News writer
The Kansas Lottery Commission made a bold move on Tuesday, August 27, as they announced that online lottery sales will be coming to the state!
Bringing in additional revenue
The Kansas Lottery Commission announced the big news after they adopted new rules that would allow the state to add online lottery sales for players.
What does a move like this mean for the state? The agency said online lottery sales could bring in an additional $10-20 million in revenue per year, which they are hoping could help line a state fund to attract pro sports teams to the state.
What will players be able to purchase online?
With the addition of online lottery sales, officials said it would make lottery games — like Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-offs — available for purchase on the Kansas Lottery's website and mobile app.
Officials said that casino-style games, like Blackjack, would not be included on the website and mobile apps.
Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery, said:
Giving our players the ability to purchase our products in this fashion is something they have wanted for a very long time. We are excited to be able to provide new games and purchasing options, safely and securely, for players in the state. Just as we were pleased to bring Kansas sports betting through mobile applications, we are happy to now be able to provide players this new opportunity under existing law.
Timeline and professional sports
So, when can Kansas lottery players start enjoying the perks of online ticket sales? A spokesman for the Kansas Lottery told KSNT that the commission is still working on a timeline for implementing online sales. However, they said it could take effect as soon as later this year or early 2025.
The state is pushing hard for a professional sports team to come to Kansas, which they are hoping the addition of online lottery sales can help.
According to this year's Kansas state budget, the lottery has been directed to shift tens of millions of dollars in additional lottery revenue to this new fund, which is titled the “Attracting Pro Sports Team Fund.”
To put it into perspective a little more, in FY2023, the Kansas Lottery had $338.2 million in net sales. Of that money, $205.01 million was handed out in prizes for lucky winners. They also gave out $19.76 million to lottery retailers for commission bonuses for selling winning tickets. That means $85.08 million was transferred to the state. With the addition of online lottery sales, officials are saying this could be raised to about $100 million per year.
The Kansas Lottery Commission
As stated above, this move to include online lottery sales was approved by the Kansas Lottery Commission, but who are they? The commission consists of five commissioners who were appointed by the governor to serve alternating four-year terms.
This commission advises and consults with the Executive Director in establishing police, approving major contracts, rules and regulations for lottery games and promotions, and approving the annual budget for the lottery.
The commission meets monthly at the lottery headquarters in Topeka.
Enjoy playing the Kansas Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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