Kansas lawmakers mull sports betting bill

On Tuesday Kansas lawmakers considered the pros and cons of legalised sports betting contingent on a positive ruling in the New Jersey case currently before the US Supreme Court.

Earlier this year a bill was filed to prepare for such a contingency, and lawmakers gathered to discuss the possibilities.

Despite the lure of possible hundreds of millions in state revenues flowing from legalisation, not all Kansas legislators were behind the idea, according to AP reports late Tuesday.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee hearing considered a bill that would allow the Kansas Lottery to offer sports betting in state-owned casinos, over the internet and with mobile apps.

Whitney Damron, a lobbyist for the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, said online betting and wagering with apps should not be allowed, limiting the new gambling to “brick-and-mortar” locations to promote foot traffic. In Kansas, the state lottery has four casinos, contracting with private companies to run them.

Bryan Seeley, a Major League Baseball senior vice president, said if the bill does pass, the league would want a share of the profits and betting available on mobile devices. It also would want casinos to share sports betting data with the league to help identify suspicious trends where illegal activity could be occurring.

Deliberations will continue in the absence of a vote progressing the bill.