Kansas proposal defines prize machines and skill-based contests

The proposal describes amusement machines that may award limited noncash prizes and excludes qualifying machines from the definition of gambling devices. The definition covers machines that require payment, provide amusement, and do not contain a material element of chance. A single play's prize may have a wholesale value of no more than $25, and vouchers cannot be used to get prizes worth more than $25 per required play. Prizes must be given at the machine site when played; they cannot be alcohol, bought back, or exchanged for cash or other value.

The proposal describes esports competitions and skill-based contests and excludes certain esports equipment from the definition of gambling devices. A skill-based contest is a live, in-person competition between people or teams, with the winner decided by skill and no gambling device used. An esports contest must be in person, use the same video game at the same time and place, rely solely on player skill, and set participants, fees, and prizes before play. Esports excludes traditional casino games. The device exclusions cover equipment used by esports competitors and devices that provide no money or property entitlement when used for esports.

The proposal states that gambling includes making a bet, playing or offering a game that uses a gambling device, or entering a gambling place with specified intent. The provision applies to the listed conduct in Kansas. The proposal says the act would take effect after publication in the statute book.