Sorting out gaming taxes in Kansas
The proposed gaming taxes for Kansas can be a bit confusing.
Stephen Martino, executive director of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission said there are two different rates.
In Kansas, the percentage of gaming revenue that goes to the state is negotiable because of the unique state-owned and operated casino model. There is a contract between the state and the casino operator.
The minimum tax rate on a casino is 27 percent. The breakdown has 22 percent going to the state, 3 percent to local governments, and 2 percent for problem gaming programs.
“This effective tax rate is lower than neighboring Missouri by at least a point or two,” Martino said.
Missouri voters increased the state’s casino tax rate last year in conjunction with the lifting of a loss limit.
Kansas’ race tracks face a 60 percent tax that applies to slot machines. So far, however, none of the state’s race tracks have agreed to add slots, saying the taxes are too onerous to make a reasonable rate of return.
