The Legality of Sports Betting in Kansas
Sports betting in Kansas became a reality in 2022, with a soft launch on September 1st of that year. Governor Laura Kelly placed the first legal sports bet in the state, wagering $15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. The full legalization of both online and retail sports betting marked a significant moment for sports enthusiasts in the Sunflower State, providing them with a regulated and secure environment to wager on their favorite teams and events.
The journey to legal sports betting in Kansas began in March 2021 when the State Senate passed a bill to authorize it. After further work in the House, the bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly in May 2022 and officially became effective on July 1, 2022. This legislative process paved the way for the launch of sports betting operations just a few months later.
Available Sportsbooks in Kansas
Kansas is home to a competitive and growing sports betting market, with six major online sportsbooks available to bettors across the state. These operators have partnered with land-based casinos to offer their services, providing a wide range of betting options and promotional offers.
- FanDuel Kansas: Partnered with the Kansas Star Casino, FanDuel is a leading name in the sports betting industry. It offers a user-friendly mobile app and a comprehensive selection of betting markets, including same-game parlays.
- DraftKings Kansas: Operating in partnership with Boot Hill Casino, DraftKings is another top-tier sportsbook in Kansas. Known for its extensive live betting options and innovative features like private betting pools, it provides a dynamic and engaging betting experience.
- BetMGM Kansas: In collaboration with the Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel, BetMGM offers a sophisticated betting platform with a strong focus on pre-game and in-game odds. New users can often take advantage of bonus bet offers.
- Caesars Kansas: Also partnered with the Kansas Crossing Casino, Caesars Sportsbook brings a well-established brand and a rewarding loyalty program to Kansas bettors. It offers a variety of wagering options and promotions.
- Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas: A newer entrant into the market, Fanatics Sportsbook acquired PointsBet to establish its presence in Kansas. It offers a unique user experience with a “Discover” page that highlights trending bets and rewards.
- bet365 Kansas: The latest addition to the Kansas sports betting scene, bet365 operates independently of a retail casino. It provides a global perspective on sports betting, with a vast array of markets on both domestic and international sports.
Types of Bets Available
Bettors in Kansas have access to a wide variety of wager types, catering to both novice and experienced gamblers. Some of the most common types of bets include:
- Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team will win a game.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory in a game, where the favorite must win by a certain number of points, or the underdog must lose by less than that number or win outright.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.
- Parlays: A single bet that combines multiple individual wagers. All selections must win for the parlay to be successful, but the potential payouts are much higher.
- Teasers: A type of parlay where the bettor can adjust the point spreads or totals in their favor in exchange for a lower payout.
- Futures: A long-term bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or the World Series.
- Prop Bets: Bets on specific events or statistics within a game that are not directly related to the final outcome, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
- Live Betting: Placing bets on a game while it is in progress, with odds that update in real-time.
Tax Implications for Winnings
Sports betting winnings in Kansas are subject to both federal and state taxes. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is a flat 24%, which may be withheld by the sportsbook if your winnings exceed a certain threshold. For state taxes, gambling winnings are considered income and are taxed at the regular state income tax rate. It is important for bettors to keep accurate records of their wins and losses for tax reporting purposes. Consulting with a tax professional is always recommended for specific advice on your individual situation.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
Kansas offers both mobile and retail sports betting, giving bettors the flexibility to choose how they want to wager. Mobile betting is available statewide through the apps of the six licensed online sportsbooks. This allows for the convenience of placing bets from anywhere within the state at any time. Retail sports betting is available at the four state-owned casinos that have partnered with the online operators: Kansas Star Casino, Boot Hill Casino, Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel, and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. These retail locations offer a more traditional in-person betting experience with betting windows and kiosks.
Tips for Bettors in Kansas
- Shop for the best odds: With six different sportsbooks to choose from, it pays to compare the odds for the bets you want to make. Even small differences in odds can add up over time.
- Take advantage of promotions: Sportsbooks in Kansas offer a variety of promotions and bonuses to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These can include bonus bets, deposit matches, and odds boosts.
- Bet on what you know: Stick to betting on sports and teams that you are familiar with. This will give you a better chance of making informed decisions.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your sports betting activities and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Bet responsibly: Sports betting should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Kansas is committed to promoting responsible gaming and providing resources for those who may be struggling with problem gambling. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission provides information and support, and the following resources are also available:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700 or ksgamblinghelp.com
These resources offer confidential help and support for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.