Kansas to launch legal sports betting on September 1

Kansas will launch legal sportsbook wagering at four state-owned casinos from September 1, becoming the quickest state to go from legalization to launch date.
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Kansas will launch legal sportsbook wagering at four state-owned casinos from September 1, becoming the quickest state to go from legalization to launch date. 

Governor Laura Kelly confirmed that the four casinos contracted to offer sports betting are Boot Hill Casino & Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.

Following this announcement, tribal casinos are working to agree contracts with the State of Kansas to offer sports wagering and they will be authorized to launch as soon as this deal is agreed upon. 

“Legalizing 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,” Governor Kelly said. 

“I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”  

Under the provisions of the sports betting law, operators will be granted a one-year provisional license which is contingent on past performance in other states and those licenses will be announced ‘soon’.  

The Kansas Lottery will operate sports betting in the state as well as all gaming and the lottery Commission has released a video to explain the updates and regulations with regard to sports betting. 

“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,” added Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery. 

“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.” 

Governor Kelly enshrined sports betting into law back in May when she penned Senate Bill 84. This means that by the time sports betting launches on September 1, just 81 days will have passed between legalization and launch, the fastest of any state to date.