By
Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor Updated: 19 February 2024
Lisa Spencer Senior Editor
As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.
It has been revealed recently that two state senators in Kansas, Senators Cindy Holscher and Virgil Peck, have introduced a bill that aims to almost entirely ban sports betting advertising. This is thought to be a move to curb the spread of online sports betting advertising in Kansas.
Officials in many states across the country have expressed concerns about the impact of sports betting ads. With problem gambling and debt becoming key issues in some states, there are concerns that heavy promotion and advertising could lead to more people developing issues with gambling and betting. This then means the need for more resources to tackle problem gambling issues.
Senate Bill No. 432 is titled ‘An Act concerning gaming; relating to sports wagering; prohibiting advertising of sports wagering through internet websites and electronic device applications.’ It seeks to ban nearly all online and in-app sports betting advertisements, with only two exceptions. These would be sports betting apps and operator websites.
If the bill is approved, the proposed ban will take effect on or before January 1, 2025. This is something that will have a huge impact on the sports betting industry in the state and could negatively affect operators hoping to generate more interest through promotions and ads.
The proposed bill states that no ads for sports betting:
…shall be published, broadcast, or otherwise presented through any internet website, other online medium, or electronic device application, except such advertisements may be published as part of the content offered by an interactive sports wagering platform that has been affirmatively accessed by an individual holding an account with such platform.
The legislation represents an increased level of advertising regulation compared to other states that have legalized online sports betting. While most states have regulations in place to prevent the targeting of minors and to ensure responsible gambling resources are included in advertisements, the proposed Kansas law takes these measures a step further.
Under current Kansas law, sportsbooks must already adhere to strict guidelines regarding advertising, ensuring that promotions do not target minors, problem gamblers, or other vulnerable individuals. In addition, advertisements must clearly identify the sponsoring sportsbook and provide contact information for gambling assistance services.
The two senators leading the effort to restrict advertising are keen for online sports betting advertisements to be accessible only through dedicated sportsbook platforms. This would mean that advertisements are not pushed in the faces of those who are not actively looking to place bets.
However, the proposed legislation does make one exception. Any advertising contracts in place as of July 1, 2024, will be allowed to run their course. This offers some relief to sportsbooks, which rely heavily on advertising to attract and retain customers.
If the bill passes through the remaining legislative hurdles, sportsbooks are likely to launch a flurry of marketing campaigns in a bid to capitalize on their existing advertising agreements before the proposed restrictions come into force, according to officials.
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