Kansas will in less than 24 hours join 31 other U.S. states that already have some form of sports betting in place.
A scheduled launch at noon CT Thursday will make Kansas the second-fastest state behind only Iowa to go from legal to live since PASPA was overturned in 2018. It will also become the third state this year to go live with digital behind New York (1/8/22) and Louisiana (1/28/22). A total of 35 states have legalized sports betting, but Ohio, Maine, and Massachusetts have yet to go live.
In Kansas, a total of 12 legal sportsbooks will be allowed to operate. Six platforms — Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet — have plans to go live Thursday. Barstool Sportsbook and FanDuel will also open their retail casinos.
Barstool Sportsbook has already started to announce upcoming events, including a watch party set for Sept. 15, when the Kansas City Chiefs play on Thursday Night Football. TVs and local food trucks will all be available on the outside patio that overlooks the Kansas Speedway.
Three other platforms — FOX Bet, Bally Bet, and Golden Nugget — also have market access, but according to the Kansas Lottery they have not been approved for launch Thursday. Bally Bet and Golden Nugget both obtained skins through deals with Boot Hill Casino, and neither will have a retail location. FOX Bet gained access through a deal with Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. FOX Bet, which will not have a retail location, is offering a $500 risk-free first bet for customers who sign up ahead of launch.
Here’s a look at the platforms and retail locations that have plans to go live Thursday:
Barstool Sportsbook
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday
Promos and specials: On the mobile platform, Barstool Sportsbook will be offering boosted odds at different times, as well as a special on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win the 2022-23 NFL MVP award. There will also be a special offer — details to come — related to betting the Chiefs to lead at halftime and win their game Sept. 11 vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
At the retail casino, Barstool Sportsbook will be offering $100 sportsbook bonus cash on the first wager (must place your first wager, win or lose get $100) from Sept. 1-9. Registered customers will receive one entry into a random drawing to win one of 10 exclusive prize packages to attend the Hollywood Casino 400 race at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 11.
Retail partner: Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
Retail launch: Noon CT, Thursday. Barstool Sportsbook will have a formal ribbon cutting and Gov. Laura Kelly will officially cut the ribbon to open the sportsbook and place the first bet.
What they’re saying: “We can’t wait for the launch of our Barstool Sportsbook tomorrow,” a Barstool Sportsbook spokesperson told Sports Handle. “Our customers from Kansas and Missouri have been clamoring to wager on sports, whether in person at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway or on our Barstool Sportsbook mobile app. We look forward to a busy season of college and professional football, and welcoming guests to what we believe will become the most exciting sportsbook in the Midwest.”
BetMGM
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday.
Promos and specials: BetMGM is offering up to a $1,000 in a “risk-free” first bet for new Kansas customers. Customers must deposit at least $10 to qualify. The company is also offering a no-deposit, $200 free bet for all pre-registration signups, but customers must choose between the $1,000 risk-fee bet and the $200 in free bets. In addition, BetMGM will be offering all Kansas customers a “risk-free token” for the first week of the college football season, as well as a $50 refer-a-friend cash bonus.
Legalized sports betting is days away in Kansas and many are anxious to place that first bet. As a former BetMGM employee, here are common questions I've been asked. How do I get started? What app is the best? Will my information be safe depositing $ to a gambling site? #KSBets
— Cory Adrian Strathman (@CoryStrathman) August 25, 2022
Retail partner: BetMGM has market access through a deal with Kansas Star Casino. It will not have a retail location.
What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled to launch BetMGM in Kansas on the first day of legal sports betting in the state,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said via email. “From pre-registration to now bringing our full offering live, we would like to thank the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Kansas Lottery, and Kansas Crossing Casino for being great partners and look forward to bringing Kansans the excitement of betting with BetMGM.”
Caesars Sportsbook
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday.
Promos and specials: Caesars will offer new customers a credit of $1,250 for any losing first bet in Kansas. New Kansas Caesars Sportsbook users will also receive 1,000 reward credits, and 1,000 tier credits for first deposit and bet.
Retail partner: Kansas Crossing
Retail launch: Not yet announced.
What they’re saying: “We’re looking forward to offering a world-class sports betting experience that matches the championship pedigree Kansas is known for,” said Eric Hession, co-president of Caesars Digital. “Our Caesars Sportsbook app has never been more user-friendly, and when you combine that with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities offered through Caesars Rewards, we’re thrilled about what we can bring to Kansas sports fans in time for football season.”
DraftKings
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday
Promos and specials: DraftKings is currently offering a pre-launch special of $100 in free bets. The bets must be used within seven days and will be issued as four $25 wagers.
Retail partner: Boot Hill Casino
Retail launch: October 2023
What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver our award-winning products to Kansas sports fans for the 2022 NFL and college football seasons,” Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings, said via press release. “It’s an especially exhilarating time of year, and we are excited for eligible Kansans to be able to get in on all the action through DraftKings’ seamless and responsible sports betting experience.”
FanDuel
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday.
Promos and specials: FanDuel is offering $150 in free bets to customers who sign up, deposit at least $10, and place a first bet of at least $5. Customers can also refer a friend and both receive $100 in free bets. Ahead of launch, FanDuel is offering $100 in free bets, good for 14 days. Customers may have to choose between promotions.
Retail partner: Kansas Star
Retail launch: Noon CT, Thursday. FanDuel will have a low-key opening Thursday while planning to have Kansas native and former NFL star wide receiver Jordy Nelson place a ceremonial first bet on Sept. 8.
@PatMcAfeeShow The time is finally coming! @FanDuel comes to Kansas Sep 1st! So awesome, excited to to bet with the boys. #ChiefsKingdom
— Jon Dough (@Stained_Plazma) August 26, 2022
What they’re saying: “The FanDuel Sportsbook brings its best-in-class online sports betting experience to the passionate sports fans of Kansas, who will now be able to place wagers across the state on professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, MMA, boxing, soccer, and tennis with a variety of betting and payment options available,” according to a press release.
PointsBet
Mobile launch: Noon CT, Thursday.
Promos and specials: PointsBet will offer “risk-free” bets amounting to up to $500 for new customers. The bets will be issued as five $100 wagers. New customers can also get a $50 sign-up bonus, as well as $100 for referring a friend, who must deposit at least $20. PointsBet will also run a “Power Hour” from 12-1 p.m. CT daily during which PointsBet will offer a special promotion. The Power Hour will run from launch until the start of the NFL season
Retail partner: PointsBet has access in Kansas through a deal with Kansas Crossing, but it will not have a retail location.
What they’re saying: “We are excited to be launching on the starting line and having our outstanding sportsbook product available to the people of Kansas from day one,” PointsBet Group CEO and Managing Director Sam Swanell said via press release. “With NFL season kicking off on September 9 the timing is perfect to showcase our NFL in-play betting capabilities in particular.”
