Kansas’ sports betting law took effect Friday, July 8, but regulators still are finalizing rules, meaning the first wagers will not be taken for several months. Still, co-regulators Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission and Kansas Lottery are hoping to allow legal bets during the National Football League season.
The lottery recently sent out contracts to the casinos and also distributed to stakeholders the 136-page package of draft rules, covering accounting, technology, surveillance and more. A Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission spokesman said the agency hopes to vote on the final set of rules at its July 22 meeting, although commissioners may request temporary approval in order to refine the details while operators and regulators move forward.
Under the law, each of the state’s four casinos−Boot Hill Casino, Boyd Gaming/Kansas Star, JNB/Kansas Crossing and Penn National Gaming/Hollywood Casino−may operate a retail sportsbook with up to three skins. MLS Sporting KC and Kansas Speedway also may partner with a casino through a marketing agreement.
The law also stipulates the regulator must open the sports betting license application process by August 15 and sports betting must launch by January 1, 2023.
Several major operators already have already lined up market access, including Bally’s (Boot Hill Casino), Barstool Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino/Penn National Gaming), BetMGM (Boyd Gaming/Kansas Star), Caesars (JNB/Kansas Crossing), DraftKings (Boot Hill Casino), FanDuel (Boyd Gaming/Kansas Star), FOX Bet (Hollywood Casino/Penn National Gaming), and PointsBet (JNB/Kansas Crossing).
