Little chance of internet gambling in this state

Whilst a growing number of US states are moving toward the legalisation of online gambling in one form or another, Kansas will probably not be among them any time soon.

According to an Associated Prtess news agency report Tuesday, the Kansas Senate has added a proposal to ban online gambling to a bill aimed at introducing a state-owned land casino.

The vote Tuesday was 26-11 in favour of an amendment by Pittsburg Republican Jake LaTurner, who wants to make it illegal for Kansas residents to place bets online despite questions on whether such a ban could really be enforced.

Hitherto it has been the state of Washington that has become notorious for laws that allow the prosecution of players, with tough punitive measures that are currently being challenged by more enlightened state politicians

The underlying proposal to which the Kansas online gambling ban was attached revises a 2007 law authorising state-owned casinos and slot machines at dog and horse tracks.

The bill requires any prospective developer to invest at least $225 million in a land casino to be located in the southeast region of Kansas, and repeals the authorisation for racetrack slots.

Critics of the proposal say that the investment required has been set far too high and should be substantially reduced.