Introduction to Problem Gambling in Kansas
Five times as many Kansans are at high risk for problem gambling when compared to data from 2017. Gambling addiction can lead to substance use, relationship problems, and health issues, said Lisa Chaney, a researcher who worked on the 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey. Problem gambling comes with a 50-fold increase in suicide attempts as 63% of high-risk gamblers said their depression was linked to betting.
Key Findings of the 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey
A 2025 survey found that 20% of Kansans are at high risk for problem gambling. Some Kansas lawmakers are frustrated with the state’s sportsbook contracts, which don’t run out until 2027. The committee wants lawmakers to study the issue more in the upcoming session. These behaviors are increasing because people are betting more often, due in part to the legalization of sports betting in Kansas in 2022. The lottery and casinos are still the most common types of gambling, but sports betting was 20% of bets, respondents to the survey said.
The Rise of Gambling Addiction
Kansas lawmakers are concerned about the rise of problem gambling in the state. “Our fellow Kansans are being drugged out, soaked for every dollar they have. … We have to take that seriously,” said Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican. Lawmakers want to further study the link between betting and intimate partner violence and want more comprehensive data on how much money gamblers are losing. They want to study adjusting tax rates for sports betting and possibly changing sportsbook contracts.
The Impact of Sports Betting
The survey asked 1,645 Kansans about their betting habits. Among other things, respondents were asked how often they gambled. In 2017, only 13.1% of people gambled occasionally and 2.7% gambled often. In 2025, 24.6% of people gambled occasionally and 8.6% bet often. Survey respondents also were asked if they gambled in the past 30 days. In 2017, only 47.8% of people said they had. That number jumped to 70.8% in 2025. The most popular types of betting were the lottery, in-game purchases, casino gaming machines, bingo, and table games at a casino.
The Need for Better Data and Regulation
Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat, is particularly concerned about gambling’s impact on men. Of the people surveyed who have sportsbook accounts, 83% of them were men and 36% were people between 26 and 39 years old. Mosley said there’s a big difference between a $2 lottery ticket and hundreds of dollars in bets on the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. She also wants to see better data. The survey asked how often people bet, but that information was self-reported. Mosley said betting once or twice may seem like a lot to someone who doesn’t gamble at all, but it may also seem like nothing compared to someone betting five figures at a time.
Conclusion
The rise of problem gambling in Kansas is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. The 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey found that 20% of Kansans are at high risk for problem gambling, and the number of people betting is increasing due to the legalization of sports betting. Lawmakers need to take a closer look at the issue and consider adjusting tax rates for sports betting and changing sportsbook contracts. Additionally, there is a need for better data and regulation to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. By taking these steps, Kansas can work towards reducing the negative impacts of problem gambling and promoting a healthier and safer environment for its citizens.
