Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced that licensed operators in the US state can begin to accept wagers on 1 September.
The four state-owned land-based casinos – Boot Hill Casino & Resort, Kansas Star Casino, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel – will be able to accept bets in-person and on mobile platforms.
Tribal casinos are also working to align on compacts with the state for sports wagering, with these casinos to be authorised to launch as soon as agreements are reached.
“Legalising sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues,” Kelly said. “I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”
Kansas Lottery executive director Stephen Durrell added: “This announcement represents a lot of hard work and collaboration between the Kansas Lottery, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, our casino and tribal partners.
“The process to bring this to fruition has moved at an unbelievable pace. We are excited to be bringing sports betting to Kansas players and adding more fun and exciting play options to the Sunflower State.”
Confirmation of the launch comes after Kelly in May signed into law Senate Bill 84, which authorised sports wagering on mobile apps, in casinos and other specific venues, as well as historical horse racing.
The bill permits lottery facility managers to operate sports betting in Kansas on behalf of the state’s lottery, with this to take place via partnerships with online sports betting operators.
Each lottery facility manager can have up to three interactive sports wagering platforms. Operators will be granted a one-year provisional licence based on past performance in other states, with platforms that have been granted contracts to be announced soon.
SB 84 also offers a path from tribes to also operate sports betting, allowing the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding the vertical.
