Follow the money: How casinos got what they wanted in Kansas’ sports wagering law

Casino, sports teams and their owners have donated at least $ 300, 000 to more than 170 political campaigns since 2018. Let's see who donated the most.

by Miranda Moore September 2, 2022

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Follow the money: How casinos got what they wanted in Kansas’ sports wagering law

Beacon, by Miranda Moore: Kansas City 2022 September 2,

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On September 1st, a sports gambling started in Kansas, and Governor Laura Kelly performed a ceremony in Hollywood casinos in Kansas Speedway. For four years, when the gambling industry had been excited to establish a law to recognize sports gambling in Kansas, the casinos, sports teams, and owners have donated at least $ 22, 000 to Governor Kelly's election campaign. (Photo provided: Governor Laura Kelly)

Overview:

Casinos, gambling companies, and sports teams have been deeply involved in the establishment of the law, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars in the election funds of Kansas and regulatory authorities.

Beacon of the press includes legislative documents such as corporate websites and press releases, business registration documents submitted to at least five state institutions, testimony of public hearing, voting records of parliamentary, and leading to an archive video distribution of legislative procedures. It depends on the public information, such as the Robyist registration list and election fund data available from the State Ethics Committee.

When Governor Laura Kelly signed a Sportsbetting legalization in May last year, it was a culmination of fou r-year lobbying, negotiations, and gambling industries.

Casinos, gambling companies, and sports teams have been deeply involved in the establishment of the law, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars in the election funds of Kansas and regulatory authorities.

The initiative began in 2018 that the Federal Supreme Court had overturned sports gambling. Since that year, casinos, sports organizations, and their leaders have donated at least $ 300, 000 to more than 170 political campaigns in Kangzas, and on the other hand, regulations on sports gambling that can make money. What we have proposed to us has been revealed in the Beacon analysis of the election fund record. The lobbyist, hired by a casino, made at least $ 100, 000 elections at the same time.

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After all, the casino industry is a tax that is lower than average, geographical restrictions to rea l-stor e-type casinos in contrast to lottery dealers, betting venue at professional sporting events, and s o-called "integrity fees" to sports leagues. We have obtained many demands, including the supplementation, the casino selected, such as the sportsbook vendor.

Phil Raffin, a billionaire, the owner of Wichita Grayhound Park, has fulfilled his hope in his dog park with a "historical horse racing" machine similar to a slot machine. (Raffin's Dog Park stopped operating in 2007, voting against the installation of a slot machine in 2007.

What is the return? No one knows. The earning forecast presented by the state is old and inaccurate. The ratio of states to account for sports gambling income was reduced by half from 20 % to 10 % during negotiations. "It's the best for casinos, but the worst for taxpayers," said Paul Wagoner (Republican, Hatchinson. " < SPAN> Beacon of the press includes legislative legislation, such as corporate websites and press releases, business registration documents submitted to at least five state institutions, testimony of public hearing, voting records of parliamentary members, and conductor's archive video distribution. It depends on the information that is open to the public, such as documents, lobbyist registration lists and election fund data available from the Kansas Government Ethics Committee.

When Governor Laura Kelly signed a Sportsbetting legalization in May last year, it was a culmination of fou r-year lobbying, negotiations, and gambling industries.

Industry involved in Kansas sports wagering bill from the beginning

Casinos, gambling companies, and sports teams have been deeply involved in the legal enactment, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars in the funds of the Kansas Congress and regulatory authorities.

The initiative began in 2018 that the Federal Supreme Court had overturned sports gambling. Since that year, casinos, sports organizations, and their leaders have donated at least $ 300, 000 to more than 170 political campaigns in Kangzas, and on the other hand, regulations on sports gambling that can make money. What we have proposed to us has been revealed in the Beacon analysis of the election fund record. The lobbyist, hired by a casino, made at least $ 100, 000 elections at the same time.

We will deliver local news to the receiving tray for free.

After all, the casino industry is a tax that is lower than average, geographical restrictions to rea l-stor e-type casinos in contrast to lottery dealers, betting venue at professional sporting events, and s o-called "integrity fees" to sports leagues. We have obtained many demands, including the supplementation, the casino selected, such as the sportsbook vendor.

Phil Raffin, a billionaire, the owner of Wichita Grayhound Park, has fulfilled his hope in his dog park with a "historical horse racing" machine similar to a slot machine. (Raffin's Dog Park stopped operating in 2007, voting against the installation of a slot machine in 2007.

What is the return? No one knows. The earning forecast presented by the state is old and inaccurate. The ratio of states to account for sports gambling income was reduced by half from 20 % to 10 % during negotiations. Paul Wagon (Republican, Hatchinson elected) said, "It's the best for casinos, but the worst for taxpayers." Beacon of the press includes legislative documents such as corporate websites and press releases, business registration documents submitted to at least five state institutions, testimony of public hearing, voting records of parliamentary, and leading to an archive video distribution of legislative procedures. It depends on the public information, such as the Robyist registration list and election fund data available from the State Ethics Committee.

When Governor Laura Kelly signed a Sportsbetting legalization in May last year, it was a culmination of fou r-year lobbying, negotiations, and gambling industries.

Casinos, gambling companies, and sports teams have been deeply involved in the legal enactment, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars in the funds of the Kansas Congress and regulatory authorities.

Unpopular concessions nearly killed Kansas sports wagering bill

The initiative began in 2018 that the Federal Supreme Court had overturned sports gambling. Since that year, casinos, sports organizations, and their leaders have donated at least $ 300, 000 to more than 170 political campaigns in Kangzas, and on the other hand, regulations on sports gambling that can make money. What we have proposed to us has been revealed in the Beacon analysis of the election fund record. The lobbyist, hired by a casino, made at least $ 100, 000 elections at the same time.

We will deliver local news to the receiving tray for free.

After all, the casino industry is a tax that is lower than average, geographical restrictions to rea l-stor e-type casinos in contrast to lottery dealers, betting venue at professional sporting events, and s o-called "integrity fees" to sports leagues. We have obtained many demands, including the supplementation, the casino selected, such as the sportsbook vendor.

Phil Raffin, a billionaire, the owner of Wichita Grayhound Park, has fulfilled his hope in his dog park with a "historical horse racing" machine similar to a slot machine. (Raffin's Dog Park stopped operating in 2007, voting against the installation of a slot machine in 2007.

What is the return? No one knows. The earning forecast presented by the state is old and inaccurate. The ratio of states to account for sports gambling income was reduced by half from 20 % to 10 % during negotiations. "It's the best for casinos, but the worst for taxpayers," said Paul Wagoner (Republican, Hatchinson. "

The influence of the industry in the legal enactment process was very relentless and disadvantageous for Kansas people, so it would be like another member of the Diet would stand in front of the avalanche without knowing how to stop the avalanche. Compared.

In the wake of the Federal Supreme Court ruling in 2018, each state began to build a legal infrastructure necessary to support gambling, which promised to be a profitable business. Some of the stakeholders in the gambling industry were excited to negotiate before the regulation became valid. In Kansas, four bills were submitted before the federal government banned sports gambling.

In December 2018, the parliament called the Special Committee and examined legal options on sports gambling before the opening of the next regular meeting in January of the following year. One month after the Democratic Party Laura Kelly beat the Republican Party Chris Kobak in the governor's election.

Among the attendees, there were four casinos owned by Kansas, three professional sports leagues, and Robyist, representing the sports betting company.

Ohio's Senator, a Senator, was also present and testified as a peer, but was supported by customers with two casinos in Kansas. Ohio's Senator, a member of the Ohio, invited a member of the Kansas selection to New Orleans casinos.

Who got the most money?

Of the eleven people who did testimony on this day, they were not related to the gaming industry or legislative staff, one of the mental hygiene services defended who demanded that sports gambling bills include funds for treating addiction. It was just.

For the next three years, there were similar attendees at public hearings held for each bill. Since 2018, at least 17 sports gambling bills have been submitted and deliberated, and 141 testimonies have been conducted in seven public hearings. More than 50 of them were testimonies from executives and agents in the gaming industry. All of these bills were ultimately abolished, except for one.

About three years after the bill began, Kansas did not establish the Sports Gambling Law, but the discussions were confused as the number of states that made the Sports Gambling Law all over the United States increased, and the exhausted members were exhausted. He began to blame the casino that it dominated the bill deliberation process and has influenced the bill at the expense of the Kansas people to make it a profit. < SPAN> The influence of the industry in the legal enactment process was very relentless and disadvantageous for Kansas, so another member of the Diet would stand in front of an avalanche without knowing how to stop the avalanche. It was a thing.

In the wake of the Federal Supreme Court ruling in 2018, each state began to build a legal infrastructure necessary to support gambling, which promised to be a profitable business. Some of the stakeholders in the gambling industry were excited to negotiate before the regulation became valid. In Kansas, four bills were submitted before the federal government banned sports gambling.

Related Stories from The Kansas City Beacon

• In December 2018, the parliament called the Special Committee and examined legal options on sports gambling before the opening of the next regular meeting in January of the following year. One month after the Democratic Party Laura Kelly beat the Republican Party Chris Kobak in the governor's election.
• Among the attendees, there were four casinos owned by Kansas, three professional sports leagues, and Robyist, representing the sports betting company.
• Ohio's Senator, a Senator, was also present and testified as a peer, but was supported by customers with two casinos in Kansas. Ohio's Senator, a member of the Ohio, invited a member of the Kansas selection to New Orleans casinos.

Campaign donations from casinos

Of the eleven people who did testimony on this day, they were not related to the gaming industry or legislative staff, one of the mental hygiene services defended who demanded that sports gambling bills include funds for treating addiction. It was just.

For the next three years, there were similar attendees at public hearings held for each bill. Since 2018, at least 17 sports gambling bills have been submitted and deliberated, and 141 testimonies have been conducted in seven public hearings. More than 50 of them were testimonies from executives and agents in the gaming industry. All of these bills were ultimately abolished, except for one.

About three years after the bill began, Kansas did not establish the Sports Gambling Law, but the discussions were confused as the number of states that made the Sports Gambling Law all over the United States increased, and the exhausted members were exhausted. He began to blame the casino that it dominated the bill deliberation process and has influenced the bill at the expense of the Kansas people to make it a profit. The influence of the industry in the legal enactment process was very relentless and disadvantageous for Kansas, so another member of the Diet would stand in front of an avalanche without knowing how to stop the avalanche. Compared.

In the wake of the Federal Supreme Court ruling in 2018, each state began to build a legal infrastructure necessary to support gambling, which promised to be a profitable business. Some of the stakeholders in the gambling industry were excited to negotiate before the regulation became valid. In Kansas, four bills were submitted before the federal government banned sports gambling.

In December 2018, the parliament called the Special Committee and examined legal options on sports gambling before the opening of the next regular meeting in January of the following year. One month after the Democratic Party Laura Kelly beat the Republican Party Chris Kobak in the governor's election.

Among the attendees, there were four casinos owned by Kansas, three professional sports leagues, and Robyist, representing the sports betting company.

Ohio's Senator, a member of the Ohio, was present and testified as a peer, but was supported by customers with two casinos in Kansas. Ohio's Senator, a member of the Ohio, invited a member of the Kansas selection to New Orleans casinos.

Of the eleven people who did testimony on this day, they were not related to the gaming industry or legislative staff, one of the mental hygiene services defended who demanded that sports gambling bills include funds for treating addiction. It was just.

For the next three years, there were similar attendees at public hearings held for each bill. Since 2018, at least 17 sports gambling bills have been submitted and deliberated, and 141 testimonies have been conducted in seven public hearings. More than 50 of them were testimonies from executives and agents in the gaming industry. All of these bills were ultimately abolished, except for one.

About three years after the bill began, Kansas did not establish the Sports Gambling Law, but the discussions were confused as the number of states that made the Sports Gambling Law all over the United States increased, and the exhausted members were exhausted. He began to blame the casino that it dominated the bill deliberations and has influenced the bill at the expense of the Kansas people to make it a profit.

"My opinion is that the Senate bill is created by the casino and dominates the full aspects of sportsbook gaming, so it is my opinion that casinos will not compromise at this time." ・ Barker House of Representatives in February 2021 gave testimonies opposing the initial version of the Senate bill 84.

One year later, Barker is a surprise at a midnight last minute, with 80 % of the profits of sports gambling, which were hated by many members, to the funds to be used for the construction of future professional sports teams. While making concessions, such as adding, the bill will be led to passing the lower house.

"If other teams can be invited, there is nothing better," Barker submitted the clause to the lower house at 11:30 pm on April 1, April 1, the last day of the regular parliament. At the request of the Republican leadership, he told Dennis "Boug" (Democratic Party, Lawrence State) that he submitted this bill, which has never appeared in public bills or past bills. 。

WyCo sports facilities will get in-person sports wagering

The fact that most of the state's future sports gambling revenue was used for the construction of professional sports stadiums has never been discussed in a few hours of negotiations at the meeting committee on the same day. During the negotiations, Senator Barker and Senator Rob Olson (selected by Aorason) agree to each other about this policy, which was not spoken in voice and was not discussed anymore. While ambiguous, I exchanged a nod like I knew. However, it was the last day of the normal session, and the state council was a summoning rumor to members and the accusation of retaliation for the state's highest ethics in the revised proposal of Olson himself, so the members of the committee. Nobody asked what the Barker and Orson agreed.

Rob Olson, a member of Parliament, who has agreed to a amendment of the Senate Bill 84 on sports gambling, smiles at Barker, who tells Barker. That night, Barker submitted a report on the SB84 meeting committee. The report included an unprecedented clause to use 80 % of the revenue of sports gambling to the Professional Sports Stadium Construction Fund to promote team relocation to Kansas. (Kansas Congress YouTube/ Miranda Moore Screenshot)

The submission of this amendment has been angry at some members, including Henry Helgarson (selected in Wichita).

"I don't know what the secret games are, but I want somebody to tell me what's going on," Helgerson said from the chamber's podium. "That's not the last game we're going to play."

Helgerson sent the bill back to a conference committee to try to kill it.

Rep. Francis Auerkamp (R-St. Marys) likened his experience opposing the sports betting bill to standing before an avalanche.

"This bill, in my eyes, is of the casinos, by the casinos, for the casinos. Everything in this bill is for the casinos."

Will Sedgwick County get historical horse racing machines?

Just after midnight, the bill passed the House by a narrow margin of 14 votes. A few weeks later, the Senate passed it by a similar margin. When the House passed it again, supporters gained another 10 votes. Where power is concentrated, so are donations: Casinos and sports organizations, along with their owners and operators, have donated more to executive branch candidates than congressional candidates, to Senate candidates than House candidates, and to legislative leadership than rank-and-file lawmakers.

The industry has donated the most to vetoes of sports betting laws over the past four years: Governor Laura Kelly wore a jacket with the Barstool Sportsbook logo while placing a $15 bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on the first day sports betting was legal in Kansas. Casinos, sports organizations and team owners gave at least $22, 000 to Kelly's campaigns between 2018 and 2021. The largest donor, giving at least $6, 000, was Hollywood Casino, which shares a parent company with Barstool Sportsbook.

Kelly's governor's election challenger, Derek Schmidt Current Secretary, has been recorded from 2018 to 2021, receiving a donation of at least $ 18, 000 from the sports team owners, casinos, and its operating companies. I am. Prior to the enforcement on September 1, the office, President Schmidt, had undergone provisional regulations on sports gambling.

The industry has also donated average about $ 700 on average to parliamentary and committee leadership, compared to colleagues who are not leading, and average for each candidate.

One year later, the Pandemic "Victory Hanazono" is still blooming at KC.

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• Casino, his brother companies and managers provided at least $ 200, 000 to Kansas politicians from 2018 to 2021. The lobbyist hired by a casino gave at least $ 100, 000 election donations at the same time, but the election funding data did not know if the lobbyist donation was made for specific customers.
• Kansas Speedway Hollywood Casino

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According to election funds, Hollywood casinos in Kansas Speedway have donated more than $ 55, 000 to 57 public office candidates in Kansas. The lobbyist, hired by the casino, provided $ 21, 000 to 55 candidates throughout the lobing client portfolio.

In the meantime, the legislative committee's document revealed that the Casino and their parent company, the parent company, the profits of Pen National Gaming, have been testimony at least seven times in the legislative committee. Hollywood casinos ultimately have obtained many demands on the new law, including geographical restrictions on historical horse racing game consoles to minimize competition and permission to use data provided by internal sportsbooks.

Current Secretar y-General Derek Schmidt, the current state of Derek Schmidt, Kangas Crossing Casino < SPAN> Kelly's governor's electioner, donated at least $ 18, 000 from the sports team owners, casinos, and its operating companies. What I received remained in the record. Prior to the enforcement on September 1, the office, President Schmidt, had undergone provisional regulations on sports gambling.

The industry has also donated average about $ 700 on average to parliamentary and committee leadership, compared to colleagues who are not leading, and average for each candidate.

One year later, the Pandemic "Victory Hanazono" is still blooming at KC.

KC's refugee, growing roots in the agricultural program and earns income

Wild grass or weeds? Management issues in the Kansas City Ordinance

Pro Teams Risk “Scandal”

Casino, his brother companies and managers provided at least $ 200, 000 to Kansas politicians from 2018 to 2021. The lobbyist hired by a casino gave at least $ 100, 000 election donations at the same time, but the election funding data did not know if the lobbyist donation was made for specific customers.

Kansas Speedway Hollywood Casino

According to election funds, Hollywood casinos in Kansas Speedway have donated more than $ 55, 000 to 57 public office candidates in Kansas. The lobbyist, hired by the casino, provided $ 21, 000 to 55 candidates throughout the lobing client portfolio.

In the meantime, the legislative committee's document revealed that the Casino and their parent company, the parent company, the profits of Pen National Gaming, have been testimony at least seven times in the legislative committee. Hollywood casinos ultimately have obtained many demands on the new law, including geographical restrictions on historical horse racing game consoles to minimize competition and permission to use data provided by internal sportsbooks.

Current Secretar y-General Derek Schmidt, the current state of Kansas Crossing Casino Kelly, has received an election donation of at least $ 18, 000 from 2018 to 2021 from the sports team owners, casinos, and its operating companies. That remains in the record. Prior to the enforcement on September 1, the office, President Schmidt, had undergone provisional regulations on sports gambling.

Teams Want Revenue Stream

The industry has also donated average about $ 700 on average to parliamentary and committee leadership, compared to colleagues who are not leading, and average for each candidate.

One year later, the Pandemic "Victory Flower Garden" is still blooming at KC.

KC's refugee, growing roots in the agricultural program and earns income

Wild grass or weeds? Management issues in the Kansas City Ordinance

Bowling for Sports Betting Scraps

Casino, his brother companies and managers provided at least $ 200, 000 to Kansas politicians from 2018 to 2021. The lobbyist hired by a casino gave at least $ 100, 000 election donations at the same time, but the election funding data did not know if the lobbyist donation was made for specific customers.

Kansas Speedway Hollywood Casino

According to election funds, Hollywood casinos in Kansas Speedway have donated more than $ 55, 000 to 57 public office candidates in Kansas. The lobbyist, hired by the casino, provided $ 21, 000 to 55 candidates throughout the lobing client portfolio.

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In the meantime, the legislative committee's document revealed that the Casino and his parent company, the parent company, the profits of Pen National Gaming, have performed at least seven times in the legislative committee. Hollywood casinos ultimately have obtained many demands on the new law, including geographical restrictions on historical horse racing game consoles to minimize competition and permission to use data provided by internal sportsbooks.

Kansas Crossing Casino

The owners of the company that operates Kansas Crossing Casino are a group of five real estate developers with ties to Kansas who have donated at least $69, 000 across party lines to more than 100 candidates since 2018, campaign finance data shows. Donations made under the casino's name include at least $9, 000 to 21 candidates. Bruce Christenson, who owns companies in Houston and Topeka, has donated at least $37, 500 to 67 candidates. Another owner, Wichita developer George Laham, has donated at least $13, 500 to 10 candidates through a holding company. Other partners, including Houston real estate developer James Walker and Topeka commercial contractor Bruce McPherson, have collectively donated at least $4, 000 to five candidates since 2018. Companies linked to McPherson and Christenson, who have long-standing business ties, have contributed at least $5, 000 to four other candidates, including identical campaign contributions to Kelly and Schmidt just days apart.

The operators of Kansas Crossing Casino also built Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City. They shared ownership with Butler National Corporation until 2020, when they sold their remaining interest to Butler. The group still owns the hotel and other properties adjacent to Boot Hill.

Christenson has testified before legislative committees at least three times since 2018, arguing against allowing lottery retailers to serve as sports betting venues and has repeatedly advocated for limiting mobile sports betting to apps managed through casinos.

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Since 2018, lobbyists who have defended Kansas Crossing Casino's interests in sports betting at least four hearings have donated at least $30, 000 to more than 30 candidates during that time, campaign finance records show.

Kansas Star Casino

Boyd Gaming, which operates the Kansas Star Casino 17 miles south of Wichita, donated $12, 500 to eight candidates during the period in which the company testified before lawmakers at least six times. Representatives of the casino argued for allowing the use of data vendors other than the official leagues for sports betting settlements as long as the vendors had comparable data, a provision that was added to the final law. Boyd Gaming lobbyists have donated at least $38, 000 to 30 candidates during that time.

Boot Hill Casino

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Dodge City's Boothill Casino has donated $ 2, 250 to eight candidates since 2018. The election funding has shown that the airline, Batler National Corporation, headquartered in the casino parent company, Orate, has donated more than $ 35, 000 to 56 candidates through its construction subsidiaries. The company's lobbyist has donated more than $ 20, 000 to 50 candidates. During this time, the company has been testifying at least seven times. Boot Hill Casino requests were the same as other casinos, claiming to limit sports gambling to casinos with real stores, including via mobile apps.

Under the new law, two nearby sports facilities in Wyandotte County will have sports gambling at live events for the time being.

Kansas Speedway, owned by NASCAR, is the only auto race in Kansas. The Hollywood casino adjacent to the speedway operates a sports gambling on the speedway through BARSTool Sportsbook. Pen National Gaming owns both Hollywood Casino and Burstour Sports. The casino has already announced a naming right on the race on September 11.

One in 10 college students

NASCAR's subsidiary Amer Clown Service Corporation has donated at least $ 17, 000 to more than 40 candidates since 2018. Kansas Speedway, also under NASCAR, donated $ 3, 500. Kansas Speedway has not given a testimony to members of sports gambling, but the speedway is adjacent to Hollywood casinos and partnered with the casino, extending the testimony in favor of the sports gambling law. went.

Next to Speedway is Kansas's only professional sports stadium, Chilled Lens Mercy Park, and is owned by the professional soccer team, Kansas City.

Greg Made, the owner of Sporting Kansas City, has donated $ 18, 000 to 20 candidates in Kansas since 2018 through a small number of LLCs registered under his own name based in Missouri. 。 Mady has donated a more $ 6, 000 candidate to the Governor of Kansas. Other owners such as Cliff Irig, Pat Kalan, and Rob Hineman have donated at least $ 8, 000 to political campaigns.

Sporting Kansas City also donated $1, 000 in its own name to Governor Laura Kelly's campaign. Jake Reed, president and CEO of Sporting Kansas City, has testified favorably twice before the legislative committee on sports betting, telling lawmakers that legalizing sports betting would be an entertainment option that would attract fans and bring in out-of-state visitors.

Sporting Kansas City has not yet announced sports betting on-site, but Reed said earlier this year that it is exploring future options and that it has an existing relationship with Hollywood Casino.

The new law allows 1, 000 "historic horse racing machines" at Wichita Greyhound Park, owned by Phil Ruffin. The machines look like slot machines, but instead of randomizing play results, they determine winners based on the results of horse races that have been held in the past. Lobbyists hired to defend Ruffin's business portfolio urged lawmakers during a hearing on sports betting to allow electronic gaming machines at racetracks. This is Ruffin's latest attempt to place some kind of gaming machine at the racetrack since Sedgwick County voters rejected a measure in 2007 that would have allowed slot machines.

But shortly after the law was signed, Boyd Gaming sued the state of Kansas for breach of contract, alleging that the proximity of casino machines to Boyd's Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane violated a non-compete agreement in the casino operating agreement with the Kansas Horse Racing and Gaming Commission. The first hearing on that case is scheduled for November.

A few weeks earlier, in one of the final hearings on sports betting before the law was passed, Ruffin's lawyers submitted testimony to the Legislature that specifically mentioned the possibility of litigation. The law's historic horse racing machine provisions anticipated litigation. They include instructions on how to proceed if a lawsuit is filed, a severance clause that would protect the rest of the law if the part that allows the machines is struck down, and a provision that would require historic horse racing machine facilities to pay state court-ordered fees.

Marco Schaden contributed to this report.

Since 2018, Raffin has donated more than $ 50, 000 to more than 100 candidates aiming for public office in Kansas, including 19 state candidates, and each candidate is $ 1, 000. Donated between $ 1, 500. Raffin also has almost only $ 500 or less to nearly 90 State Congress candidates. Raffin's lobbyist donated $ 4, 500 to seven candidates.

The Supreme Court's role

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Earlier this week, when Cincinnati Reds Doug Hierley CFO testified about sports betting in the Ohio State Congress, he clarified his perspective from a professional team in the state.

Cincinnati Reds's Doug Healey's Supreme Finance (CFO) testified on Wednesday at the Ohio State Gaming Special Committee. Healyy told legislators that the state professional sports team would like to be able to tie with approved gaming operators. (Image: Ohio Channel)

"I was like a coke addict"

He asked the State Gaming Special Committee to create a bill that does not monopolize the sports betting license from the casino operating company.

Instead, it is necessary to function like a "thre e-legged stool" with casinos, states, and sports teams. Teams like Reds also need to get a license as the feet of this stool. It includes retail stores and mobile sales vehicles around the stadium and around the stadium.

Especially because sports betting was derived from our business. "Sportsbetting legalization in Ohio has a risk to our sports, but we are happy to accept it if we can benefit from the market.

Universities scramble to catch up

Ohio has eight major leagues franchises, three in Cincinnati and Cleveland, each of the Columbus. If the members of the Diet regard the Mua Field Village Golf Club as the venue for professional sports, the Columbus area could be the third venue. This course will hold a PGA tour memorial tournament.

There are also four ful l-fledged casinos in the state, and seven Lycino with video lottery terminals.

The Reds have a history of sports betting, and it's not a healthy one. In 1919, eight Chicago White Sox players were accused of gambling money. The so-called Black Sox Scandal led to the banishment of eight Chicago players.

Seven decades later, the Reds were again linked to gambling when MLB banned Reds legend and then-team manager Pete Rose for life. He was later found to have gambled on Reds-related games. Rose initially denied the allegations, but later admitted to them in the years that followed.

Healy didn't directly address either incident, but he did talk about the risk that sports betting poses to sports teams.

"Our risk is scandal. If our fans can't believe that our players are playing their best every day, or that the results are rigged, then we can't do anything."

Treatment can be effective—when it's available

He added that professional teams opposed the bill in the state legislature last year because neither truly recognized the "important role sports plays" in gambling.

There are also economic factors to this. Last year, the Reds and Cleveland Indians played truncated seasons without fans in attendance due to COVID-19. This caused a big economic hit. MLB plans to have a 162-game season this year, but it is still unclear whether Cincinnati will be able to accommodate full crowds.

Other professional sports teams have experienced similar problems.

Healy told lawmakers that other jurisdictions have passed laws allowing professional franchises to partner with licensed operators. Last year, the Chicago Cubs signed a deal with DraftKings. In Washington, D. C., William Hill operates a retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena.

It's entirely possible that some teams have providers in mind as partners. The Reds, Indians and NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets are broadcasting games on a soon-to-be-rebranded Bally's Sports regional network. Bally's paid Sinclair Broadcast Group for naming rights and has plans to incorporate sports betting technology into its content.

Sports franchises aren't the only ones looking to offer sports betting alongside casinos. A few weeks ago, a lobbyist for Ohio grocery stores sued for supermarkets to offer sports betting in a way similar to the lottery. On Wednesday, even the Ohio Bowling Center Association made a similar argument.

According to David Corie Vice President, casino businesses predict that mobile apps will absorb 85 % of the Ohio market. Retail sports books will be 5 % to 10 %.

"So, what we are talking about is the only scrap we are talking about, but these scraps are very important for local Ohio businesses." We are Ohio's business outside the state. I don't think we should continue to give new monopoly. "

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• At least a casino operating company is skeptical of expanding sports betting regulations to sports teams and other businesses.
• Dan Rheheard, a senior vice president in charge of JACK Entertainment, stated that in other sports betting data, five businesses would control about 95 % of the market. In that case, the remaining Licensei has little market share.
• If each sports team gets a license and each casino and a racetrack get a license, up to 15 companies will compete for the remaining 5 %. This does not include the possibility of sports betting by lottery.
• "Jack believes that 11 mobile sports books will make the state maximize revenue, along with 11 retail sportsbooks on casinos and racetracks.
• At the end of last year, Dan Gilbert, the owner of Cleveland Cavaliers, who established Jack Entertainment, sold the company's shares to management.
• Evan Ozmat, who was enrolled in a psychology doctoral course at the University of Orbanie, was hoping to hear about their health issues when they began counseling HIV and drug abuse. Instead, he asked about gambling issues.
• "Since this project started three years ago, students have begun to talk about gambling without any warning. It is everywhere. According to the SPAN> Vice President of David Corie, casino operators predict that mobile apps will absorb 85 % of the Ohio market. Retail sports books will be 5 % to 10 %.
• "So, what we are talking about is the only scrap we are talking about, but these scraps are very important for local Ohio businesses." We are Ohio's business outside the state. I don't think we should continue to give new monopoly. "