A yr in the past, Kansas joined the ranks of states that legalized sports activities betting. On September 1, it is going to be one yr because the state launched sports activities betting at state casinos. The brand new type of playing introduced plenty of adjustments for land-based casinos and playing dependancy initiatives. In keeping with the Kansas Lottery, sports activities betting generated $5.8 million in tax revenues throughout the first yr of operation.
Because the launch of sports activities betting within the Sunflower State, a few of the 9 casinos within the state even prolonged their working hours and employed extra individuals. Doug Lang, Kansas Star On line casino’s vp and basic supervisor, advised reporters from the native NBC affiliate that extra individuals go to the playing venue to observe video games, which permits the on line casino employees to introduce guests to their playing choices.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Fee (KRGC) mentioned that the method of introducing the brand new type of playing to the state was plain crusing. Figures present that sports activities betting is a well-liked pastime throughout the Sunflower State. Kansas sports activities betting generated a complete of $1.67 billion in deal with between July 2022 and June 2023. Throughout that interval, Kansas sportsbooks earned $149.1 million in income.
Nonetheless, the sports activities betting deal with was $79.7 million for July 2023, which is a 19% lower in comparison with June’s complete of $98.1 million. In keeping with trade insiders, this decline may be attributed to fewer sports activities betting choices accessible throughout the summer season months. Nonetheless, the soccer season is predicted to usher in extra income.
Taxes paid on playing winnings in Kansas depend upon annual revenue and tax brackets. The Kansas Lottery imposes a flat price of 5% on huge wins to cowl state tax.
The Rising Sports activities Betting Trade Raises Issues about Playing Problems
As sports activities betting grew to become authorized within the state, considerations had been raised in regards to the destructive impression of playing. South Central Kansas Downside Playing Process Pressure chair Stephenie Roberts revealed that the variety of calls to the issue playing helpline has barely elevated. Roberts introduced that the chance to guess via your smartphone makes a major distinction. She elaborated that the straightforward accessibility to sports activities betting will increase the chance of creating playing issues.
The KRGC said that about 150 individuals opted to exclude themselves from sports activities betting within the first yr. Sports activities betting is predicted to extend within the second yr as a result of individuals really feel extra comfy with putting bets on their telephones or at casinos. Trade insiders advocate punters to restrict the quantity of time and cash they spend on wagering.
As sports activities betting grows, the duty power requires extra promoting for the helpline and extra measures to stop youngsters from accessing bets on their telephones. The Kansas Coalition on Downside Playing (KCPG) supplies therapy totally free to individuals with playing issues.
