After Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team captured the 2022 National Title it was hard to imagine that things could get better for sports fans in the state. Well, think again. As of September 1st, 2022, sports betting is legal and live in the state of Kansas, just in time for football season. You can bet right now, from your phone, from anywhere in the state.
Best Kansas online sports betting bonus offers
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Promo Code: HANDLE1100
- Up to $1,100 Back If You Lose
- Offer Paid Back in Bonus Bets
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
FanDuel Sportsbook- No Promo Code Required
- Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Caesars Sportsbook- Promo Code: HANDLEFULL
- Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
PointsBet Sportsbook- No Promo Code Required
- Exclusive PointsBetting Available
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
After an invigorating legislative process, legal sports betting in Kansas is finally a reality. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly officially signed bill SB 84 into law in May. After an efficient regulatory period, online betting officially began on September 1st, 2022. Kansas bettors can take solace in knowing they now have access to some of the industry’s best sports betting mobile apps.
Below we’ve compiled all of the relevant information on the Kansas sports betting market. From the legislative process and current laws, to which sportsbooks are currently available, deposits, withdrawals, and the best Kansas sports betting bonus offers and promo codes.
| Betting App Apple Store + Google Play Scores | Sign Up Offers |
|---|---|
 BetMGM Sportsbook
| $1,100 First Bet Offer |
 FanDuel Sportsbook
| Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| First $1250 on Caesars |
| PointsBet Sportsbook
| $500 in Bet Credits |
Legal sports betting in Kansas: Wager right now
Legal sports betting in Kansas officially launched at 12pm local (central) time on Thursday, September 1st, 2022. Sports betting is now legal, and live, in Kansas. Regulators announced that Sept. 1st would be the state’s “Go-Live” date, and to their credit, they hit the mark.
The Kansas Lottery approved six online sportsbook for Day 1 action in the state. Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet.
The legislative journey for sports betting in Kansas
Sports betting in the state came about after the Kansas legislature came through in 2022, agreeing on SB 84 to expand the Kansas Lottery to allow online sports betting. The House approved the bill 73-49 on Thursday, April 28th, and the Senate jumped on board with a 21-13 vote on Friday the 29th, advancing the new piece of legislation along to the Governor. Gov. Laura Kelly put her pen to paper just a few weeks later on May 12th, officially legalizing sports betting in Kansas. The market officially launched on September 1st of the same year.
Important Kansas sports betting details
Now that Kansas is signed, sealed, and delivered, let’s recap a few of the basic elements of the state’s sports betting law:
- Regulatory duties fall to two separate entities, the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
- The Lottery handles applications and the day-to-day
- The KRGC is the official regulator, setting rules, conducting background checks, and the like
- The legal age to bet on sports in Kansas has been set at 21
- To participate in Kansas online sports betting you must be physically present inside the state of Kansas. Geolocation technology will be required for all mobile apps and sports betting websites to prove the bettors location.
- There can be a maximum of 12 online sportsbooks in Kansas. Each of the four commercial casinos in Kansas are each eligible to host 3 online sports betting skins on their license.
- Betting on college sports, including basketball, NCAA football, and others, and Kansas college sports specifically is allowed.
- The sports betting tax rate for Kansas has been set at a very reasonable 10%.
Online sportsbooks in Kansas
Now that sports betting has officially launched in Kansas, what online sportsbooks can you bet with?
Each of the four in-state commercial casinos in Kansas can host three Kansas online sports betting skins each. This means that there can be a maximum of 12 online sportsbooks in the state, creating a healthy, competitive market.
Both Children’s Mercy Park (home of Sporting KC) and the Kansas Raceway have the opportunity to get involved with sports betting, but they would still need to partner with one of the state’s four casinos. They, and whomever they partner with, would count as a singular skin.
Currently nine of the twelve licenses are spoken for. Let’s break down who they are, where they’re licensed, and what they bring to the Kansas sports betting table.
| Kansas Online Sportsbook | License Partner | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Barstool Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway | September 1, 2022 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Kansas Crossing Casino | September 1, 2022 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Kansas Crossing Casino | September 1, 2022 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Boot Hill Casino | September 1, 2022 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Kansas Star Casino (Boyd Gaming) | September 1, 2022 |
| PointsBet | Kansas Crossing Casino | September 1, 2022 |
| Bally Bet Sportsbook | Boot Hill Casino | TBA |
| FOX Bet Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway | TBA |
| Golden Nugget Sportsbook | Boot Hill Casino | TBA |
Bally Bet Sportsbook KS
Bally Bet is on the way to Kansas, but they won’t be there for launch. They have a market access deal as one of the three skins on the Boot Hill Casino’s license, but they have not been approved for launch – yet. While DraftKings, another Boot Hill licensee, get’s the nod for retail duties at the casino, this Kansas partnership gives Bally’s the opportunity to continue its midwestern growth. Missouri sports betting and Kansas are key points of focus for the brand, as it operates the Bally Sports Kansas City TV station which carries all kind of local sports.
Barstool Sportsbook KS
Barstool Sportsbook is Penn National Gaming’s sports betting brand. Penn National owns Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway and used the first of it’s three available betting licenses on Barstool Sportsbook. Barstool was pre-approved for Kansas sports betting, and began accepting bets on launch day – Sept. 1st.
Barstool Sportsbook will also be the name brand of one of Kansas’ four in-state retail sportsbooks. Located at the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, bettors will be able to wager in-person and take in live stock car racing. A temporary in-person sportsbook has been set up to accomodate bettors after launch, while the venue continues construction on its permanent facility.
BetMGM Sportsbook KS
MGM Resorts is one of the world’s largest casino operations and has infiltrated into the sports betting landscape in a huge way. They have a surplus of market options for their users as well as recurring promotions for new and existing customers. BetMGM locked up KS sports betting market access through the Kansas Crossing Casino.
The BetMGM sports betting app is second-to-none, which keeps them at, or near the top of the list in every state in which they operate. BetMGM launched in Kansas on the “Go-Live” day, 9-1-22.
Caesars Sportsbook KS
Caesars runs some of the largest retail casinos in America, but they didn’t have a retail presence of any kind within the state of Kansas. However, it didn’t take long to find a dance partner in the state. Just days after sports betting was legalized in Kansas, Caesars announced a partnership with the Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, KS. The retail sportsbook at the Kansas Crossing will also boast Caesars Sportsbook branding.
Caesars Sportsbook was one of the six online sportsbook apps to begin accepting legal wagers on September 1st.
Caesars is known for its enormous promotions, and has a commitment to its lucrative VIP Rewards program that other brands simply can’t match. The Caesars Sportsbook KS app is top notch, and should be on any Kansas sports bettors’ phone.
FanDuel Sportsbook KS
FanDuel Sportsbook may be the best sportsbook in America. It is easy to use, has a nice interface and is continuing to grow. FanDuel has a partnership with Boyd Gaming which owns the Kansas Star Casino, making it a pace setter in-state. FanDuel sportsbook bettors can seamlessly jump back and forth between its leading online sportsbook and DFS site – it’s really quite convenient. In addition, it’s all run through one shared wallet.
FanDuel was among the first crop of online sportsbooks to hit the market in Kansas.
FOX Bet Sportsbook KS
It would be fair to say that FOX Bet hasn’t been the most active sportsbook in the US market. They came out of the gate back in 2018 with strong brand recognition and plenty of support in New Jersey, but they’ve been slow to expand. FOX Bet entered one new market (PA) in 2019, one new market (CO) in 2020, and one new market (MI) in 2021. Their limited presence simply didn’t match the quality of the platform.
Does FOX Bet’s entry into Kansas represent a change of the tide? FOX Bet is confirmed to have reached a partnership agreement with Penn National Gaming and the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway to utilize one of their three in-state sports betting licenses. That being said, they have NOT been approved to launch yet.
DraftKings Sportsbook KS
In May 2022, DraftKings Sportsbook along with Bally Bet, announced that it had reached a partnership agreement with the Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, KS, confirming their presence in the state. In addition to offering online sports betting, DraftKings Sportsbook also runs the retail sportsbook at the Boot Hill Casino. There will be a temporary brick-and-mortar DraftKings Sportsbook in a former high-limit area of the casino near the cashier, until they can build out a larger, permanent facility. The temporary digs will open sometime in October, with the permanent book scheduled for a 2023 ribbon cutting.
Kansans may be familiar with DraftKings already as their daily fantasy sports (DFS) operation has been legal in their state for years. DraftKings Sportsbook is also a very big player in the sports betting industry as they always seem to be at the forefront when new states launch. After all, they were the first online bookmaker to legally launch in New Jersey back in 2018, and have been on the cutting edge of the industry since.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook KS
Golden Nugget online sportsbook will also be joining the ranks of Kansas online bookmakers. The prominent gaming brand has agreed to partner with the Boot Hill Casino for market access, serving as the third and final skin for the Dodge City-based facility.
Golden Nugget has not been approved to launch yet, however, and is likely to be among the second wave of operators to begin taking bets in Kansas.
PointsBet Sportsbook KS
PointsBet has agreed to a market access partnership with the Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel. PointsBet joins Caesars and BetMGM in occupying the casino’s three Kansas licenses.
The Australian company is making a lot of noise and acting as a potential disruptor in US sports betting. Between the number of markets offered and their unique features like “PointsBetting,” it was no surprise to see PointsBet competitive in KS. They’re no retail casino giant, like MGM, Caesars, and a few others, but that hasn’t slowed them down. PointsBet was present on Day 1 of online betting in Kansas.
Kansas sports betting bonuses
A robust sports betting market sparks competition, and with 12 online sportsbooks getting involved in KS – there is competition abound. So how do sportsbooks compete for your business?… Let’s discuss welcome bonuses. Oh, and be sure to check the table above for our favorite Kansas sports betting promotions.
A welcome bonus is a way for sportsbooks to entice new customers to join their sportsbook by attracting customers with different sorts of monetary incentives through their initial deposit. What different ways can sportsbooks attract new customers through welcome bonuses? Well, there are a few:
Free bets in Kansas
A free bet is given out by bookmakers as a way to encourage loyalty and entice customers to stick around with their sportsbook with free credit. The way a free bet would work is a sportsbook can grant you this ticket, completely free of charge. Completely free bets usually range somewhere from $5 – $25. They aren’t huge, but they’re essentially a shot at free cash. You have the ability to win a wager with house money without the risk of losing any money. So, if you lose your free bet wager, you’re not really down anything – it’s a freeroll. And if you win, it’s a good way for you to start in the positive with your new sportsbook.
Risk-free bets
Another common offer is the risk-free bet. There are several risk-free bet promotions available in the state right now – consult the header above for our Kansas favorites.
With a risk-free bet, you would deposit funds and place your initial wager using the risk-free promotion. If it loses, you do lose the cash you wagered… but the sportsbook will credit you with free bets equaling the amount of the lost wager. For example, a Kansas online sportsbook offering a $1,000 risk-free bet means you could wager $1,000… and if it loses, you may be out the cash, but the sportsbook will credit you with $1K in free bets to try again.
Kansas deposit match bonuses
A deposit match is when a sportsbook gives you free bets equal to the amount you deposit when you sign up. Sportsbooks will always have a deposit match limit but nevertheless, these are great enticers for new sports bettors. For example, a sportsbook may be offering a deposit match up to $500. If you deposit the $500 and opt in to the promotion, you’ll get a $500 free bet or multiple free bets worth up to $500 depending on the sportsbook to match the deposit.
Deposits and withdrawals with Kansas sportsbooks
The online aspect of sports betting has changed the game in a number of ways. Having versatility in methods on how to deposit and withdraw your money is certainly one of them. Before you can bet you must deposit funds to your online account. And when you want to cash out, you need a way of getting your funds back. Thankfully, that’s easy in Kansas.
The norm use to be going to a retail sportsbook inside a casino and logging your bet. Although that is still on the table, the online options are plentiful from e-wallets, to online banking, and even writing checks. We’ll dive into some of the most common methods of depositing and withdrawing money at the biggest sportsbooks.
Deposits
Here are some of the most common ways that sports bettors can deposit money into their accounts at Kansas sportsbooks:
- PayPal
- (ACH) VIP preferred e-Check
- Visa/MasterCard credit and debit cards
- Online banking transfer
- Play+ Prepaid Cards
- PayNearMe
- Cash at the casino cage
- Bank wire transfer
- Paper checks
- Skrill
Customers have the ability to transfer their money into their accounts quicker than ever and it hasn’t been safer. With these sportsbooks being operated under the lens of the state government, your money is secure.
Withdrawals
Here is a list of the most common withdrawal methods for Kansas sportsbooks:
- ACH e-check
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Prepaid card
- Check by mail
- Cash at the casino cage
As is common practice at all sportsbooks, there will be fewer options to withdraw than there are to deposit. This should not be a worry though as there are plenty of methods for users to withdraw their winnings, many of them being instant transactions.
Kansas sports teams
College and professional teams in Kansas and Missouri have fielded a lot of remarkable squads with plenty of regular season success along with a number of championships.
Below, we review some of the state’s biggest teams, all of whom you can now legally bet on. Of course, Kansas teams aren’t the only teams you can bet on… just amongst the most popular due to local appeal.
Kansas Jayhawks basketball (and other sports)
Few programs have yielded more success in college basketball than Kansas during head coach Bill Self’s illustrious tenure.
There seem to be three certainties in life: death, taxes and Kansas winning the Big 12. Kansas has produced a number of stars in the NBA including 10-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce, 2022 NBA All-Star and former #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, and one of the league’s most exciting players in Joel Embiid.
Some states have not permitted their residents and bettors to place wagers on in-state college teams, but Kansas does allow it. You can legally bet on the Kansas Jayhawks while in Kansas.
Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, I know the Chiefs are in Missouri but Kansas can take credit for the Chiefs as well as the next four teams listed below.
The Chiefs under head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes have generated fireworks on the offensive side of the football. The dynamic duo were able to secure their first Super Bowl title in fifty years topping the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54.
The team currently plays just over the Kansas border on the Missouri side of the city. The team is beginning the process of seeking out new stadium options since Arrowhead has been in service since 1972. If the price is right, a shift back across the border to Kansas could be in the works.
Keep in mind the Kansas state border is just miles from downtown Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals
Similar to the Chiefs, the Royals had periods of success and tribulations but were able to break through after a 30-year drought. The Royals were able to secure their first World Series in the 21st century in 2015 when they defeated the New York Mets in five games avenging their 2014 World Series defeat.
Although expectations are not high for the Crowns, the Royals have some palpable buzz. After shipping away Whit Merrifield, Andrew Benintendi, and slugger Carlos Santana, the Royals are building around Bobby Witt Jr., and MJ Melendez.
The Royals play at Kauffman Stadium, which is just a few miles from the Kansas border. This makes them one of the more local Kansas sports teams.
Sporting KC
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Kansas’s MLS team. Since their foundation in 1996, Sporting Kansas City has yielded two MLS Cups and four U.S. Open Cup titles.
The team resides in Kansas City, Kansas and has grown intrigue heading into the 2023 season. Of the major Kansas City teams, they’re the only one that landed on the Kansas side of the border, which will allow them to actually get involved in Kansas online sports betting themselves.
St. Louis Cardinals
You’d be hard pressed to find a team that is as consistent of an organization as the St. Louis Cardinals. Dating back to 2000, the Cardinals have the second highest winning % in the entire MLB, just behind the New York Yankees.
Cardinals fans enjoyeda trip down memory lane as the team re-signed Albert Pujols for a final hoo-rah this past year alongside long-time teammates Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. They’re across the state, from Kansas, but still garner a significant following in Kansas due to relative proximity and sustained success.
St. Louis Blues
A franchise that enjoyed a lot of success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they never seemed to quite break through. That all changed in 2019 when the St. Louis Blues hoisted their organization’s first ever Stanley Cup title.
Under head coach Craig Berube, the Blues have enjoyed a lot of success and have solidified themselves as legitimate contenders year after year under his tutelage. They are the closest NHL franchise to the state of Kansas.
The sports betting race with Missouri, neighboring states
The pressure Kansas received from neighboring states was a primary catalyst for them to legalize these operations that much faster.
As some readers may already know, some states near Kansas have reaped the rewards of legalized sports betting, like Colorado and Iowa. Fellow midwestern state, Illinois, has enjoyed legalized sports betting since June of 2020.
The state of Arkansas has had legalized sports betting since 2018 but this was only at the state’s three casino locations. This changed in March of 2022 when the Arkansas Racing Commission voted that online sports betting be officially legalized. The state now has access to legal mobile sports betting apps.
More importantly, Missouri emerged as an immediate, and close rival for sports betting action. On March 24, the Missouri House passed two sports betting bills, 115-33, but they ultimately died in the senate. A near-four hour filibuster from Missouri state Senator put an end to Missouri’s bid for betting.
Not only is there a rivalry on the field between Missouri and Kansas but these states were also competing to be the first to offer legal sports betting. On their battle to legalize first, Kansas State Rep. Stephanie Clayton said, “I do not like Missouri. I want to beat them.”
And beat them they did. With Kansas advancing and Missouri not doing so, KS will assuredly benefit from plenty of cross-state betting traffic. After all, Kansas City, and its Missouri residents and sports teams, are only a stones throw from the Kansas border.
Responsible Gambling
Each of the biggest sportsbooks and any legal operation for that matter is a proponent of responsible gambling. What does that mean?
It means these brands are committed to their players gambling responsibly and well within their means. Gambling can lead to an addiction – betting on sports is supposed to be another way to make our favorite games and teams more entertaining and fun. If it evolves beyond that, there are options.
The way these companies instill a platform where players can enable responsible gambling is through betting limits as well as a number of responsible gambling self-help tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion tools.
For new bettors, the best rule of thumb is to wager well below your means and never risk more than you can afford or are prepared to lose. It is supposed to be fun and should be treated as such. When new sports bettors treat gambling as anything more than a leisure activity, that’s when issues can arise.
Kansas sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Kansas?
Yes! Sports betting is now legal in KS thanks to a positive 2022 legislative session. KS Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill into law on May 12, 2022.
When did online sports betting launch in Kansas?
September 1, 2022. Six online sportsbooks including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet, officially opened the KS betting market on Sept. 1.
What is the legal betting age in Kansas?
21+. Much like retail gambling in Kansas, you have to be 21 to bet on sports.
Do I have to be in Kansas to place a legal wager?
Yes, presence in KS is required to place a legal bet with a Kansas online sportsbook. Your phone will be able to prove your location automatically through geolocation, while your computer will require a quick plugin download.
How many online sportsbooks will be in Kansas?
Twelve. Kansas has four retail casinos, and each casino is allowed to host 3 online sports betting skins.
Do Kansas sportsbooks offer bonuses?
Yes, they do. From free bets to match bonuses, and everything in-between. Consult the table above for our top KS offers.
Can I bet on college sports in Kansas?
Thankfully the answer to this question is YES. The KS legislature made sure that the state’s wildly popular in-state teams are available to bet on.
If I live in Missouri, can I bet in Kansas?
Yes! Missouri has a number of large population centers, including Kansas City, that are just a stones throw from the Kansas line. Sports bettors in Missouri can drive across the line, activate their app, and place legal wagers while in Kansas. Afterward they can return home to Missouri, sweat bets, and even withdraw winnings without returning to KS. You just have to be in Kansas when the bet is placed.
