Kansas Online Sports Betting: Best Online Sportsbooks and Promos

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kansas?

Online gambling in Kansas was legalized on May 12, 2022, when Gov. Laura Kelly signed Bill SB 84, allowing mobile, online, and retail sports betting. The law took effect on July 1, 2022, with the first sportsbooks launching on September 1, 2022, just in time for gamblers in Kansas to start betting on the NFL. This rapid deployment made it one of the fastest sports betting launches in the U.S.

Kansas permits online sports betting for those over 21 and physically located within the state. There are six legal online sportsbooks operating, with potential for up to 12. Bettors in Kansas can place wagers on major U.S. and international sports, including niche markets like badminton and darts. The strong presence of professional and college sports in Kansas suggests a promising future for sports betting in the state.

At the time of this review, there are 6 online KS sportsbooks that are officially licensed and regulated to operate. The team at USALegalBetting.com reviewed and compared them so that you can register your account with the best Kansas sportsbook for you.

Technically speaking, DraftKings Kansas was the first sportsbook to open on September 1, 2022. It was closely followed by the other 5 sportsbooks. Each of the sportsbooks offers betting on all major sports, plus smaller sports like NASCAR betting, the PGA Championship, Betting on the UFC, MMA betting, horse betting, and more.

However, it’s the differences that make each one special. We’ll let you know which ones have daily fantasy sports (DFS) markets, the best betting guides, betting apps, and bonuses and promotions.

1. DraftKings Kansas - Best for overall betting markets and daily fantasy betting
2. FanDuel Kansas - Best for live betting with in-game odds adjustments
3. BetMGM Kansas – Best for parlays with single-game and round-robin options
4. Caesars Sportsbook Kansas – Best for live betting and streaming the top sporting events
5. PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience Sportsbook Kansas – Best for rewards and loyalty program
6. ESPN Bet Kansas – Best for staying updated with the latest breaking news

As we pointed out, there are many factors that go into choosing your preferred Kansas sportsbook. You might even want to open accounts with multiple betting sites to ensure you're getting the best possible online gambling experience.

In addition to the actual betting options, we took other factors into account when creating our rankings. These include, but aren't limited to:

• Welcome Bonus
• Promotion 
• Betting apps
• Reward programs
• Deposit and withdrawal methods

These rankings are based on our testing and experience. However, what's best for one Kansas gambler might not be best for another. It's important to read through the reviews, check out the betting sites, and make the best choice for you.

One of the biggest advantages of online sports betting in Kansas as opposed to gambling at casinos, are the bonuses and promotions. With so much competition, each of the 6 sportsbooks offers a Welcome Bonus and various promotions that run throughout the year. As the number of sportsbooks starts to increase in Kansas, so will the quality of these offers.

The types and sizes of promotions vary based on the sports betting sites, but they typically fall into one of the following categories:

• Deposit Bonus: Deposit Bonus: The sportsbook will match your deposit, some sportsbooks might only match 50% while others will match the full 100%, with an upper limit. You will have to meet the wagering requirement before the money converts from bonus bets into regular cash that you can withdraw.
• First Loss Bonus: This works like insurance for your first bet. If you lose the bet, the KS online sports betting app will refund your bet in the form of bonus bets. There will be different restrictions as far as which betting markets you can use the bonus bets and what you need to do to with-draw your winnings.
• Odds Boost: The sportsbook will increase the odds on se-lect games, matches, or markets to entice you to place the bet. A standard range of boosted odds will be between 15% and 35%.
• Loyalty Program: There are 6 legal Kansas online sports betting sites, and each one wants to encourage you to bet with them. In addition to offering the best odds and fastest payouts, many sportsbooks have a loyalty program that re-wards returning players. As you make bets, you’ll earn cred-its, receive prizes, and eventually become a VIP member, which comes with additional benefits.

Since its legalization in 2022, sports betting in Kansas has seen significant growth and development. Here's a quick look at the latest updates and key events since sports gambling in Kansas began, including industry milestones, regulatory changes, and economic impacts.

📰 June 2024: Lawmakers in neighboring state of Missouri set to review an appeal to legalize sports betting.

📰 December 2023: DraftKings Sportsbook KS leads with $299 million in handle, FanDuel KS follows with $191.5 million.

📰 November 2023: Kansas ranks as the 8th biggest state in the U.S. for sports betting with over $1 billion wagered.

📰 October 2023: More than $7 million in state taxes generated in Kansas from $1.85 billion in bets during its first year.

📰 September 2023: PointsBet Sportsbook announces it will rebrand as Fanatics Sportsbook in early 2024.

📰 August 2023: Kansas sports betting revenue exceeds first-year expectations by approximately $4 million.

📰 July 2023: Kansas sports betting market surpasses $2 billion in cumulative handle since launch.

📰 June 2023: BetMGM Sportsbook expands its VIP program to include Kansas customers

📰 April 2023: Kansas introduces new responsible gambling campaigns to promote safe betting practices.

📰 March 2023: Kansas reports a steady increase in sports betting revenue, attributing it to March Madness.

📰 February 2023: Kansas celebrates a successful Super Bowl betting season with record-breaking $194.2 million in bets, despite a net loss for sportsbooks due to the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win.

📰 January 2023: Analysts predict the Kansas sports betting market to reach $3 billion in annual handle by 2025.

📰 January 2023: Kansas lawmakers propose amendments to sports betting regulations to expand market.

📰 September 2022: Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission approves the first group of online sportsbooks.

📰 September 1, 2022: Sports betting officially goes live in Kansas.

The 2022 decision by the Kansas House of Representatives to make Kansas one of 31 US legal sports betting sites was a several-year process.

Senate Bill 84, legalizing up to 12 Kansas sports betting online sportsbooks, was enacted on May 27, 2022, after passing through the Kansas State Senate, House of Representative, before receiving Governor Laura Kelly's signature. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, authorized to regulate these sportsbooks, initially approved 4 vendors, later expanding to 6 currently operating in the state.

Here are the key dates the led up to it:

September 1, 2022: Official launch of legal online sports-books in Kansas.

August 15, 2022: The Commission approved the first four sports betting licenses.

July 1, 2022: The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission started accepting applications for sports betting licenses. ·

May 27, 2022: Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84, legalizing sports betting.

May 19, 2022: Kansas House's approval of Senate Bill 84.

May 12, 2022: Passage of Senate Bill 84 by the Kansas Sen-ate.

2021: Senate Bill 123, for casino and venue sports betting with an online licensing process, failed due to legislative differences. ·

2020: House Bill 2287, for both online and retail sports bet-ting, garnered support but was vetoed by the Governor. ·

2019: Senate Bill 139, proposing online sports betting through casino and sports team partnerships, passed the Senate but faced challenges in the House. ·

2018: Introduction of House Bill 2702, focusing on sports betting in casinos and venues, but it didn't progress.

Kansas online gambling became legal after Senate Bill 84 was signed into law in 2022. It allows anyone aged 21 or older in the state, whether they are a resident or just visiting, to place real money bets on professional and college sporting events, including in-state schools. The one limitation is that there is no betting allowed on esports events. Each licensed online sportsbook must have a land-based casino partner.

In terms of revenue, the law sets a taxation rate for Kansas online sports betting, with a portion of the revenue going to fund initiatives like problem gambling assistance and various state funds.

Online sports gambling in Kansas falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC).

• Kansas Lottery: Responsible for overseeing the operation of sports betting in the state, including the management of contracts with casino operators.
• KRGC: Responsible for maintaining the integrity and secu-rity of casino gaming, including online sports betting. They handle the enforcement of laws and regulations, ensuring that all gaming activities are conducted fairly and responsibly.

This multi-agency approach ensures a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances operational management with strict oversight, providing a secure and fair sports betting environment in Kansas.

In just over one year, there has been more than $1.85 billion wagered in Kansas online sports betting. The state taxes the sportsbook 10% of revenues, which in the first year of operations was just over $7 million.

Here is a monthly breakdown of the total revenue generated by sportsbooks in Kansas:

If you’re over 21 and located within the state of Kansas, you can make online sports bets. Bets can be placed through your web browser or by downloading Kansas sports betting apps. In both cases, you will need to allow the app or website to access your location to verify that you are in Kansas.

Here is the process:

Pick a legal sportsbook: As we’ve mentioned, there are currently six sportsbooks that can operate in Kansas. Check out our sportsbook reviews, and pick the best sportsbook for you. Ensure that the sportsbook has promotions that match your interests, a wide range of markets so you can bet on local sports, such as betting on the NBA and international sports, if you want to start betting on soccer matches in La Liga or the Premier League

Register your online account: The registration for Kansas online gambling sites is pretty straightforward. You will need to enter your name, phone number, and address (you don’t need a Kansas address to register your account) to get started.

Download the sports betting app: Using KS sports betting apps are the most convenient way to bet on live sports. Even if you’re out with friends in the evening, you can start betting on hockey games as they happen, without having to run to a computer. Some Kansas betting apps might offer better odds or special bonuses that you won’t find on the web browser.

Make a deposit: All Kansas sportsbooks have a variety of deposit methods such as credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even gift cards. Find the method that is most convenient for you, and make your first deposit.

Claim a welcome bonus: Once your first deposit is processed, you can claim a welcome or sign-up bonus. Some sportsbooks automatically credit your account with the bonus, while others require you to enter a promo code to activate it.

Place your first bets: Kansas sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/under, parlays, and prop bets. If you want to start betting on boxing or betting on tennis, you can make bets based on rounds or how long the match will last. You can also make live game bets on the NHL or future bets on the Stanley Cup winner.

Withdraw your winnings: After making a winning bet, you’ll have the option to leave the money in your account or withdraw it back to your payment method.

The first step is to download the sportsbook app using our special links. The app installation is similar to any other installation. You will need to agree to the permissions, including access to the device location. This is needed to verify that you are physically located in Kansas.

Sign Up

If you haven’t signed up for an account through your web browser, you can sign up on the mobile app. The process isn’t complicated. Simply tap on the Register Account or Sign Up Now link and add in the personal details in the space provided. The sportsbook will send a verification code to your phone or email. Copy/paste the code in the field provided to finish the sign-up process.

Deposit

Making a deposit is the final step to activating your account. It also makes you eligible to collect a welcome bonus. Find the banking tab on the sportsbook betting app to enter your secure portal. Then, select the payment method you want to use for transferring money into your account.

Betting

The most popular leagues and games are typically listed on the main page of the mobile app. However, if you want to bet on smaller events, like betting on golf tournaments, click on the sports icon at the top of your screen.

Once you select a game, you’ll see the moneyline and odds for both teams. Underneath that, you’ll find a complete list of the betting options available for each match or sport. When you make a bet, it will automatically be added to your bet slip.

Kansas went all in when legalizing sports betting. There are no restrictions when it comes to betting on professional or collegiate sporting events in the US or abroad.

Kansas bettors can start betting on MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA football and basketball, boxing, golf, UFC, horse racing, cricket, darts, and the list goes on and on.

Here are the betting profiles for some of the major sports leagues and events:

Football

NFL

The NFL is one of the most popular sports for betting. Having a team like the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the past few years certainly helps. The league recently expanded to a 17-game schedule, plus the postseason, giving you an extra week to pick your favorites.

Super Bowl

Easily the biggest game of the sports calendar, the Super Bowl is one of the sportsbooks' busiest days, especially when the Chiefs are playing. In addition to betting on the winner, Super Bowl betting sites offer crazy prop bets, such as how long the National Anthem will last, who wins the coin toss, which player gets the first penalty, and who wins the MVP.

NCAA Football

Kansas might not have a Top 25 NCAA football team, but there are still plenty of betting opportunities to be had. The bowl season is the biggest time of year for college football bettors, with so many different exciting games to bet on. The highlight of the season is the College Playoffs, leading to the National Championship game, which is exciting, regardless of which team you follow. Due to NCAA regulations, all college football bets must be based on game results, and not individual player performances.

Basketball

NBA

Although there is no NBA team in Kansas, it’s still a popular sport for Kansas bettors. With no home team to cloud your judgment, it’s easier to make the smart bet. The 82-game regular season and the extended playoff format present plenty of opportunities to bet on the over/under, parlays, player performance prop bets, futures, and more.

NCAA Basketball

With no professional teams in the state of Kansas, the Kansas Jayhawks are the most popular attraction. They entered the 2023 season as the number 1 seed and hope to dominate the regular season straight to the National Championship game. If you don’t want to bet on your Jayhawks, you can find plenty of other exciting games to wager on. Similar to college football, the NCAA only allows bets on game results and futures for conference champions.

March Madness

If the Super Bowl is the best time for sports bettors, March Madness is a close second. The 68-game tournament features the best teams in college basketball, playing for a chance to become National Champions. The single-elimination bracket-style tournament has historically featured major upsets and Cinderella teams advancing to the late rounds, even making it all the way to the Final Four.

Baseball

MLB

The Kansas City Royals may technically play in Missouri, but most treat them as the local team. While there hasn’t been much excitement since their 2015 World Series run, baseball is still a fun game to watch. Using MLB betting sites is a great way to pass time through the long summer, so you can enjoy the national pastime in a new way.

Hockey

There are no NHL teams playing in Kansas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bet on hockey. Betting the moneyline or point spread isn’t that exciting due to the low-scoring nature of the game, but there are plenty of prop bets and parlays to help add to the excitement.

Additional popular sports that you can bet on:

Golf

The PGA Tour is a popular betting market for golf fans. The most common bets are the winner, top 5, 10, and 15 finishers.

MMA

The UFC has been growing in popularity, and with prize fights nearly every week, you won’t have to wait for the big names like McGregor, Holloway, and Ortega.

Boxing

It might not have the same draw that it once had, but a good boxing match will bring out the bettors. Top bets include the winner and what round the loser will get knocked out.

Soccer

Believe it or not, soccer is growing in popularity in the US, even in Kansas. You can bet on MLS games taking place in the US, or international matches from all the top leagues.

College Sports Betting in Kansas

There are no restrictions on betting on the outcome of college basketball and football in Kansas. The NCAA doesn’t allow betting on player performance prop bets, but that’s a national restriction, and not specific to Kansas.

Prohibited Sports Betting in Kansas

The only betting prohibitions that we found in Kansas are:

• eSports games
• High school, AAU, and youth sports
• Entertainment award shows (The Oscars, Academy Awards, etc)
• Politics

Betting on the sports teams in Kansas is a way to take your fandom to the next level. Now, you’re invested in how the team plays, instead of just rooting for them based on location.

Professional Sports Teams in Kansas

Just because the Chiefs and Royals play on the Missouri side of the Kansas City border, doesn’t mean that you can't claim them as the home team. Kansas is also home to the Sporting Kansas City MLS franchise.

Kansas City Chiefs

With Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce leading the way, the Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the past decade. They’ve made 3 Super Bowl appearances since 2019, winning two of them.

League: NFL 
Founded: 1959
Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri Sportsbook partners: DraftKings and BetMGM

Kansas City Royals

With the exception of a magical run to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, the Royals have not had too much on-field success since the mid-80s. The team is typically found at the bottom of the divisional standings with a season record under .500.

League: MLB
Founded: 1969 
Stadium: Kauffman Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Sportsbook partners: None

Sporting Kansas City

One of the original ten MLS teams, Sporting KC's success includes several U.S. Open Cup victories and has won the MLS Cup twice. With a passionate fan base, the team enjoys a home-field advantage whenever they step on the pitch. 

League: MLS
Founded: 2015
Stadium: Children’s Mercy Park
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Sportsbook partners: None

College Sports Teams in Kansas

College basketball is extremely popular in Kansas thanks to the success of the Jayhawks and Wildcats. While those teams don’t have similar success in NCAA football, the game is still popular enough to bring in plenty of bets before kickoff on Saturdays.

• Kansas Jayhawks: The Jayhawks basketball team is a regu-lar participant in college basketball’s NCAA March Mad-ness. The team is often the favorite to win the Big 12, and started out this season as the number 1 seed. The Jayhawks football team has made some improvements since their 1-8 season in 2021, making two straight bowl games.
• Kansas State Wildcats: The Wildcats don’t share the same success as their cross-state rivals in basketball or football. However, they have had several good runs through the NCAA tournaments in previous years, including some up-set wins.

Playing and betting money on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in Kansas. The state legalized DFS in 2015 with the signing of legislation by the governor, making it one of the first states to formally legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports. This legislation stated that fantasy sports are games of skill, which is how they were able to legalize it before formally legalizing gambling.

While there are no physical racetracks currently operating in Kansas, you can still legally wager on horse races online through regulated horse racing betting sites.

Casino gambling was first introduced in the Kansas legislature in 2007 but didn’t pass into law until 2022. There are currently 4 casinos on Kansas land and another 5 that are run by Native American Tribes.

However, when it comes to making offline sports bets, there are just a few casino options.

• Kansas Star Casino: Located in Mulvane, Kansas Star Casino features a wide range of gaming options, including slots, table games, and a live poker room. There is also a large sportsbook with multiple betting windows and self-service kiosks.
• Boot Hill Casino & Resort: Bringing the spirit of the Old West to modern gaming, Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City of-fers a unique atmosphere. It boasts a variety of slot ma-chines, table games, and a dedicated poker area. Boot Hill officially opened its retail sportsbook in March 2023. The resort also includes dining options and often features live entertainment and historical reenactments.
• Kansas Crossing Casino: This Pittsburg-based casino offers a modern gaming experience with a selection of slot ma-chines and table games. The facility is known for its inti-mate setting and personalized service. The casino doesn’t run its own sportsbook; instead, it has a Caesars Sports-book on location for placing in-person bets.

Kansas went all-in when it legalized online and offline sports betting in 2022. Unlike other states in the USA, it has very few restrictions, other than requiring individuals to be over 21 and physically in the state to place a bet. There are no restrictions on college sports betting, other than those imposed nationally by the NCAA.

But how does it compare to sports betting laws in its neighboring states? Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa have all legalized sports betting in the past few years, and here’s a quick overview of their laws and regulations.

Nebraska Sports Betting

Nebraska has taken a very conservative approach to sports betting. It was legalized in 2021 after the passage of legislative bills that allowed for the establishment of retail sportsbooks at licensed horse racing tracks. However, unlike Kansas, Nebraska hasn’t legalized online sports betting; it's limited to in-person betting. Nebraska law also prohibits betting on in-state college teams, a restriction that is not uncommon, as some states are concerned about the impact it will have on college athletics. This doesn’t compare favorably to Kansas, which allows online betting without restrictions on college or professional sports, both online and offline.

Iowa Sports Betting

Iowa was one of the first states to legalize online sports betting. Legislation was passed in May 2019, positioning the state as a progressive player in the sports betting market. Bettors can place wagers on mobile apps and websites, as well as at retail sportsbooks located in casinos. Similar to Kansas law, Iowa allows betting on in-state college teams. This is in line with its liberal stance towards sports betting. With fewer restrictions on betting types, the Iowa sports betting market is one of the more dynamic and inclusive in the region.

Colorado Sports Betting

Colorado legalized online and retail sports betting in 2020. It has some of the most lenient online gambling laws in the US, which has led to a lot of growth. The state stands out for its low entry barriers for sportsbooks to operate, creating a very competitive market. This led to a booming sports betting industry, with a wide array of options for bettors, including bets on professional, collegiate, and international sports events. Colorado’s regulatory framework was designed to increase the options for bettors, making it a more attractive market for both bettors and sportsbooks.

Yes, as part of the Kansas online gambling laws from 2022, playing at an online casino is allowed. While there are no local online casinos regulated by the KRGC, playing at licensed and regulated sites from overseas is not a problem. Online casinos offer a wide range of online slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker rooms. Some sites also offer live dealer tables, which livestream the games from a land-based casino to your phone or computer.