the Kansas online gambling laws allow sports betting?
Although residents of the state still don't have the chance to lay bets on sports, this activity is immensely popular there. Thanks to the numerous offshore sportsbooks, people of legal age can try out their luck with multitudinous markets. Fortunately, in a few months' time, online and retail KS sports betting will be officially introduced in the state.
5️⃣ Should gamblers pay taxes as per the gambling laws in Kansas?
All players should take into account the fact that gambling winnings in Kansas are taxable. The taxes a punter is required to pay depend not only on the amount won from the respective betting activity but on their annual taxable income, as well.