Since September 8th, sports betting has been legal in Kansas, United States.
Governor Laura Kelly signed bill SB 84 into law earlier in the year, with a soft launch on the 1st of September and the entire market being open from the 8th, just in time for the start of the NFL season.
“Every day I hear from Kansans across the state who tell me they are literally counting down the hours until they can finally, legally wager on sports… I’m with them, I’m so glad this moment has finally come”. Kelly said.
After 3 years of working on getting the rules and regulations right before legalising sports betting, The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission will be the official regulator, with Kanas Lotter handling the day-to-day operations, they have agreed on the following terms:
Players must be 21 years old to bet on sports and must physically be in the state of Kansas when placing the wager.
Up to 12 online sportsbooks are able to operate in the state
The sports betting tax rate will be set at 10%
To celebrate the legalisation of sports betting, the Kansas Star Casino hosted a grand opening on the 8th, where former Kanas State University and Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Jordy Nelson made a ceremonial bet.
The sunflower state Governor Laura Kelly celebrated by placing the first legal bet at Barstool Sportsbook inside Hollywood Casino, where placed $15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
How to place a wager
You can either place a wager in person or online. If you are placing a wager in person, you can do so at one of the four state-owned casinos. If you are wanting to place the wager online or via mobile, it must be with a third-party vendor that holds contracts with the state-owned casinos.
The online casinos include
FanDuel
BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US, and now Kansans will now be able to place bets on their favourite teams via the BetMGM site.
BetMGM offers a large welcome bonus, a range of different betting markets, a mobile sports betting app, and more!
Risk-Free Bet up to $1000
The BetMGM sports welcome bonus is a risk-free bet worth up to $1000. This offer is above average compared to other welcome bonuses in the legal US betting market.
To qualify for this promotion, you must deposit and wager at least $10 as your first bet after opening your account. If you place the wager and lose, then you will receive an equivalent amount in free bets.
Caesars
Caesars is one of the world's largest casino corporations, and I am sure any avid US bettor would’ve heard of the company. Now you’re in luck if you live in Kansas, as you can now place your bets via their site or app.
Caesars offers a large welcome bonus, a rewards program, virtual sports, and even offers casino and poker games in legal states.
Risk-free Bet Up to $1,250
Caesars will be offering a risk-free bet of up to $1,250 for Kanas bettors. Meaning you can place a bet on the Kansas City Royals or Kansas Jayhawks, and if they don’t win, get your money back.
You will also get 1,000 tier credits and 1,000 reward credits to go with the large welcome bonus.
Draftkings
Draftkings is an American daily fantasy sports contest and an online sports betting company, which has now been launched in Kansas.
They offer a great welcome bonus, 24/7 customer support, and even offer casino and poker games.
DraftKings 20% Match Bonus (up to $1000)
Right now, new players can claim a 20% Match Bonus up to $1000. You will receive your bonus when you make your first deposit.
DraftKings requires a $5 minimum deposit, but you will receive 20% of that back as a bonus. For example, if you deposit $100 you get a $20 Bonus, if you deposit $1000 you get a $200 Bonus!
Retail Sportsbooks
Since the hard sports betting launch, retail betting has been available at two casinos, FanDuel Kansas, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, and Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino.
Although DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM all have retail links, they will only be offering online betting for now but are likely to open retail betting later in the year.
Should you bet on Kansas?
You are now spoilt for choice on what you can be on in Kansas, and you might want to bet on your home team, but is that the best decision?
The Kanas City Chiefs are likely to be a very popular bet from the 8th, and their odds of winning the Superbowl are fairly high this year, so this is likely to be a safe bet to make.
With Sporting Kansas City 3 from the bottom of the MLS table, it may be a mistake to be on them this season. Although, some believe infielder Bobby Witt Jr. still has a chance of making AL Rookie of the Year, so if you really want to make a bet on Sporting Kansas, he is your best odds.
The Kansas City Royals are currently 4th in the AL Central table, and they are not looking their best, so this could also be a risky bet.
The State's odds in the FIFA World Cup are not awful compared to some, with +10000.
