Kansas Lottery gives go-ahead for sports betting launch

The Kansas Lottery has confirmed that the Sunflower State will commence with sports betting operations from September 1, beginning with a one-week soft launch period
Image: Shutterstock

The Kansas Lottery has confirmed that the Sunflower State will commence with sports betting operations from September 1, beginning with a one-week soft launch period. 

Kansas Lottery confirms Sep 1 launch after regulatory hurdles overcome

It comes after a hitch in the plans last week, which saw the Kansas Attorney General, Derek Schmidt, note that the lottery must revise three of its proposed regulations before legalised sports gambling can start. 

Schmidt asserted that shortcomings must be “remedied” before legalised sports gambling can take place in Kansas.

Those concerns were brushed off and the lottery’s regulatory hurdles were overcome, leading to this week’s confirmation that Thursday will indeed see the first regulated sports wagers in Kansas. 

Sports betting partnerships announced

As well as confirmation of the launch day, the lottery also announced the partnerships between casinos and sportsbook operators. 

As per SB84, which legalised sports betting, each state-operated casino will be able to offer in-person sportsbooks and mobile sports betting on up to three platforms. 

Hollywood Casino in Kansas City will offer both an in-person sportsbook and mobile sports betting available through a partnership with PENN subsidiary, Barstool Sports. 

Meanwhile, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane will have both in-person sportsbook and mobile sports betting available through FanDuel. 

Next, Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City will offer mobile sports betting through DraftKings, with an in-person sports wagering date to be announced in the near future.

And finally, Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg will offer mobile sports betting through BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet, with an in-person sports wagering date to be announced soon.