Kansas Sports Betting: Best Legal KS Sportsbooks 2023

Kansas sports betting updates

Spurred by its competition with neighboring Missouri, the Sunflower State has taken the step to allow bettors to finally wager on sports.

Here are some critical dates in Kansas sports betting history:

Oct. 13, 2022: The inaugural Kansas sports betting handle report — following September's legal launch — showed that retail and online sportsbooks handled $160.5 million in bets.

Sept. 8, 2022: Kansas sports betting officially launches.

Sept. 1, 2022: Kansas initiates its ‘soft launch’ of legal sports betting in the state. Six licensed sportsbooks — Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet — all go live. Governor Laura Kelly places the first bet at Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino — a $15 wager on the Chiefs to win the 2023 Super Bowl.

Aug. 31, 2022: PointsBet gets the green light to launch on Thursday, Sept. 1. Meanwhile, DraftKings confirms it will launch its sportsbook in Kansas on day one, too.

Aug. 26, 2022: The Kansas Lottery announces Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet have all been approved to launch sports betting operations on Sept. 1.

Aug. 25, 2022: Butler National Corporation (Boot Hill Casino & Resort) partners with Golden Nugget. Boot Hill Casino has already partnered with Bally Bet and DraftKings.

Aug. 18, 2022: Gov. Kelly makes it official. Kansas sports betting will start on Sept. 1, with a "soft launch," followed by a full launch a week later. Mobile betting and retail wagering will both be permitted.

Aug. 15, 2022: The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) follows the lead of the state lottery, approving a temporary set of rules for legal sports betting. 

Aug. 10, 2022: The state lottery commission approves an amended list of 15 sports betting rules, moving one step closer to legalizing the practice in Kansas. However, Kansas Lottery Director Stephen Durrell isn't ready to announce a specific launch date.

Aug. 4, 2022: FanDuel Sportsbook offers new Kansas customers $100 in free bets via a pre-launch sign-up promo.

July 26, 2022: Kansas regulators note that legal sports betting likely won't be up and running for the start of the upcoming NFL season, which kicks off Sept. 8, 2022. While no specific launch date has been set, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) and the Kansas Lottery say there will be a universal start date that could see retail and mobile betting go live simultaneously. 

July 20, 2022: Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway announces a partnership with Barstool Sportsbook. A temporary retail sportsbook is expected to open in time for the 2022 NFL season.

June 20, 2022: Gov. Kelly ceremoniously signs SB 84. Kelly also downplays the likelihood that Kansas sports betting would generate enough revenue to lure the Kansas City Chiefs out of Missouri.

June 15, 2022: The Kansas Lottery and Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission are already working on regulations and contracts with stakeholders ahead of July 1, 2022 — when legal sports betting goes into effect.

April 29, 2022: The state Senate approves the Kansas sports betting bill (SB 84) with a 21-13 vote, sending the legislation to the desk of Gov. Kelly. By all accounts, the governor is expected to sign and officially bring legal sports betting to the Sunflower State.

April 28, 2022: The House overwhelmingly advances SB 84 with a 73-49 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it must be approved before reaching the governor for a final go-ahead.

April 3, 2022: After passing through the House, 63-50, a new wrinkle in Kansas' sports betting bill (SB 84) causes the legislation to stall in the Senate. The last-minute provision would have 80% of the revenue earned through sports betting go towards a fund meant to attract professional sports franchises to the state.

March 30, 2022: Senate Bill 84 is amended by lawmakers to include the contents of HB 2740, keeping legal sports betting dreams alive. The move helps push the bill through the House via an 88-36 vote and sends it forward to a joint committee, which will attempt to make the bill agreeable to both chambers of the legislature.

March 16, 2022: The House introduces HB 2740, a bill similar to SB 84, which includes some additional pieces of language. Under this legislation, Kansas' four commercial casinos could operate retail and online sports betting with up to three mobile partners each.

March 30, 2021: The state's House Committee of the Whole votes against SB 84, 77-40, effectively bringing the forward momentum for legal sports betting to a halt.

March 3, 2021: The Kansas Senate approves SB 84, 26-12, sending it along to the House for further consideration.

Jan. 26, 2021: The state Senate introduces SB 84, legislation that would bring about legal sports betting in Kansas if eventually ratified into law.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Kansas

DraftKings reigns as king of the hill as the competition begins to ramp up among legal Kansas sports betting sites. Its striking mobile app and plentiful betting markets guarantee its title as Kansas’ best sportsbook.

DraftKings KS earns its spot on the list of best sports betting apps via a substantial offering of events and regular odds boosts. Navigating the platform is smooth and intuitive, and accessing each section of the sportsbook is a breeze.

DraftKings KS is also offering $200 in free bets to new users who place a $5 wager on any market.

Give our thorough and unbiased DraftKings Sportsbook review a look for a more in-depth analysis.

Best offers and bonuses in Kansas

Kansas sports betting sites went live on Sept. 1, 2022, just in time for the 2022 NFL season, and sportsbooks stormed out of the gate to provide eager bettors with hefty sign-up offers. Here are the best Kansas sports betting bonuses available in 2023:

Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: New customers can register with the latest Caesars promo code — COVERSBONUSFULL — to get up to $1,250 in bet credit, plus 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits. Should your first wager lose, Caesars will credit your account with the amount wagered, up to $1,250.

FanDuel Sportsbook - $3,000 No Sweat First Bet: With FanDuel live in Kansas, you can nab a $3,000 no sweat first bet offer when you create a new account. Simply make your initial qualifying wager on any sports market, and FanDuel will provide you with up to $3,000 in bonus bets should your bet lose. 

BetMGM Sportsbook - $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets: Sign-up today with BetMGM Kansas to claim up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. If your qualifying wager with the sportsbook fails, BetMGM will refund your stake, up to $1,000. 

PointsBet - Up to $500 in free bets: Newly registered Kansas customers with PointsBet can use promo code 5X100RC to redeem up to five $100 free bets — one for each of their first five days of betting with the sportsbook. Should a wager lose, PointsBet will return the stake in full, up to $100 each, in site credit. You will also receive a $50 free bet when your first bet settles.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

Top five Kansas betting sites

Our picks for the top five Kansas betting sites include household names in the online sports betting industry. Download sleek mobile apps and lock in exclusive Kansas sports betting promos from the following sportsbooks:

1. DraftKings Kansas

Bet $5, get $200 in free bets

No code required

Claim Now

A DFS-king-turned-industry-essential, DraftKings provides Kansans with an intuitive user experience that’s tough to beat. Not only is placing bets easy and painless by way of a smooth website and preeminent mobile app, but the innumerable sports markets and speedy payout system ensure DraftKings KS has a place among the state’s top-five sportsbooks.

Read our DraftKings Review to discover more about DraftKings.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in free bets
• Payout speed: 1-3 days

2. BetMGM Kansas

$1,000 back in bonus bets

No code required

Sign Up Now

Kansas bettors will likely already be familiar with one of the most renowned brands in gambling. BetMGM has earned its reputation, and those who opt to sign up for its sportsbook will quickly discover why — high-quality odds flanked by a plethora of bet types and sports to choose from are the operator’s specialty. To sweeten the deal, BetMGM KS is offering a first bet offer with up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets if you lose, numerous deposit options, and a striking online and mobile platform.

Get the full details on BetMGM in our BetMGM Review.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.3 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 back in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 2-8 days

3. FanDuel Kansas

$3,000 No Sweat First Bet

No code required

Claim Now

From DFS staple to overall industry giant, FanDuel brings one of the best legal online sports betting experiences in the U.S. to Kansas. The sportsbook’s active welcome bonus — a $3,000 no sweat first bet offer — is among the best in the state. But that’s not all — a slick mobile interface, tons of markets and promotions, and a few exclusive live-streaming partnerships make FanDuel KS a difficult option to top. 

Dive into our FanDuel Review for more information.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
• Payout speed: 1-7 days

4. Caesars Kansas

Up to $1,250 on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUSFULL

Claim Now

Kansans should look no further than Caesars Sportsbook to claim the largest sign-up bonus — up to $1,250 in bet credit — in the state. What’s more, the operator’s pristine mobile app offers an enjoyable on-the-go experience, its live chat feature emphasizes its brilliant customer support team, and its rewards program gives back to customers in ways few others manage. Caesars Sportsbook KS stands tall on our list as one of the best sportsbooks in Kansas.

Check out our Caesars Sportsbook Review for a more in-depth analysis.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

5. PointsBet Kansas

Up to $500 in free bets

Code: 5X100RC

Claim Now

PointsBet’s cross-continental reach now extends to Kansas, offering users one of the industry’s most impressive sports betting experiences. Unique features such as the operator’s signature Points Betting bet type — a high-risk option that allows users to win or lose more — and its “Karma Kommittee” — which provides reimbursements if certain situations happen to ruin your bet — headline the product’s many admirable qualities. New users can also claim up to $500 in free bets, as per the operator's latest welcome bonus.

Learn more via our extensive PointsBet Review.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $500 in free bets
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

What sportsbooks are legal in Kansas?

On Sept. 8, 2022, six Kansas sports betting sites officially launched. 

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the following legal online sportsbook operators:

1. DraftKings - Best mobile app
   
   
2. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
3. FanDuel - Intuitive menus
   
   
4. Caesars - Largest bonus
   
   
5. PointsBet - Unique features
   
   
6. Barstool - Loads of markets

Legal Kansas sportsbooks

Bettors will have up to 12 Kansas sports betting sites to choose from when all is said and done. Six operators began taking legal sports bets on Sept. 1, 2022. The following partnerships have been confirmed as of our latest update:

Kansas online sportsbooks

Land-based Kansas sportsbooks

Barstool Sportsbook was the first retail sportsbook to open its doors to Kansas bettors. Keep an eye on the table below for the latest updates.

Latest Kansas betting news

Who can bet on sports in Kansas?

Now that it’s possible to legally bet on sports in Kansas, it’s vital to remember that the legal age to do so is 21, the same as most other states. Additionally, bettors can sign up and register online anywhere within state lines.

The pros and cons of Kansas sports betting

Thanks to its competition with Missouri acting as a driving force, Kansas legalized sports betting in 2022 and joined the ever-growing number of legitimate markets in the U.S. Although Colorado has long had an established market, the remainder of Kansas’ neighbors — Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska — have yet to pass sports betting legislation into law.

While it’s impossible to say exactly what the landscape will look like until it’s taken shape, the outline is promising.

Full legal sports betting experience as of Sept. 8, 2022

Wagers on college sports permitted

Both online and retail Kansas sports betting

Just six legal Kansas sportsbooks for now

Go-live dates for additional approved operators are unknown

Gambling addiction concerns remain prominent among numerous Kansas lawmakers

How to start betting in Kansas

With the arrival of mobile and online sports betting, bettors can confirm wagers with Kansas sports betting sites from anywhere in the state. Some Sunflower State residents may also find themselves with nearby access to retail sportsbooks.

What you can't bet on in Kansas

Most popular professional sports leagues are available for betting on in Kansas. However, there are still other events that are off-limits.

Politics

Kansas will not permit betting on politics. No states allow regulated sportsbooks to offer these types of bets.

esports

Esports betting continues to gain popularity throughout the U.S. but is only found in a few regions. Kansas does not allow sportsbooks to offer esports betting at this time.

Entertainment awards ceremonies

Kansas bettors may have the opportunity to wager on events like the Oscars or Emmys. At the moment, this is unclear.

What about Kansas college sports?

Kansas permits betting on college sports. Bettors can even place wagers on in-state games.

Kansas sports betting handle

The first-ever Kansas sports betting handle report revealed that the combination of retail and online sportsbooks handled $160.5 million in bets in September, when legal betting launched in the Sunflower State. 

We are tracking Kansas's monthly handle activity to date:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Kansas sports

The Sunflower State has a solid collegiate presence. Fortunately, legal sports betting rules permit sports bettors to wager on in-state games.

Whether looking to wager on a professional sports team or college athletics, bettors should do plenty of research before placing any bets. Our how to bet guides are wonderful resources to help get newbies started.

NHL

St. Louis Blues

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Kansas City Chiefs

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Kansas City Royals

Get live MLB odds

Other types of gambling

Along with legal sports betting, the state provides a few other gambling options. Players will find slots and table games at any of Kansas’ land-based casinos, while tickets for the state lottery can be picked up from numerous licensed retailers.

Quick facts: Kansas sports betting

Following Kansas launching legal online sports betting on Sept. 1, 2022, here's a rundown of everything there is to know about the latest legal betting market in the U.S.:

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

The list of states that have adopted legal sports betting is only getting longer. Kansas joins the following locales now that it has put legal event wagering measures in place:

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

DC

Delaware

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches

Maryland set its online sports betting market live on Nov. 23, 2022. Legal Maryland sports betting sites include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook.

Ohio betting sites and retail sportsbooks went live on Jan. 1, 2023. 

Massachusetts sports betting will launch in January with several brick-and-mortar locations. Online sports betting should come to the Bay State in March 2023.

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Looking to do what Kansas just managed, there are still many states moving toward legal sports betting. These are the ones that may potentially generate their markets relatively soon:

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

Kansas sports betting conclusion

Kansas beating neighboring Missouri to the legal sports betting punch should be a massive boon for its burgeoning market. With just six online sportsbooks, local bettors don't have the largest selection, but some of the best sports betting platforms in the country are represented in the Sunflower State.

With more operators on the way — Bally Bet and Golden Nugget are next up — state-wide remote registration, and the option to wager on nearly any sporting event, Kansas sports betting is off to a roaring start.