The debate over legalizing sports betting in Kansas could hinge on how gamblers’ personal data is used.
Some House lawmakers studying the issue are concerned personal data could be used to target habitual gamblers and encourage them to gamble more.
To avoid that, Republican Rep. Francis Awerkamp wants the state lottery to directly manage online sports betting.
“It allows the Legislature to better control what happens to the personal data collected through the apps so that it’s not used in ways which we don’t agree with,” he says.
Others have argued that casinos or gaming companies should manage sports betting and assume any risk and liability associated with it.
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to the original post. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
