The Kansas Legislature has approved sports betting – a move Missouri should make but has failed to get through a dysfunctional General Assembly. However, Kansas made a poor choice on how to use the revenue generated.

Kansas lawmakers Friday gave final approval to a measure that allows people in the state to use cellphone or computer apps to bet on sporting events and to place bets at state-owned casinos or other locations chosen by each of the four casinos. The state would rake in a 10% tax on each bet.

However, the bill sends 80% of the revenues – perhaps $5 million a year – into a fund to provide incentives for professional sports teams to come to Kansas.