Kansas legalizes fantasy sports after decade-long debate on skill vs. luck

A landmark ruling shifts the game for fantasy sports fans. Lawmakers defied regulators, declaring these leagues a test of skill—not chance.

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2026 May 8 . 2:02 PM

1 min read

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Kansas legalizes fantasy sports after decade-long debate on skill vs. luck

Kansas has become the first US state in over a decade to legalise fantasy sports leagues. The move follows a lengthy debate over whether these contests rely more on skill or luck. Governor Sam Brownback signed the new law after it passed with strong support in the legislature. The issue began when the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) ruled that fantasy sports were illegal. Their decision argued that the games depended mostly on chance, classifying them as lotteries under state law.

In response, lawmakers introduced HB 2155 to challenge the KRGC’s stance. The bill redefined fantasy sports as games of skill, stating that winning outcomes reflect participants’ knowledge and expertise. The legislation passed by a large majority, officially declaring these contests legal.

The change aligns with a 2006 federal law, the UIGEA, which allowed states to determine the legality of fantasy sports. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt supported the new definition, confirming that the contests now meet the criteria for skill-based games. With the governor’s signature, Kansas has formally legalised fantasy sports leagues. The law removes previous restrictions by classifying the contests as skill-based rather than games of chance. This makes Kansas the first state since Maryland in 2012 to take such a step.