Kansas State Governor Laura Kelly has announced that retail sportsbooks at Kansas’ four state-owned casinos will begin sports betting operations on September 1st and will officially launch on September 8th, 2022, just in time for the NFL season opener.
The news comes as a surprise given a recent statement from the Kansas Racing & Gaming Commission revealing that a September launch was unrealistic.
The rules that are currently in place will serve as temporary regulations and allow all sports betting operators to begin accepting wagers both in retails sportsbooks and on mobile sports betting apps from September 1st. The launch will be overseen by state gaming regulator the Kansas Lottery.
The four casinos that are licensed to offer sports wagering are:
- Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Ford County near Dodge City
- Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane
- Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS
- Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg
Tribal casinos are also working to amend their compacts so that they too can offer sports betting and will launch once terms have been agreed with the state government.
Speaking of the launch, Governor Laura Kelly said:
“Legalizing sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”
All mobile sports wagering operators will have a one-year provisional license based on their performance in other states. The Kansas Lottery has yet to officially announce the companies that have been awarded those licenses.
Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery, said:
“This announcement represents a lot of hard work and collaboration between the Kansas Lottery, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, our casino and tribal partners. The process to bring this to fruition has moved at an unbelievable pace. We are excited to be bringing sports betting to Kansas players and adding more fun and exciting play options to the Sunflower State.”
In May, Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 84, which legalized sports wagering in Kansas on mobile apps, in casinos, and other specific venues.
The Kansas Lottery Commission has released a video to explain the launch of sports betting in the state which can be viewed here.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.