Kansas Sports Betting

Kansas Legal Sports Betting Overview

Kansas Sports Betting Summary

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 on May 12, 2022, to legalize online and retail sports betting in the Sunflower State. KS lawmakers tried to push through sports betting legislation several times in the past, including in 2018 shortly before the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). A deadline of January 1, 2023 was set for the market to launch, but sports betting was given the green light for a soft launch on September 1 followed by an official launch on September 8.

Each of the state’s four commercial casinos secured a license to launch one retail sportsbook. Additionally, 50 retail locations will be licensed to provide sports betting kiosks. Tribal casinos are currently negotiating to expand the sports betting bill so they can launch retail sportsbooks.

The four commercial casinos can also partner with up to three online betting operators, so there is potential for 12 different online sportsbooks in KS. Before online sports betting launches, you can wager on horse races online using sites like TwinSpires and TVG.

To learn more about sports betting in Kansas, check out our complete guide below. You’ll find the latest details on legislation, the requirements for placing legal bets, and the locations of retail sportsbooks.

Kansas Online Sportsbooks Summary

The Kansas Lottery was in charge of determining the application process for online sportsbooks. Each of the state’s four commercial casinos can partner with up to three online sportsbook operators – for example, Boot Hill Casino has partnerships with Bally Bet and DraftKings.

Six sportsbooks – Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet – are now live in Kansas and offer a range of welcome offers to entice new customers. Meanwhile, residents of the Sunflower State can also use online horse racing betting sites like TwinSpires and TVG to wager on horse races in other states. Alternatively, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games with DraftKings and FanDuel for major league sports.

How to Place a Bet in Kansas

Many Kansas residents are still yet to make their first sports bet following the launch of the market last year. If you're looking to start your journey, follow our step-by-step guide below to sign up and start wagering:

1. Choose one of the online sportsbooks available in Kansas.

2. Many sportsbooks have mobile apps you can download by visiting their mobile browser site. Alternatively, you can go to your Apple or Android app store when these KS betting apps are released.

3. Enter your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register an account. You may also need to create a password and answer security questions.

4. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier section and choose a payment method for depositing your money. Some welcome offers will require you to make a minimum deposit to activate the bonus, so make sure you meet these requirements.

5. Look through your sportsbook’s markets and choose a betting line. Add it to your bet slip, where you can select your stake and place the wager.

6. If your bet wins, return to the sportsbook’s cashier section and follow its instructions to make a withdrawal.

7. You must verify your identity before making a withdrawal to avoid fraud and underage gambling. Send copies of documents like your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.

Who is Eligible to Bet in KS?

You must be 21 years or older to place bets in Kansas. You must also be physically within the borders of the state. If you use your mobile device to bet, you must enable your device’s geolocation services to allow the sportsbooks to verify you are within state borders.

Like neighboring state Colorado, Kansas imposes limitations on who can wager. For example, players, coaches, and professional or college sports team employees are not allowed to wager. There are also restrictions if you work for a company licensed to provide sports betting by the Kansas Lottery, and the usual restrictions based on criminal history.

Latest Kansas Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Kansas

• January 17, 2023: Kansas Crossing Casino becomes the fourth (and final) casino in KS to offer retail sports betting.

• December 2, 2022: Gov. Kelly suggests Kansas' state gambling fund could be changed in order to attract a major league franchise.

• October 12, 2022: Kansas sportsbooks announce a $160million handle from the first month of betting in KS.

• September 8, 2022: Full launch of sports betting markets.

• September 1, 2022: Soft launch of sports betting in Kansas.

• August 26, 2022: The Kansas Lottery announces six online sportsbooks that are approved to go live on September 1. These are DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, FanDuel, and Barstool.

• August 18, 2022: Gov. Kelly announces a soft launch of both online and retail betting on September 1, with an official launch to follow on September 8.

• August 4, 2022: DraftKings encourage bettors to download their app and pre-register ahead of market launch by offering $100,000 sweepstake and $100 in free bets. FanDuel launch similar $100 promotion for bettors who pre-register an account.

• May 12, 2022: Kansas Gov. Kelly signs SB 84, legalizing online and retail sports betting in the state from July 1, 2022.

• April 29, 2022: The Kansas Senate approves the new SB 84 by a 21-13 vote.

• March 30, 2022: The Kansas House votes for SB 84 to pass 88-36. This version of the bill integrates parts of HB 2470, including retail partnerships.

• March 23, 2022: HB 2740 dies in the House Committee.

• March 16, 2022: HB 2740, a bill to authorize sports betting under the Kansas Lottery, is introduced to the House.

• March 3, 2021: The State Senate passes SB 84, a bill to legalize online and retail sports betting in Kansas, by a 26-12 vote.

• May 21, 2020: SB 283 and HB 2671 die in the House Committee.

• March 11, 2020: Jason Long of the Office of Revisor of Statutes introduces a hearing to discuss both sports betting bills.

• February 26, 2020: SB 283 passes the Senate. However, Gov. Kelly said she won’t support the bill because it wouldn’t generate enough money for the Kansas Lottery.

• February 13, 2020: HB 2671 is introduced to the House to legalize online and retail sports betting. The legislation would allow the Kansas Lottery to launch 1200 retail betting kiosks.

• January 21, 2020: SB 283, a bill to legalize online and retail sports betting, is introduced to the Senate.

• May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This allows individual states to decide whether to legalize sports betting.

Kansas Sports Betting Background

Kansas has a lengthy history with horse racing, with Eureka Downs opening in 1872. Following a vote in 1986 to amend Article 15 of the state’s constitution, pari-mutuel betting was legalized in 1987. However, there are no longer any operational racetracks in Kansas, with the final one, Eureka Downs, shutting in 2011.

Kansas lawmakers considered legalizing sports betting before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, with SB 455 discussed in March 2018. This bill included legislation to allow lottery retailers, online sportsbooks, and gaming facilities to operate wagering. The bill also included a sports betting integrity fee of 0.25% to be paid to the major leagues.

Further attempts to change sports betting laws also failed, like in 2019 when a suggested 50% tax rate derailed the prospect. Disagreements between the House and Senate over whether to pass SB 283 or HB 2671 killed further efforts in 2020.

Future of Kansas Sports Betting

Retail and online sportsbooks in KS had a soft launch on September 1, 2022 before an official launch on September 8 ahead of the football season. In addition to licensing online and retail sportsbooks, the Kansas Lottery must also license 50 retail locations where sports betting kiosks can launch. Tribal casinos are also now allowed to negotiate regarding plans for opening retail sportsbooks in the future.

Kansas Sports Betting Locations

After the launch of the sports betting market in Kansas, the state's four casinos have unveiled retail sportsbooks to compliment state-wide online wagering. There are also six tribal casinos in Kansas, and as a part of SB 84, these tribes can enter negotiations to offer retail sportsbooks.

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway

• Address: 777 Hollywood Casino Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66111

• Website: https://www.hollywoodcasinokansas.com/

• Phone Number: (913) 288 9300

• Operator: Penn National Gaming

Holywood Casino at Kansas Speedway have launched a Barstool Sportsbook at the Under Turn2 Sports Bar and Restaurant. Featuring 30 betting kiosks, five betting windows and 45 HDTVs to keep up with all the action, the sportsbook is open until midnight every day.

Kansas Star Casino

• Address: 777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane, KS 67110Website:

• Website: https://www.kansasstarcasino.com/

• Phone Number: (316) 719 5000

• Operator: Boyd Gaming

Kansas Star Casino's FanDuel-operated sportsbook features everything you would expect from a market-leading operator. Betting windows are open until midnight while there are 24/7 self-service kiosks available too.

Boot Hill Casino & Resort

• Address: 4000 W Comanche Street, Dodge City, KS 67801

• Website: https://boothillcasino.com/

• Phone Number: (620) 682 7777

• Operator: Boot Hill Gaming

Boot Hill Gaming have partnered with both Bally Bet and DraftKings, using up two of their three alloted online licences. The latter have launched a retail sportsbook at the Comanche Street location, with sports fans able to watch live games and bet via kiosks.

Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel

• Address: 1275 S, US-69, Pittsburg, KS 66762

• Website: https://kansascrossingcasino.com/

• Phone Number: (620) 240 4400

• Operator: Peninsula Pacific Ent.

In-person sports betting in now available at Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel via their Caesars Sportsbook. As well as Caesars, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment have partnered with BetMGM and PointsBet to make the most of the newly-launched sports betting market in KS.

Kansas Lottery Locations

The Kansas Lottery will oversee sports betting legislation in Kansas and will select 50 retail locations that can offer sports betting kiosks. Some chosen locations may be lottery retailers. In previous attempts to legalize sports betting, such as HB 2671, the state lottery would have been able to launch betting at 1200 retail locations.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

There are four commercial casinos in Kansas, and these are the only locations that were allowed to launch retail sportsbooks. Because of this, you won’t find retail sportsbooks at stadiums.

In 1986, voters in Kansas agreed to amend Article 15 of the Kansas Constitution and allow pari-mutuel racing bets. The Kansas Legislature passed the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act in 1987 and created the Kansas Racing Commission. However, the last horse racetrack (Eureka Downs) shut down in 2011. While pari-mutuel racing is still legal, there are no off-track betting locations in the Sunflower State.

Ohio Responsible Gambling Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling Kansas – Offers guidance to resources in Kansas, including the Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling. It also lets you access its nationwide live chat and support. (800) 522-4700

• Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling – Provides a 24/7 helpline with trained professionals to identify warning signs and refer you to gambling counselors. It also offers access to the no out-of-pocket treatment program. (800) 522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous – Organizes meetings and virtual meetings for problem gamblers across Kansas. It also directs people to state hotlines and has its own recovery program. (855) 222-5542

KS has a state-wide self-exclusion program for casino gambling operated by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. The program lets a bettor prohibit themselves from entering any land-based casino. Considering the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is involved in regulating sports betting, Kansas will likely align this program for sports bettors.

Sportsbooks which have launched in Kansas are national operators that provide responsible gambling help in every state. This help includes links to valuable resources and account tools to limit an individual’s wagering.

Teams to Bet on in Kansas

• Pro Sports

Kansas formerly played host to NBA and NHL teams, but currently has no major league teams. The Kansas City Kings played in the NBA from 1972-1985, but the team moved to Sacramento. The state’s NHL team, the Kansas City Scouts, moved to Denver two years after launching, but later relocated to New Jersey and became the New Jersey Devils. The state also staged the first ever professional baseball match played at night when the Independence Producers welcomed the Muscogee Chiefs to Riverside Park on April 28, 1930.

There are technically no teams from the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB in Kansas, but the Kansas City metropolitan area spreads across the Kansas and Missouri state borders. Ask most Kansas football fans who support the Kansas City Chiefs, and you will receive a response of mixed emotions, given the NFL’s Chiefs are actually from Kansas City, Missouri. However, while this franchise and the MLB’s Kansas City Royals are Missouri-based, many sports fans in the Sunflower State get behind these teams.

Those that don’t back these Kansas-based outfits tend to choose sports teams from Kansas’ other neighbors. Some of the most popular franchises are listed below:

• Minor League Sports

Kansas is home to several minor league sports teams, including the Wichita Thunder. The Thunder play Minor League Hockey in the impressive 15,000-seater Intrust Bank Arena. Playing in the Mountain Conference, the team is affiliated with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.

If you’re a baseball fan, you can watch the Wichita Wind Surge in the Texas League. This Double-A affiliate of the MLB’s Minnesota Twins was formed in 2021. The team plays at the Riverfront Stadium and won the Division Title in its first year.

• College Sports

Kansas Jayhawks: By far the most successful Kansas college, with 12 NCAA Team Championships, the University of Kansas Jayhawks play in the Big-12 Conference. The Jayhawks basketball team is particularly successful, winning the 2022 March Madness Tournament. The program also won the tournament in 1952, 1988, and 2008.

Kansas State Wildcats: Representing Kansas State University, the Wildcats compete in the Big-12 Conference. The Wildcats have achieved sporting success across all disciplines, winning 37 NCAA Individual Championships. The women’s basketball team is among the top 15 most successful programs.

Wichita State Shockers: Baseball is the most successful sport in the Wichita State University Shockers’ history, winning the World Series in 1989. As of 2012, the baseball team also had the eighth-best winning percentage in NCAA Division I history. Playing in the American Conference, the basketball team made the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Tournament in 2013.

• Women’s Sports

Kansas City Current: Kansas City Current is a professional soccer team playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Current joined the NWSL as an expansion franchise in 2021, playing its home games at Children’s Mercy Park. After finishing bottom of the league in its debut campaign, the team has made a much stronger start to its second season.

How Does Kansas Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Professional sports are legal, so betting on the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL is available. Other sports, including golf, MMA, and more, are also options for bettors. SB 84 legalizes betting on college sports with no restrictions, aligning with states like Pennsylvania and Michigan that have similar rules.

The Kansas Lottery has the power to legalize sports betting on individual events at the request of sportsbook operators.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Six operators – DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, PointsBet, Bartsool Sportsbook and BetMGM – all launched when the Kansas sports betting market went live. Operators like these are available across the US and offer the same betting odds in every state. Kansas bettors therefore have some of the best odds nationwide. For example, DraftKings has particularly generous odds on MLB point spreads, and these betting lines are available in Kansas now.

• Gambling Revenue

The Kansas Legislature decided on a tax rate of 10% for sportsbooks’ net revenue. This is the same rate offered by West Virginia and Wyoming. West Virginia is a relevant comparison for Kansas, as it also has no major league sports teams but has nearby franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kansas’ population of just under 3 million is more than a million greater than West Virginia.

As of August 2022, West Virginia brought in $11,278,597 in taxes from sportsbook revenue of $117,285,971. Kansas blew this figure out the water with handles of more than $160million and $189million in the first two months of market activity.

The legislation has decided the distribution of tax revenue, with $750,000 paid annually into the White Collar Crime Fund. 2% of the total tax will go towards helping fight problem gambling. Of the remaining amount, 20% will go to the Lottery Operating Fund and 80% to the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund. With rumors of the Kansas City Chiefs looking for a new stadium, the Fund could bring a major league franchise back to the Sunflower State.

• Betting Taxes

Gambling winnings are included in your income, so you need to add this to your state income tax. Kansas has three tax brackets: 3.10%, 5.25%, and 5.70%. Which tax bracket you fall into depends on your annual wage and marital status.

In addition, you’ve also got to include your gambling winnings in your IRS taxes. If you win more than $600, you must fill out a W-2G form. It’s worth noting that sportsbooks can hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.

Sportsbooks also have to pay another tax in line with the Internal Revenue Code, a 0.25% excise tax on overall sports betting handle. On top of this, every employee involved in taking wagers requires a $50 fee.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Kansas?

The Kansas Lottery oversee Kansas sports betting. The state lottery was responsible for setting applicant requirements for sportsbooks. It also determines any changes in regulations, special allowances for sports betting events, and responsible gambling requirements. In addition, the Kansas Racing and Gambling Commission offer the Kansas Lottery assistance. The commission help enforce the state lottery’s regulations, including setting out the requirements for operator background checks. The commission also control regulations when it comes to gambling advertisements.