Kansas is one of the more recent states to join the growing and expanding US sports betting market. Lawmakers in the state had been working on sports betting legislation for a few years before they were able to get enough support behind a launch.
The sports betting launch in Kansas happened back in September 2022, just before the 2022 NFL season kicked off. This was a strategic move by lawmakers. It allowed the state to post some impressive numbers right away.
Kansas will never be one of the biggest sports betting markets in the country. However, there is reason to believe that things are going to improve and expand moving forward. There are already some big-name sportsbooks available in the state. Additional licenses are also available.
With both retail and online sports betting in the state, bettors don’t have any trouble finding a place to make wagers. Kansas has already become a top target for big-name sportsbooks, and that trend isn’t going away.
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History Behind Legal Sports Betting in Kansas
The path to legal sports betting in Kansas was not easy to achieve. It took a few years before a bill was passed. Lawmakers in the state started discussing the industry back in 2018, but initial bills didn’t progress very far.
2019 looked to be the year in which legal sports betting was coming to the state. However, things started to fall apart late in the legislative session. Lawmakers had several debates about which group should ultimately run sports betting which kept lawmakers from coming to an agreement.
A sports betting bill passed through the Senate in 2020, and all it needed was approval from the House to move forward. However, there was some intense opposition from the horse racing tracks back in 2020. That’s the biggest reason that the bill died down.
Finally, things started to head in the right direction at the end of 2021, and that led right into 2022. Multiple bills were ultimately combined into one larger piece of legislation to create a solid sports betting industry in the state.
The sports betting bill was signed into law in May. It only took the state a couple of months for the launch to take place on September 1. Both online and retail sports betting launched on the same day as that was included in the law.
Financial History Behind Legal Sports Betting
Since Kansas just launched sports betting back in September 2022, there isn’t a ton of financial data to look at. The initial numbers from the state have been impressive. However, things might start to die down and level off moving forward.
In the first five full months of sports betting, Kansas has posted a total sports betting handle of $918.8 million. The state will go over the $1 billion mark when the February totals are announced, and that is significant.
The total revenue for the state is just over $27 million, and that has come from sportsbooks winning just 2.9% of the wagers. Part of that is due to the welcome bonuses and promotions that are offered, and that rate is going to improve as time allows.
Kansas has only been able to bring in a little more than $2 million in tax revenue for the first five months of betting. However, that’s also due to the high promotional activity. This state has performed well compared to other states of this size, but it still has some work to do before it starts putting up big numbers.
Sportsbook Apps in Kansas
Kansas does not allow just any online sports betting operator to enter the state, as there are some requirements in place. Sportsbooks that want to launch in the state must first partner with a retail casino. There are four casinos in the state.
Only having four retail locations does limit things a bit. However, the sports betting law allows those casinos to apply for three online skins apiece. That means that there could eventually be as many as 12 online sportsbooks in Kansas. That isn’t the case yet.
There are currently just seven mobile sportsbook apps available. Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel has received three online licenses. Mobile sportsbook apps in the state include:
- Bally Bet Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
Welcome bonuses are available at many online sportsbooks including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. There is still plenty of room for the mobile sports betting industry in the state of Kansas to grow. However, it’s unclear if and when that is going to take place. Golden Nugget is approved but has not launched.
KS Retail Sportbook Locations
All of the retail sports betting in Kansas is limited to casinos. There are currently four such locations. There is not a big casino gambling industry in Kansas. Allowing these properties to offer retail sports betting will create a new boost of excitement.
Kansas lawmakers were interested in trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs to the state, and they were willing to offer sports betting at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs haven’t made an official announcement, but it doesn’t sound like they want to move.
Here are the four casinos that currently offer sports betting:
- Boot Hill Casino & Resort
- Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
- Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel
- Kansas Star Casino
All four of these casino properties wasted little time in partnering with a sportsbook operator, and four of the biggest names in the industry entered the state. Up to this point, the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway has been the most popular retail sports betting option.
The Barstool Sportsbook is live at the Hollywood Casino, and it has been better than the other options. The other retail sportsbook casinos in the state include Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanduel.
At this time, it doesn’t appear that there will be any more casino or retail sportsbook expansion coming to Kansas.
Sports Teams to Bet on in Kansas
Kansas is a state with a long and proud tradition when it comes to sports, but most of that success has been at the college level. This is technically a state without any major professional sports teams, although Kansas City bleeds into both Missouri and Kansas.
When it comes to the most popular professional team in the state, it is the Chiefs that clearly have the biggest fan base. The Chiefs just won the 2023 Super Bowl, and they appear to be set up for a long streak of success with quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center.
Another popular team in the state is the Kansas City Royals, even though betting on baseball isn’t as popular as it is with other sports. The Royals are a recent World Series champion. However, things haven’t gone that well since they were able to win that title.
Sports fans in Kansas can also look to teams outside of the state, such as the St. Louis Cardinals or the Denver Broncos. Some minor league teams in some sports are based out of Kansas.
Colleges and universities are extremely important to the sports culture, especially when it comes to the Wildcats of Kansas State and the University of Kansas Jayhawks. While college football is a popular sport to wager on, sportsbooks in Kansas will cash in during college basketball season.
Even without any major professional sports teams, there is still a strong sports culture found throughout the state.
FAQ for Betting in Kansas
When did sports betting launch in Kansas?
Kansas is one of the most recent states to launch sports betting, as that happened on September 1, 2022. It didn’t take Kansas long to launch the industry after lawmakers were able to pass legislation.
What is the legal sports betting age in Kansas?
The legal sports betting age in the state of Kansas is 21 years of age.
Are there sports betting apps in Kansas?
Yes, online sports betting is available in Kansas, and that means that mobile sportsbooks are offered as well.
Can I bet on the Kansas Jayhawks in Kansas?
Yes, the sports betting law in Kansas does not have any restrictions when it comes to in-state college teams. College basketball is huge in the state with the Kansas Jayhawks. Betting on college football is an option as well.
Is PayPal an acceptable banking method?
Yes, PayPal is accepted at sportsbooks in Kansas.