Kansas Gambling Laws & Statutes

Folks may find themselves getting into a few forms of entertainment over the course of a weekend and an evening of chance is one of them. From coast to coast, people enjoy a card game, a couple passes at a slot machine and rolling the dice on luck for real money. One doesn’t have to be in Las Vegas to get into all of the action and those in Kansas may be surprised to know that have a few options for a night out so long as they adhere to the law. We have provided this page for those in the Sunflower State who wish to brush up on their local laws so that they may go out and safely make wagers on legal gambling sites for Kansas residents without worry or concern.

Important State Gambling Laws in Kansas

With the federal laws acting as a template, the state of Kansas has taken their own measures in forming gambling regulations unique to their own region. While local law follows suit with the national policies already in place, it is important to be aware of them.

21-6403 - It is important to see that a ‘Bet’ is its own definition outside of ‘Gambling’ in the State of Kansas. There is a list of exceptions to what a ‘bet’ means such as in licensed facilities or tribal casinos. A ‘bet’ is not a criminal act unless it is part of ‘Gambling,’ which by definition in the constitution implies playing with an illicit host.

21-4303 - Unlawful gambling outside of a licensed facility or sanctioned situation is a Class B Nonperson Misdemeanor in the State of Kansas and is punishable up to six months in jail and/or a small fine. It is akin to driving on a suspended license. It is important to note that this law is meant to discourage attendance at illicit casinos and does not apply to sanctioned facilities or legal gambling sites that Kansas residents may access in private.

21-6403(e) - One does not want to operate a ‘Gambling Place’ in the State of Kansas as it is akin to ‘Commercial Gambling’. Licensed facilities are exempt from this definition but authorities will indeed target any unlicensed facilities.

21-4304 - As is the case with federal law, this is a major offense in Kansas. The business of gambling is prohibited and all legislation points to punishing it heavily. ‘Commercial Gambling’ is a severity level 8 nonperson Felony that is punishable by sixteen months in prison and steep fines. Facilitating bets for profit off others is a serious no-no in the Sunflower State.

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Federal Laws Affecting Gambling & Online Gambling In Kansas

Wire Act – There are a few federal gambling laws on the books to take note of before venturing off to the craps tables. The Federal Wire Act is the oldest of these laws and passed in 1961 to help combat organized crime. The Act makes it unlawful to engage in the business of gambling by transmitting gambling information across state lines, which includes using the internet. While facilitators of bets are the target of this legislation, the recreational gambler is still free to place a bet legally in their favorite game of chance or skill. Only the conducting of a gambling business is illegal under the Wire Act.

PASPA – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) passed in 1992 and further strengthened federal gambling regulation. Focused primarily on the business of sports betting, this act made it illegal for any U.S. based sportsbook to operate in any state outside of Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. Lawmakers believed that sports betting was harming the moral fabric of America and made sure to root out any instances of corruption within any sport while not forbidding the simple act of placing a bet. It is only the venues to do so that are hard to come by after PASPA took effect.

UIGEA – Another important piece of federal legislation to be aware of is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The UIGEA passed in 2011 under the SAFE Port Act and deals specifically with financial transactions regarding a wager over the internet. No gambling business may accept or issue payments over the web if operating within U.S. territory. As with the other important federal laws, the UIGEA does not target recreational gamblers and only halts the business of gambling. This leaves legal Kansas gambling sites available for players to sign up.

Kansas Gambling Age

While there are a few instances where one may gamble in the Sunflower State at the age of 18, many casinos are strict in only allowing those aged 21 or older into their facilities. Legal gambling in the state of Kansas enables residents that are looking to place a wager over the internet may do so by the age of 18 years of age or older.

Online Gambling In Kansas...What's The Verdict?

So long as Kansas locals take a brief moment to be aware of their local laws, they will find that there are indeed instances where they may lawfully gamble. Both federal and state laws target the business of gambling or facilitating bets for profit off other but the average citizen is allowed many freedoms when wishing to place a bet. Anyone who is of legal age, visits only licensed facilities or legal online betting sites and only collects personal winnings, are perfectly able to enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. If you follow these rules, one does not have to drive to Nevada when wanting to have a fun evening with a game of skill or chance for real money.

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