A budget amendment passed last week by Kansas’ House of Representatives prohibits the state from extending licenses for its six sportsbooks, which are set to expire in August 2027. According to the provision, the Kansas Lottery is not to “negotiate or enter into any contract or extension or renewal of an existing contract for the management of sports wagering with any lottery gaming facility manager.”

The state’s six active operators are BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and ESPN Bet.

While those sportsbooks can continue operating as usual, the provision casts doubts on their long-term stability. 

Kansas Sportsbooks Face Challenges

Gov. Laura Kelly had vetoed the provision blocking license extensions, citing concerns about its financial impact on sports betting. However, operators risk losing their standing in the Sunflower State if significant changes are not made before the expiration date.

It is possible lawmakers will seek a resolution at some point during the 2026 session. However, various reports have also suggested that Kansas could instead introduce a single-source model similar to what Washington, D.C., adopted ever so briefly.

The current model in Kansas allows up to 12 licensed sportsbooks, each operating in partnership with one of the four lottery-run retail casinos. 

Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) president Jeremy Kudon took to social media to try to quell some of the uncertainty, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “none of the leading OSB operators in Kansas will go dark as a result of today’s vote.”

Kudon continued: “But I wouldn’t let the Kansas legislature off so easy. They had no idea when these contracts expired and were willing to take your favorite OSB apps away from Kansans. We’re not going to let that happen.” 

Could Kansas Sports Betting Tax Climb?

Lobbyists have suggested that a less radical change may include raising the state’s sports betting tax. The current rate of 10% is one of the lowest in the United States.

Such a move would not be unprecedented. Ohio doubled its rate from 10% to 20%, while Illinois implemented a tier-based scale ranging from 20% to 40%. Meanwhile, a state lawmaker has proposed hiking Massachusetts’ rate to 51%, which, if implemented, would be the joint highest in the country, along with New York and Rhode Island.

Sports betting, which has been legal in Kansas since 2022, generated a record $216 million in gross revenue last year. That represented a 27% increase from 2023 ($170 million) and equated to approximately $21.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

Mobile betting platforms accounted for nearly 85% of the total revenue, with DraftKings and FanDuel performing ahead of the pack.   

Since Kansas’ launch, the number of states with legal online sports betting has grown to 38 (plus Washington, D.C.). Missouri is set to launch this fall, while a few others are in active legislation.  

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Through the partnership, Kambi will supply its sports betting services to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to support the opening of an on-site sportsbook at the Prairie Band Casino & Resort, located close to Topeka, Kansas.

Chris Garrow, Director of Gaming for Prairie Band Casino & Resort, stated: “When sports betting was legalised in Kansas last year we received so many positive comments and questions from our guests. Mostly asking when we start offering it, and we continue to get those questions. Now, we finally will be able to answer those questions with certainty.

“We are excited to launch our retail sportsbook as another amenity for our guests to ‘play your way’.This will be the first true locals’ sportsbook in Kansas.”

Through Kambi, 10 kiosks and four bar top terminals will be added to the 35,000 square foot Prairie Band Casino & Resort, offering sports betting products to the casino’s customers including the supplier’s Bet Builder product.

“We’re very proud to partner with Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Casino and Resort as we continue to support tribes in their sports betting endeavours,” added Kristian Nylén, CEO and Co-Founder of Kambi.

“Their successful and long-standing reputation in Kansas, combined with our award-winning sports betting technology, will create a one-of-a-kind experience for their current customers while also attracting a whole new demographic.”

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White Hat’s offerings are to become available to existing operators taking advantage of the debuting market, including its travelling wallet and player account management system.

The company’s “first-to-market” digital wallet solution allows players to retain their balance while moving from state-to-state without the need to transfer funds between different accounts.

“We’re delighted to launch with our partners on day one of the Kansas market opening for sportsbooks.” explained Daniel Lechner, VP Sales & Marketing at White Hat Gaming.

“It’s great to see players benefitting thanks to the flexibility and ease of use of our PAM and travelling wallet.”

White Hat’s feature solution has now seen uptake in 13 states across the US, with plans for further expansion once more regions introduce regulated online gambling.

“We’ve expanded massively in response to the huge opportunity in the US, both in terms of our resources and product offering, and have been rolling out at a tremendous pace,” Lechner added. 

“We look forward to boosting the player experience further as this growth continues.”  

The recent opening of the Kansas’ market has seen many companies within the industry target the new player base, with BetMGM recently launching its mobile app in the Sunflower State while being named Kansas City Chiefs’ official betting partner.

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Launched via its subsidiary that manages Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City, Kansas, the property plans to accept sports wagers onsite, as well as a soon-to-launch sportsbook on-site. 

Clark Stewart, President and CEO of Butler National Corporation, explained: “We’re excited to be a part of the launch of sports betting in the State of Kansas. Kansans can now access the latest betting markets as well as bet on local teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats and Sporting KC. 

“We’d especially like to thank the Boot Hill Casino & Resort team, DraftKings, the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission for all their efforts. The outstanding teamwork of these groups has allowed Kansans the opportunity to wager on the upcoming football season.”

Upon the launch of sports wagering in Kansas, anyone legally permitted within the geographical boundaries of the state will be able to place bets directly from their mobile devices or computers, by accessing a participating sports book or visiting a lottery gaming facility.

“Today is an exciting day in the State of Kansas as we look to increase tourism and revenue for the State of Kansas and Dodge City,” added Stewart.

Towards the back end of August, Butler National inked a deal with Golden Nugget Online Gaming to bring the latter’s online interactive sportsbook to Kansas. 

Subject to receipt of licences and regulatory approvals, the new sports betting law allows Butler National’s subsidiary to contract with three sports wagering platform providers, in addition to offering sports wagering at a retail sportsbook in the Boot Hill Casino.

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Starting with the mobile app launch, customers in the Sunflower State will now gain complete access to the operator’s online sports wagering platform. 

“We’re confident sports fans across the Sunflower State will enjoy the excitement of wagering with BetMGM,” said BetMGM CEO, Adam Greenblatt. “We would like to thank the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Kansas Lottery and Kansas Crossing Casino for being great partners and supporting our efforts.”

TheBetMGM app is now available in 24 markets across North America, with the sports betting platform including customisable pre-game, live in-play, future and parlay wagers. 

Moreover, customers can engage in BetMGM’s exclusive free-to-play contests surrounding marquee sporting events as well as the One Game Parlay product where players can combine their wagers on a single game to earn bigger payouts. 

The second part of its Kansas entry will see the igaming operator enter a multi-year partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The link-up will see BetMGM branding being visible inside the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Furthermore, its content will also feature across the Chiefs’ digital channels with special offers, game day experiences and prizes available to fans and season ticket members. 

“With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Kansas City Chiefs are an ideal partner,” added BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost. “As we launch our sports betting platform in Kansas, we look forward to elevating the game day experience for Chiefs fans throughout the region.”

Chiefs’ President, Mark Donovan, concluded: “As an industry leader in the space, we are excited to welcome BetMGM to Chiefs Kingdom. 

“We have invested significant time and energy advocating for sports wagering legislation and today’s announcement is going to open the doors for our fans to add to their experience for the 2022 season and beyond.”

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This move, which is subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, comes in partnership with Dodge City’s Boot Hill Casino and Resort which will disclose plans for a physical location “in the near future”.

This follows a November 2021 partnership agreement between the operator and BHCMC, a subsidiary of Butler National, manager of Boot Hill Casino & Resort, to bring the DraftKings Sportsbook to Kansas.

The state will commence full activity one week after its soft launch gets underway on September 8, which will come at “one of the busiest times of the year for sport betting” via the start of the 2022 NFL and college football seasons.

Upon launch, Kansas will become the 18^th US state in which DraftKings offers its online sportsbook, which complements a total sports betting footprint that spans 19 states and Ontario, Canada, inclusive of retail-only jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the company also noted that revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance issued earlier in the month includes current live state, and excludes any potential uplift that could be felt by this impending launch.

Alongside a second quarter performance update, DraftKings raised its guidance for the full-year, with revenue now anticipated to reach $2.08bn-$2.18bn from the previously expressed $2.05bn-$2.17bn. This would equate to year-on-year growth of 60 per cent to 68 per cent.

The company also improved its adjusted EBITDA expectations to a loss of between $765m and $835m from a loss of between $810m and $910m.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver our award-wining products to Kansas sports fans for the 2022 NFL and college football seasons,” said Matt Kalish, DraftKings Co-Founder and President, DraftKings North America. 

“It’s an especially exhilarating time of year, and we are excited for eligible Kansans to be able to get in on all the action through DraftKings’ seamless and responsible sports betting experience.”

Earlier this month, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed Bill 84, which will see the region’s four-state owned casinos officially begin accepting in-person and online sports wagering.

Moreover, this legislation also allows the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering with tribes across the region. These venues will be authorised to launch as soon as they are ready.

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Earlier this month, Governor Laura Kelly signed Bill 84, which will see the region’s four-state owned casinos officially begin accepting in-person and online sports wagering from a September 1, 2022, soft launch before commencing full activity one week later on September 8.

Moreover, this legislation also allows the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering with tribes across the region. These venues will be authorised to launch as soon as they are ready. 

Ahead of this impending go live date, the Kansas Lottery has disclosed which platforms will become immediately available to users, with each establishment able to offer both in-person sportsbooks and mobile sports wagering on up to three platforms

This will see Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway offer retail and mobile betting via PENN Entertainment’s Barstool, while Mulvane’s Kansas Star Casino will team-up with FanDuel in a similar capacity. 

Elsewhere, Dodge City’s Boot Hill Casino and Resort will offer the activity on a mobile basis through DraftKings, with a physical location set to be announced “in the near future”.

Finally, Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg will offer mobile sports betting via BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet, with an in-person sports wagering date to be revealed shortly.

After detailing the imminent launch earlier this month, Kelly noted: “Legalising sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.”

Sports wagering, like all gaming in Kansas, is owned by the state and operated by the Kansas Lottery, and will see full launch commence on the day that the regular NFL season gets underway when the Los Angeles Rams host the Buffalo Bills.

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This represents a swift turnaround from May when Governor Laura Kelly signed Bill 84, which also allows the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering with tribes across the region. These venues will be authorised to launch as soon as they are ready. 

Sports wagering, like all gaming in Kansas, is owned by the state and operated by the Kansas Lottery, and will see full launch commence on the day that the regular NFL season gets underway when the Los Angeles Rams host the Buffalo Bills. 

“This announcement represents a lot of hard work and collaboration between the Kansas Lottery, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, our casino and tribal partners,” said Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery.

“The process to bring this to fruition has moved at an unbelievable pace. We are excited to be bringing sports betting to Kansas players and adding more fun and exciting play options to the Sunflower State.” 

Local media report that agreements gained by Kansas gaming establishments will see sports wagering be offered at Kansas Star Casino, alongside FanDuel and MGM; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, with Barstool and Fox Bet; Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel, via Caesars and PointsBet, and Boot Hill Casino & Resort, which boasts agreements with DraftKings and Bally’s.

“We’ve been working diligently with our current online wagering platform partners to bring online sports betting to Kansans just as soon as regulators give us the green light,” commented Clark Stewart, CEO, Butler National Corporation.  

“The approval of the sports wagering management contract brings us one step closer to that significant achievement.” 

Adding: “Our team is focused on the timely launch of the DraftKings mobile platform and the DraftKings retail sports book at Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City.

“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of sports wagering to our casino guests and to all Kansans.”

Operators are being granted a one-year provisional licence based on past performance in other states. 

“Legalising sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. 

“I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”   

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The former sees capital investments being undertaken in both Louisiana, California and Nevada, with work having commenced on a new land-based facility for the riverboat Treasure Chest Casino in the Pelican State.

“We are confident the all new Treasure Chest will further expand the property’s customer base while increasing its appeal to our existing customers and drive enhanced results following its opening in late 2023,” noted Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd.

In downtown Las Vegas work is also said to be continuing on the expansion of the Fremont Hotel and Casino, where the company is hoping that the project allows the capture of a larger portion of pedestrian traffic.

Elsewhere, in the Golden State a collaboration with the Wilton Rancheria Tribe is “on track” and “making good progress,” with a Sky River Casino to open in September complete with a 100,000 square foot casino, 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and 17 food and beverage venues.

“Thanks to its location just south of Sacramento, this property is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the Sacramento and Bay Area markets,” it is said.

With Smith adding “beyond these capital investments, we also continue to expand our presence in sports betting and online gaming.”

As a result of recently passed sports betting legislation in Kansas and Ohio the company is also planning the roll-out of retail and mobile offerings alongside FanDuel.

Subject to regulatory approvals, launch will commence during autumn and early 2023, respectively, which will expand the partnership into eight states.

The company also disclosed that it remains “on track” to complete the $170m acquisition of Pala Interactive “around the first of the year”.

“Our online gaming strategy is built upon leveraging our geographic distribution, loyalty program and customer database to build a profitable regional online casino business,” Smith continued.

“Pala will provide us the full suite of products, technology and expertise we need to execute that strategy without the need for additional significant investments or acquisitions. 

“And of course, our five per cent ownership of FanDuel is an important strategic asset that will grow more valuable as sports betting expands and FanDuel continues to build on its position as the nation’s leader in online sports betting.

“In both our online and land-based operations, we are building a strong foundation for long-term growth.”

The comments come as the group assesses its performance through the year’s second quarter, which saw revenue record a slight uptick to $894.5m (2021: $893.6m).

Boyd reports that “all three operating segments continue to product strong results,” with the Las Vegas locals and downtown divisions increasing four per cent and nine per cent to $236.46m (2021: $236m) and $53.89m (2021: $38.78m), respectively. This offset a 2.42 per cent midwest and south revenue drop to $604m (2021: $618.72m).

Net income rose 22.54 per cent during the three month period to $146.8m (2021: $113.7m), with adjusted EBITDA recording its second highest performance to close at $353.9m (2021: $385.4m).

“The second quarter of 2021 was a challenging comparison due to benefits from government stimulus and the lifting of COVID restrictions,” Smith concluded.

“This quarter’s excellent results were driven by a continued focus on our core customer and sustained efficiencies throughout our business. 

“Our operating trends remain strong, as play from core customer segments grew both year-over-year and sequentially from the first quarter of 2022. We also improved company wide operating margins from the first quarter despite inflationary pressures. 

“Overall, we are encouraged by the continued strength of our business, and remain confident in our strategy and our ability to navigate today’s uncertain economic environment.”

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The collaboration between the trio will see sports wagering launch in Kansas, set to be effective from July 1, 2022, allowing bettors in the Sunflower State to place bets directly from their mobiles devices or computers by accessing a participating sportsbook or by visiting a lottery gaming facility. 

“We worked diligently to find partners that would bring Kansans a seamless, safe and premium sports betting experience,” explained Clark Stewart, CEO, Butler National Corporation. “We are ready to work with DraftKings and Bally’s to make sports wagering available in Kansas.”

As the Boot Hill Casino manager for the State, the new sports betting law provides that the Butler National subsidiary may, subject to regulatory approvals, contract with up to three sports wagering platform providers, in addition to offering sports wagering at a retail sportsbook in the Boot Hill Casino facility.

Stewart added: “We are hopeful to try to bring mobile sports betting to Kansans by football season. Kansans should be proud of the cooperative efforts by Kansas Legislators, our Governor, government agencies and private businesses, like Butler National Corporation, to bring legalised sports betting to Kansas.”

According to the American Gaming Association, sports fans spent nearly $8bn placing bets on this year’s Super Bowl. Online sportsbooks now have their own betting apps allowing for more convenience, customisation and the ability to place bets in the middle of a live sporting event. 

“With the passage of mobile sports betting legislation in Kansas, DraftKings is excited for the opportunity to enter the state pending licensure and regulatory approvals,” noted Griffin Finan, Vice President Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel at DraftKings. 

“Together with Boot Hill Casino & Resort, we look forward to engaging with Kansans and providing them with a world-class sports betting experience.”

Adding to the thoughts, Adi Dhandhania, Chief Operating Officer of North America for Bally’s Interactive, explained: “We are pleased that Kansas has now legalised sports betting, joining an increasing number of states across the nation. 

“We look forward to working with our partners at Boot Hill Casino & Resort to bring Bally’s online gaming experience to Kansans.”

In addition to online sports betting through DraftKings & Bally’s, Boot Hill Casino & Resort also anticipates an on-site sportsbook to accept wagers as soon as this fall. 

“Our goal continues to be to drive tourism and revenue for the State of Kansas,” commented Stewart. “Sports betting at Boot Hill Casino will give guests another exciting reason to visit Dodge City.”

“This is an exciting addition to the gaming experience we are able to offer our patrons,” concluded Diane Giardine, General Manager, Boot Hill Casino & Resort. “We are eager to move forward with our partners to bring legal, safe sports betting to historic Dodge City, Kansas.”

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