Kansas opens to sports betting on Sept 1

The opening of US state Kansas to sports betting will come just in time for the opening of the National Football League season.

Governor Laura Kelly (pictured) yesterday announced that sportsbooks at Kansas’ four state-owned casinos can begin accepting wagers in person and on mobile platforms starting September 1, 2022, and will officially open September 8.

Sports wagering, like all gaming in Kansas, is owned by the state and operated by the Kansas Lottery. Under temporary rules and regulations, the state’s four casino gaming partners can begin launching sports betting just in time for the first professional football game on September 8.

The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino & Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.

Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the state for sports wagering, said Kelly’s department. These casinos will be authorised to launch as soon as they are ready.

Kansans will be able to use any of state-approved platforms within the geographic boundaries of the state. Operators are being granted a one-year provisional license based on past performance in other states.

BetKansas.com said six platforms are in place and ready to swing into action on September 1 – FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars, BetMGM, Penn National Gaming (Barstool) and FILL IN.

Kelly said: “Legalising sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business 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.”