Less than 18 months after retail and online sports betting launched in Kansas, lawmakers in that state are considering tightening advertising guidelines to prevent sportsbook ads from being seen by minors and other at-risk groups, including those with gambling addiction.
Kansas’ law, which was passed in May 2022, earmarks 2% of sports betting revenue to be directed to problem and responsible gambling initiatives, and already prohibits advertising directly to minors, those on the state’s exclusion lists, and those with gambling addictions.
SB 432, which is one page, was introduced Jan. 31 and referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs Feb. 1. It would prohibit operators from advertising “through internet websites, other online mediums, or electronic device applications.” The bill would effectively ban advertising on social media sites.
Operators would be allowed to advertise on their own websites as “part of content offered by an interactive sports wagering platform,” as long as account holders agree to receive such advertising.