Is Sports Betting Legal in Kansas?
Sports betting was officially legalized in Kansas in May 2022 when Governor Laura Kelly signed Bill SB 84. The change in law came after several attempts to allow sports betting and to update the state's outdated laws on lotteries and pari-mutuel betting on historical horse race machines.
After signing the bill on May 12, it finally went into effect on July 1, with Governor Laura Kelley expressing her hopes that sports betting would be finalized before the start of the NFL season. Thankfully for football fans across the state, the first online sportsbooks went live on September 8, 2022, and began fully accepting bets on September 8.
Timeline of Kansas Sports Betting
- 2018 – After the PAPSA bill is overturned by the Supreme Court, three different sports betting bills were introduced in Kansas, though none managed to gain much support.
- 2020 – A bill to expand the lottery act and allow legal sports betting passes the Senate but dies in House.
- 2021 – Another attempt to legalize sports betting once again passes through the Senate but is blocked from progress in the House.
- May 2022 – The House finally approved sports betting bill SB 84, which expands the Lottery Act to include online and retail wagering. Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill into law on May 12.
- July 2022 – Sports betting officially becomes legal in the state of Kansas, with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission drawing up rules for how sportsbooks can operate.
- September 2022 – The first sportsbooks go live in Kansas, officially accepting bets from September 8.
KS Sports Betting at a Glance
| Kansas retail sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Kansas online sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Kansas online sports betting launch date | September 8, 2022 |
| Kansas sports betting regulator | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Number of sportsbook licenses available | Twelve in total |
| Total bets placed in first month | $160.5 million |
| Sportsbook tax rate | 10% |
The Best Kansas Sportsbooks
To legally operate in Kansas, sportsbooks need to be partnered with one of the state's four licensed casinos. In total, each casino may launch up to three different sports betting sites, meaning that there can be a total of twelve licensed sportsbooks in KS. According to our research, these are some of the top sites you can join right now:
- BetMGM – Best site design and layout
- Caesars – Best welcome offer for new bettors
- DraftKings – Best for NFL betting
- FanDuel – Best for mobile betting
- PointsBet – Best odds and lines
- Barstool – Best unique promotions
How to Choose the Best KS Sportsbook
When you start betting online, it makes sense to join the best possible site to ensure you have a great experience. We've made it easier for you to choose by recommending the top sportsbooks according to the data. In addition, you can consider the following points when choosing a site:
Reviews
The easiest way to find the right sportsbook is to simply check out our betting site reviews. Our review team has personally signed up to and tested out every legal Kansas sportsbook to write up a detailed review of each site. You can use these to find out each site's main features and compare them before creating your account.
Bonuses
Every sportsbook offers bonuses to its users as an incentive to join up and start betting. However, some promos are much better than others. Before you join, it makes sense to compare the bonuses available, including welcome offers, loyalty rewards, and regular promotions.
Odds and Lines
When you bet on sports, your profits are determined by the odds you bet at. Better odds mean bigger potential winnings and better lines give you a greater chance of winning. While odds are generally similar for most events, you can find a lot of variances. Before you bet, always check the data to ensure you get the best odds.
Sports and Markets
The best sportsbooks provide a wide range of sports and markets for you to be on, giving you lots of variety and opportunities to find value. If you want to have the best time, you need to make sure that your sportsbook of choice lets you place bets on your favorite sports and that it has enough markets on major events.
Usability
Betting should be simple, straightforward, and fun, without needing to jump through hoops or do anything complicated. The sign up process should be easy, and it shouldn't ever take more than a few minutes to get started. In addition, the best sportsbooks let you bet from any device you like, with mobile apps that are fast to download and simple to use.
Payments
Before you can start betting, you'll need funds in your account, and all good sportsbooks let you make deposits quickly using a variety of different payment methods. Not only that but withdrawing your winnings should also be quick and free, letting you focus on betting without worrying about safety.
Customer Support
The best sportsbooks we've tested all prioritize customer service, ensuring that if you have any questions or issues, they're always dealt with quickly and professionally. Before creating your account, take a look at the contact methods available and check the data to see what kind of response times you can expect.
Kansas Sports Betting Guide
Betting on sports doesn't need to be complicated. If you're completely new to the world of sports betting, it might seem confusing, but it's actually fairly simple once you get started. In this guide, we'll shore you everything you need to know to get started and place your first bets.
How to Create Your Sportsbook Account
Creating a sportsbook account is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Choose one of our recommended Kansas betting sites
- Download the app or visit the site in your browser
- Follow the sign up process, entering your full details
- Agree to the terms and conditions and verify your account
Making Your First Deposit
To start betting and claim your cash promo, you need to first make a deposit. The deposit process can change depending on the sportsbook you use, but the standard steps are:
- Log into your account and open the cashier menu
- Choose the deposit option and select your preferred payment method
- Enter the amount you want to deposit and then confirm your payment details
- Confirm the deposit to instantly receive funds in your account
Most of the sportsbooks we've tested have a minimum deposit of $10, but this can depend on the site you choose. However, all sportsbooks will give you your money straight away, with the funds ready to bet as soon as you've confirmed the deposit. Some of the most commonly accepted payment methods include:
- Online banking
- Debit/credit cards
- Wire transfer
- ACH/eCheck
- PayPal
- Paynearme
What Are KS Sports Betting Promos
KS sportsbooks all offer bonuses and promos to new and existing bettors. Depending on the promo, these can be claimed by simply signing up and making your first deposit, though they all come with terms and conditions. Bonuses are a fun way to get more out of your bets and give you an opportunity to boost your bankroll. Here are some of the most common promos on offer at Kansas sportsbooks:
| Bonus | Example | Explanation |
| Matched deposit | 100% bonus up to $1250 | Your first deposit is matched 100% up to the max amount. |
| Risk-free bet | $150 risk-free bet | Your stake is refunded up to a set amount if your bet loses. |
| No deposit bonus | $25 free bonus | You receive a bonus in your account simply for signing up. |
| Bet credits | $200 in bet credits | You can use these credits in place of real money, keeping any winnings. |
| Odds boost | Boost your winnings by 50% | Increases your potential winnings from any bet you place. |
Every bonus you claim will come with terms and conditions which affect how you can use the offer. It's important to read through all of these terms and understand them before you claim, as this will help you get the most value out of each offer. Some of the most common bonus terms you'll come across include:
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Wagering requirement/rollover | 10x | Wager your bonus the stated amount to be able to withdraw it. |
| Promo code | BONUS50 | Enter the promo code when making a deposit to claim your bonus. |
| Minimum deposit | $10 | Deposit at least this amount to claim the bonus. |
| Minimum bet | $5 | Make a bet of at least this amount to claim the bonus. |
| Minimum odds | -150 | Make a bet at these odds or greater to claim the bonus. |
Placing Your First Bet
Now you've made your first deposit and claimed your welcome bonus, it's time to start placing bets. When looking for something to bet on, you should always use data and research to support your bet, as this will help you make a profit in the long term. Here's a short guide on placing your first bet:
- Log into your account and check you have enough funds
- Search for the event or team you want to bet on or use the menus to find it
- Look through the available betting markets to find something you like
- Select a bet to add it to your betslip
- Enter the amount you want to stake and check the potential payout before confirming
- Watch the game live to see the outcome and find out if you're a winner
Kansas Sports Betting Payouts Explained
If you ever want to take money out of your account, the process is normally pretty straightforward. Provided you have enough funds in your account, you can withdraw at any time. According to our research of KS sportsbooks, you can expect to find a minimum withdrawal amount of $10. In some cases, limits can apply, but all of the sites we tested had free withdrawals. Here's a short guide to the payout process:
- Log into your account and check that you have funds to cover the minimum withdrawal
- Go to the cashier section and choose the withdrawal option
- Select your payment method, which can usually only be a method you've previously used to make a deposit
- Enter the amount you'd like to withdraw and then confirm it
- Wait for your funds to arrive
Withdrawal times depend on two main factors. First off, you'll normally need to wait for the sportsbook to confirm your withdrawal, and this can usually take up to two working days. After that, you'll also have to wait for your payment method to process the transaction, and this varies depending on the method you choose. Here are some expected payout times for common payment methods:
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Time |
| Debit card | 1-5 days |
| PayPal | 30 minutes to 1 day |
| Bank transfer | 1-7 days |
Which Sports Are Available to Bet on in Kansas
You can bet on any sport you like in Kansas, with sportsbooks able to offer all major professional sports leagues from across the country and all over the world. In addition, KS sportsbooks can legally offer odds on all college games too, including games that involve Kansas college teams.
NFL
Football is the biggest sport in the country and the most popular among bettors. Kansas betting was timed to be legalized in time for the beginning of the NFL season, with lawmakers deliberately ensuring that all sportsbooks were ready to go by September. Most fans in the state follow the Kansas City Chiefs despite the team actually being based in Missouri. The current Super Bowl champions are one of the most consistent teams in the league, with a run of eight successive playoff appearances.
NBA
The NBA is the second most popular sport in the US and is also hugely popular with bettors thanks to the number of games and the crazy variety of markets you can bet on. The NBA was also quick to embrace sports betting, with a number of partnerships being made with top teams. While there's no NBA team based in Kansas, a lot of fans follow the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they're based just a few hour's away from Kansas City. The Denver Nuggets are also popular, although they're located much further away.
MLB
Baseball is one of the best sports to bet on simply due to the huge number of games available per season. In the MLB alone, there are more than two thousand games to bet on, and each game has a lot of different markets, so there are plenty of opportunities to find value. In Kansas, the most popular team is the Kansas City Royals. They may not be the biggest team in the sport, but they won the World Series as recently as 2015.
MLS
The MLS and soccer are also growing in popularity across the state, with fans enjoying watching Sporting KC. The team won the MLS Cup as recently as 2013, although it's struggled in recent seasons. Outside of the MLS, betting on competitions such as the English Premier League and the Champions League is also popular, and there are a huge number of games to bet on throughout the soccer season.
College Sports
Betting on college sports is freely available in Kansas, with zero restrictions on the teams you can bet on. The Kansas Jayhawks have one of the best basketball programs in the country, competition in the Big 12. Over the years, a lot of talent has been developed here, such as Paul Pierce, Andrew Wiggins, and Joel Embiid. Aside from basketball, you can bet on any other college sports, and most Kansas sportsbooks have a lot of different options for you to choose from.
Kansas Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Kansas?
Yes, sports betting was made legal in 2022, with the law being official as of July. The first sportsbooks launched later that year in September, and bettors can now legally sign up to any licensed sportsbook in the state.
How old do you need to be to legally start betting in KS?
You need to be at least 21 years old to legally sign up to a licensed sportsbook in Kansas. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission stipulates that sportsbooks must check the ID of any user before allowing them to bet.
Which is the best sportsbook to join in Kansas?
There are currently nine available sportsbooks that you can join in Kansas, with more potentially on the way. You can check out our recommended betting sites to find the best options, but your choice should come down to personal preference. You can also sign up to multiple sportsbooks if you want to take advantage of the best offers and odds.
Can I claim betting promos and bonuses in the state of Kansas?
Yes, all of our recommended KS sportsbooks have betting promos that you can claim. Most of these offers can be unlocked simply by signing up and making a deposit. Make sure you always check the full terms and conditions before you claim, as you'll want to know how to get the most value out of your promo.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
Chris Williams is a senior editor and fact checker at SportsbookPromo.com. He's been active within the US sports betting industry for over five years and has edited and fact checked hundreds of articles.