Kansas sports betting now live

Kansas sports betting is now officially live, allowing bettors to place wagers in one of four casinos or six apps.

there will be a “full launch” in exactly one week

Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84 earlier this year, allowing for the September launch. There will be a “full launch” in exactly one week, at which time all online operators will enter the market just in time for football season. 

The Sunflower State is now the 31st state with legal sports betting. Nearby Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska are yet to enter the market.

A major draw

Kansas is joining the world of sports betting with a bang. The state lottery approved FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Barstool Sportsbook, and PointsBet to accept online bets until the full unveiling on Thursday, September 8.

Despite only being the 35th-most-populous state, Kansas is expected to be a top draw for gamblers. The Kansas City Chiefs have proven to be the most consistent powerhouse in the NFL over the past half-decade (the team is based in Missouri, but is just across border from Kansas and is the primary NFL rooting interest for Kansans), while the Kansas Jayhawks are the reigning Men’s NCAA Tournament champions.

There were major concerns that Kansas would not get up and running in time for the NFL kickoff. However, accelerated progress at the higher levels of government helped beat the unfavorable prognostication. 

Each of the state’s four casinos can partner with up to three online operators.

Each of the state’s four casinos can partner with up to three online operators. Nine of the allotted 12 online sportsbooks have already signed on and been approved for launch. 

Applicants for the three remaining slots will be thoroughly vetted; a timeline for their integration will be announced later.

Casino and sportsbook options

Bettors in Kansas will not be starved for options despite the market only just opening.

Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City and its 700 slots, 16 table games, and players club have teamed up with Bally Bet, DraftKings, and Golden Nugget. DraftKings made the initial launch, while Bally Bet is expected to join the market on the eighth. Golden Nugget is a DraftKings-owned sportsbook that could join on the eighth or even later, giving DK 1/6 of the market share.

The Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane is linking up with FanDuel and BetMGM to add to its offerings, which include 1,700 slots and 50 table games. The property’s high-profile partners will help draw more interest to an area with fewer than 7,000 residents, according to recent data.

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City was already a major draw, boasting 2,000 slots, 52 tables games, and a racetrack. It was also partnered with Barstool and will now help launch the Barstool Sportsbook. FOX Bet missed out on the September 1 reveal but has previously struck deals with Hollywood Casino and figures to make the full launch in a week.

Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburgh offers 600 slots, 14 table games, and other amenities. It launched BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet, meaning their its online partners are all operational.