Sports

Here’s where & how you can bet on sports in Kansas before Chiefs season starts

Odds are displayed on a screen at a sportsbook owned and operated by CG Technology in Las Vegas.
Odds are displayed on a screen at a sportsbook owned and operated by CG Technology in Las Vegas.

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Sports betting in Kansas

Gambling on sports begins in Kansas on Sept. 1. Here’s what to know about how, when and where to place your bets.

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Legal sports betting in Kansas will “soft-launch” on Sept. 1, with an official start date of Sept. 8.

The law was signed by Gov. Laura Kelly in May, and then the state 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 at noon on Sept. 1 at casinos, sporting arenas and online gambling apps.

Where can I bet in-person?

Betting will be allowed in person at four casinos and in designated areas at some Kansas sporting arenas.

Here are the arenas around Kansas City with sports betting areas:

  • Children’s Mercy Park
  • Kansas Speedway

Here are the casinos that will be offering sports betting starting Sept. 1:

  • Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas

  • Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane

  • Boot Hill Casino & Resort near Dodge City

  • Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg

Hollywood Casino and Kansas Star Casino will have an in-person sportsbook open on Sept. 1, while Boot Hill and Kansas Crossing will only have mobile sports betting available through apps at first. The latter two are still working on getting their in-person sportsbooks up and running.

Where can I bet on apps online?

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:

The Kansas Lottery has added that Barstool Sportsbook is also an option for bettors on launch day.

Who can bet on sports in Kansas?

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.

This story was originally published August 18, 2022 at 4:30 PM.

Natalie Wallington
The Kansas City Star
Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.
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Sports betting in Kansas

Gambling on sports begins in Kansas on Sept. 1. Here’s what to know about how, when and where to place your bets.