Sports Betting in Kansas

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Kansas?

One would expect that a state only 20 hours away from Nevada would be one of the first to legalize sports betting, but the Sunflower State dragged its feet in making laws on sports betting. At least 30 of the United States currently permits, and Kansas has now joined them.

On 12th May 2022, Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84 into law, making sports betting legal in the State. This happened five years after the Supreme Court overruled the PASPA in May 2018. The law came into effect on 1st July 2022, and the State made its official soft launch in September 2022.

But like all late bloomers, Kansas went all out with sports betting. Sports punters in Kansas can now legally place their sports bets in ten sportsbooks, including the four land-based casinos. Moreover, the State also approved online sports betting and gave licenses to six sportsbooks. The launch came in time for the start of the 2022-2023 NFL, the NBA preseason and NASCAR'S Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 in October.

Key Events That Led to the Legalization of Online Betting in Kansas

Kansas may have taken time to legalize sports betting, but the state legislators have been building on the laws that guide sports betting in the State. The Kansas Legislature heard three bills before 2022, one of which intended for the Kansas lottery to regulate lottery retailers. There was also a provision for an integrity fee allowing the State to tax legal sports and repurpose the proceeds into the leagues. 

State Autonomy of Casinos

The major challenge in passing the Sports Betting Bill was that the Kansas State Constitution recognizes the State as the sole gambling operator. This provision has given the state autonomy over all gambling activities and the four state-affiliated casinos within its borders. The autonomy did not include the Indian Casinos, but it gave the state authority to demand a 50% tax on all sports bets. Unfortunately, all casinos and sportsbooks applying for licenses did not agree with this Bill. 

In 2020, the Kansas legislature reconsidered and passed Senate Bill 283, which authorized the four casinos in the State to provide sports betting with a tax structure of 7.5% in-person wagering tax and a 10% internet wagering tax. The new Bill was fair enough for the sportsbook operators applying for licenses, but the other gambling organizations, like the horse and greyhound racing industry and dormant race tracks, were not in support. 

Most Kansas gambling industry participants hoped that the legislators would revise the Bill to accommodate the interest of both online and land-based casino and Sportsbooks providers. Despite her previous reluctance to approve Sports betting because it was not helping the State's lottery, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 into law in May 2022 and took effect later in July 2022.

Who Regulates Sports Betting in Kansas

The Kansas State Constitution confers all gambling authorities on the State, and over the years, that authority has devolved into State-controlled agencies, which are:

• The Kansas Lottery
• Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

Particularly their gaming restrictions and compliance with KYC regulations. The Kansas lottery grants licenses and oversees the daily running of gambling activities in the State, while the Kansas Racing Gaming Commission regulates how the Casinos and Sportbooks interact with customers. Here are some general regulations on gambling in Kansas:

• The legal betting age for gamblers in Kansas is 21. You can, however, bet on horse racing and participate in the lottery from 18.
• Players must be physically present in the State of Kansas to access online sports betting. This is made possible with the Geolocation technology required for all sportsbooks and apps to confirm bettor's locations. 
• The available sports for players to bet on include professional and college football, basketball, Kansas college sports, NCAA football, motorsports, and special events if authorized by the regulatory bodies.
• Each casino can have up to three online skins and enter into up to 50 retailer partnerships, including with the Kansas Speedway.
• A casino can also request additional online skin in partnership with a professional sports team.
• Kansas has a relatively modest 10% sports betting tax rate.

Most of these regulations existed before the State passed its Sports Betting Laws; we anticipate that subsequent legislation would include contemporary sports evolutions that would ease Kansas into the lucrative world of sports betting.

Who Oversees Bookies in Kansas?

The Kansas Expanded Lottery Act has made the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission and the Kansas Lottery the regulatory bodies for licensed and legal sports betting in the State.

The Kansas lottery is in charge of sports betting, while the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) handles regulations on sports gambling advertisements.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Kansas

Before the state legislature passed the bills on the sportsbooks, they had previously given their approval to betting on track activities like greyhounds and horse racing. But the approval of sports betting in the State means that the residents can now wager on all popular sports and even venture into Daily Fantasy Sports and other online sports bet options.

The challenge with live sports betting in Kansas is that the State does not have many professional teams, but their College and Amateur players make up for that lapse. Here is a list of popular sports that you can bet on in Kansas, including the following:

NFL Betting

The NFL is one of the most popular leagues in the US, and most states have their teams, but not Kansas. The Sunflower State does not have a professional state team in the National Football League, but this has not deterred NFL fans in the State. There is never a dull moment betting or watching the NFL. Most citizens have pitched their tents with the Kansas City Chiefs that play in Missouri. The Chiefs' supporters can now put their money where their heart is and cash in on their support. Considering how the Chiefs won the Superbowl in 2020 and their current form, their supporters may be smiling to the bank this season.

MLB Betting

Baseball is another prominent American sport in that Kansas does not have a professional presence in. But the State has always supported the Kansas City Royals during the world series. Their 2015 World Series win has heightened expectations for another win, and their fans may be lucky to cash in on those wins. The long seasons and other tournaments are great competitions to wager on, and we keep our fingers crossed for the Royals' fans.

College Sports Betting in Kansas

Most fans and college sports alumni were excited to hear that Kansas sports betting laws now allow wagering on NCAA sporting events, as College Football and basketball are two of the biggest sports in the State. Betting on College Sports was a casualty of the PASP Act, but that is no longer a challenge. Fans can now wager on their four-time NCAA men's basketball champions, the Kansas Jayhawks. The Wichita State Shockers and the Kansas State Wildcats may not be long-term title holders, but they are also great teams to wager on.

NBA Betting

Basketball may not be as popular in Kansas, but support for the Oklahoma Thunder is still resounding. Basketball fans can follow all NBA regular seasons and even wager on the Finals. The betting market for Basketball also allows you to wager on the total score and have quarter markets, half-time, and even player and team specials.

NHL Betting

Hockey is becoming popular among professional sports and is a growing interest for sports punters. The fast-paced action and recurring tournaments like the Stanley Cup Finals, regular season games, and the top European leagues have made it a highly rewarding sport. Kansas's professional hockey may need some work, but hockey fans in the State have been showing support for the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche. The understated rivalry between Kansas and Colorado has driven Some fans to support other NHL teams instead of their strong neighbours.

Soccer Betting

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and it is gaining more recognition in the USA and Kansas. Well, in Kansas City. Most soccer fans in Kansas have shown their devotion to Missouri's soccer teams. Some fans claim that Sporting Kansas City, formerly known as the Kansas City Wizards, partly belongs to Kansas. But beyond local teams, soccer fans in Kansas can now place their bets on popular international leagues like the UEFA, Serie A, London's Community Shield and other FIFA tournaments.