Wichita Man Arrested for Alleged Bookmaking at Casino
Wichita Man Arrested for Illegal Bookmaking at Kansas Star Casino
A man from Wichita was taken into custody recently after being accused of operating a bookmaking scheme while employed at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. According to the Kansas Attorney General’s office, he now faces a number of charges related to unlawful gambling activities.
Charges Include Proxy Betting and Commercial Gambling
Officials from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission reported that the 47-year-old individual acted as a proxy bettor, meaning he placed bets on behalf of others, which is against state gambling regulations.
Legal documents indicate that the alleged offenses occurred during two periods: from November 14, 2022, to September 23, 2023, and from August 4 to October 8, 2023, coinciding with his time at the casino.
Investigators found that he enlisted co-workers and additional individuals to place bets through him, acting as a proxy bettor. He also reached out to another employee, encouraging them to participate in his illegal gambling operation by helping collect money from bets.
The charges brought against him include two counts of commercial gambling, one count of unlawful proxy betting, one count of attempted unlawful proxy betting, and one count of solicitation to commit commercial gambling.
Legal Proceedings and Presumption of Innocence
After his arrest, the man was released on a $25,000 surety bond. The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Lauren Watson, with a court date set for March 12.
The Attorney General’s office emphasized that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ongoing Efforts to Enforce Gambling Laws
This case highlights the state’s commitment to enforcing gambling laws and cracking down on illegal betting operations within licensed casinos. Proxy betting, which involves placing wagers for people who are not physically present within the casino, remains a significant concern for regulators.
This practice violates the regulatory stipulation that only authorized individuals within authorized areas can place bets. The concern over proxy betting is not unique to Kansas; for example, Iowa has debated criminalizing proxy betting, which was previously listed as a prohibited but unenforceable activity as recently as February 2025.
