Here’s where & how you can bet on sports in Kansas before Chiefs season starts
Legal sports betting in Kansas will officially begin on Sept. 1.
The law was signed by Gov. Laura Kelly in May, but Kansans have yet to make their first wagers — the state first had to approve vendors like casinos and betting apps.
Now, the process is nearly complete: Kansans — and adults who cross into Kansas from other states — will be able to start betting on their favorite teams on Sept. 1 at casinos, sporting arenas and online gambling apps.
Where can I bet?
Betting will be allowed in person at four casinos and in designated areas at some Kansas sporting arenas, like Children’s Mercy Park and Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County.
Here are the casinos that will be offering sports betting starting Sept. 1:
Boot Hill Casino & Resort near Dodge City
Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan.
Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg
Sports gambling will also be legal on betting apps. The apps track your location to make sure you’re in Kansas.
According to Betkansas.com spokesperson Jared Kimble, the following platforms will be ready for the Sept. 1 launch:
Who can gamble on sports?
Anyone age 21 and over within the geographic boundaries of Kansas can gamble on sports, even if you don’t reside in the state.
That means that Kansas Citians can cross the state line from Missouri and go to a casino or place bets on their phones or other devices while in Kansas.
What can I bet on?
Any type of competition that the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) has approved is eligible for betting. This includes race car events, horse races and other competitions. Yes, that includes the Chiefs and the NFL.
The exceptions are betting on greyhound races and “any sporting or athletic event where a majority of the participants are under age 18,” according to the law.
Do the games I’m betting on have to be taking place in Kansas?
No. As long as you are physically located in Kansas, the sports or competitions you are betting on can be anywhere in the country. That means you can bet on the Chiefs even when they are playing in Missouri or another state.
What does it cost to place a bet in Kansas?
The state plans to collect a 10% tax on all revenue that casinos, sports arenas or gambling websites collect from sports betting. However, this tax will not be passed along to gamblers. That means that simply placing a bet won’t cost you anything.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem and need help, call 800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com.
The Star’s Jon Shorman and Katie Bernard contributed reporting.
Do you have more questions about the new Kansas sports betting law? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
