Though it will likely be a while yet before Kansas bettors can place wagers on their favourite sporting events, her signature will get the ball rolling on sports betting’s much-anticipated arrival.

The bill was finally approved by the State’s Senate and House of Representatives in late April after being formerly introduced to legislators back in 2020.

Broken down, the Senate voted 21 to 13 in favour, while the House of Representatives voted in favour by a margin of 73 to 49.

Once their approval had been secured, Kelly’s signature was all that remained to legalise sports betting, and now, as the ink dries on Senate Bill 84, Kansas joins more than 30 other states that have passed similar legislation.

This bill permits the Sunflower State’s four, state-affiliated casinos to offer both in-person and online sports betting. Each property may partner with up to three sportsbook operators.

Senate Bill 84 also permits venues like restaurants and non-profit fraternal or veterans organisations to offer sports betting.

“Legalising sports betting will bring more revenue to our state and grow our economy,” remarked Kelly.

“This is another mechanism that casinos, restaurants and other entertainment venues can now utilise to attract Kansans to their establishments.”

The state will levy a 10% tax on all revenue from sports betting, despite initial proposals calling for a 20% tax rate. Moreover, 80% of all tax revenue will be placed in a fund to attract professional sports teams to Kansas.