In May, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill legalizing sports betting in Kansas. By September, she placed the state’s first official bet on the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, Kansans have wagered $536 million on sports, while Kansas Lottery ticket sales surged, and revenue at the state’s four casinos declined.
My focus is on moral outrage. Recently, I was asked about the main theme of my opinion column. My answer: moral outrage. I seek out stories that should outrage Kansans and provide commentary, often with original reporting and historical context.
A recent study highlights the impact of sports betting on economically vulnerable households. The study found that low-income households spend a larger portion of their income on betting, which exacerbates financial strains. The research, conducted by the University of Kansas, used data from U.S. consumers to assess the effects of legalized sports betting on financial health.
In 2022, Kansas legislators passed a law allowing sports betting, influenced by lobbyists. Since then, $4 billion has been wagered in the state, with Kansas collecting about $18 million in taxes. However, the study suggests that sports betting may lead to increased debt and reduced savings, particularly among low-income households.
Researchers Kevin Pisciotta and Justin Balthrop from KU, who are also active sports bettors, emphasize the risks of sports betting. They warn that it can lead to financial instability, especially when people bet more than they can afford to lose.
The study also found that sports bettors are more likely to engage in other risky financial activities, such as investing in cryptocurrencies and accumulating credit card debt. The researchers argue for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable households.
While sports betting has brought new revenue to the state, most of it is earmarked to attract a major league sports team to Kansas—a goal unlikely to be realized. The study calls for policymakers to consider the broader financial implications and support safer investment opportunities.
My concern isn’t with those who choose to gamble but with Kansas lawmakers who were swayed by lobbyists to pass a flawed law. Instead of supporting education, health care, or community revitalization, the revenue is set aside for a project that may never happen. Lawmakers need to focus on helping Kansans, not adding to the burdens of those already struggling.
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