Sports Betting Arrives in Kansas: Here's What You Need to Know
Kansas Set to Initiate Sports Betting on Thursday, September 1st
Kansas is all set to jump into the world of sports betting! Gov. Laura Kelly announced that the state will be launching its sports betting industry on a soft start this Thursday, with mobile betting following suit on September 8.
Partnerships and Casinos
The Kansas Lottery has already secured sports betting licenses for several leading companies. Each of the state's casinos—currently four in number—will offer both in-person sportsbooks and up to three sports betting apps in accordance with Senate Bill 84.
The Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, for instance, has teamed up with Barstool Sports for an immersive in-person and mobile betting experience, while Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane is partnering with FanDuel to provide both retail and interactive wagering options. Further, DraftKings and Golden Nugget Online Gaming await regulatory approval before setting up shop at Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City. Interestingly, Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg has a string of partners including BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars, and more.
A Grand Entrance into Re-regulated Betting
Kansas becomes the latest state to dive into the re-regulated sports gambling market. With a relatively smaller population, it's crucial for the state to provide its residents with a multitude of betting options.
The passage of Senate Bill 84 suggests a shift in lawmakers' attitudes towards the industry, discarding outdated notions such as the need for "in-person registration." However, pushback from the Attorney General's office has highlighted "significant issues," hinting at potential hurdles down the line. Regardless, Kansas is gearing up to launch its sports gambling industry, potentially just in time for the first NFL games starting on Friday, September 9, with the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Buffalo Bills.
A Peek into the Partnership Landscape
In Kansas, sports betting partnerships between the state's four land-based casinos and major betting companies are the norm. Operators like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook are regularly involved in these collaborations. However, Barstool Sports does not seem to be part of Kansas' sports betting scene, as per current information.
The state has the potential to issue up to 12 sportsbook licenses, but the legislature has inserted a provision in the budget (Senate Bill 125) that prevents the Kansas Lottery from extending or negotiating new contracts with sports betting operators during the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, creating some uncertainty about the future of sports betting in Kansas.
- Kansas will officially commence its sports betting industry on Thursday, with mobile betting starting on September 8.
- The state's casinos will offer both in-person sportsbooks and up to three sports betting apps, as per Senate Bill 84.
- The Hollywood Casino in Kansas City has partnered with Barstool Sports for a unique sports betting experience, while the Kansas Star Casino partners with FanDuel.
- DraftKings and Golden Nugget Online Gaming are waiting for regulatory approval to set up shop at Boot Hill Casino and Resort.
- Kansas Crossing Casino has several partners including BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars, and more for its sports betting operations.
- Kansas is the latest state to enter the re-regulated sports gambling market, and it's crucial for the state to offer a variety of betting options.
- As football season approaches, Kansas could potentially launch its sports gambling industry in time for the first NFL games starting on Friday, September 9.
