Kansas looks into integrity fees

Lawmakers are considering a bill to legalise sports betting in Kansas that would include integrity fees to be paid to major leagues.

US.- Sports betting remains at the centre of the debate in most states in the US, and Kansas is one of those looking to legalise the segment. However, the Legislature is considering a bill that would impose an integrity fee on operators, to be paid to sports leagues in the country.

Integrity fees have faced total rejection since states began discussing the segment, but Senate Bill N°23, called the Kansas Wagering Act, would require operators not only to pay such a fee but also a “sports betting right” to each sports governing body. The money would have to be paid at the end of each quarter and is the excuse sports leagues have found to get a cut of the business, even as they opposed its legalisation all the way until the Supreme Court struck PASPA down.

Should SB23 pass, the Kansas Lottery would be cleared to offer on-site sports betting, online and mobile options. However, land-based operations would be limited to facilities operated by the Lottery, approved retailers and other venues or racetracks with active agreements with the state’s gaming regulator.

The bill still needs to pass the committee, both Legislature chambers, and then get signed by the Governor. However, if it clears all those stages, it would turn Kansas in the first state to legalise the segment with integrity fees.