Kansas Wants to Launch its Sports Betting Market Before the Start of the NFL Season, but It Might Be Difficult to Achieve
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission and the state lottery regulators approved a temporary set of rules on Friday that will guide Kansas’ sports betting market when it launches later this year. While there is no set date for when the market will launch, the temporary rules and regulations will help get the state closer to its ultimate goal.
When Does Kansas Want to Launch its Market?
Despite not having a set launch date, the process has moved relatively quickly as Gov. Laura Kelly signed the sports betting bill into law on May 12th. As of July 1st, the law is in effect. After the meeting ended on Friday, rumors started circulating regarding when potential bettors could begin placing wagers.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission Executive Director Don Brownlee stated that the goal is to have everything up and running by the start of the NFL season as the season kicks off on September 8th. Subsequently, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before the first wagers can be taken.
In order to give regulators more time to double-check everything, January 1st, 2023, would be the more feasible date. For example, retail and mobile sportsbook operators in Ohio will be launching on New Year’s Day as operating by the start of the NFL season was viewed as a stretch.
Football is the most wagered sport in the United States as the average betting volume, and monthly handles skyrocket during the season. In addition, the Kansas City Chiefs will look to be a Super Bowl contender once again.
Which Sportsbook Platforms Could be Available in the Sunflower State?
According to Kansas law, the state technically owns all gaming equipment used in Kansas casinos, which includes the machines, cards, and other games. Sports betting in the state will follow the same setup, and the lottery will need to contract with each casino, as well as approve the partnerships between the casinos and their betting partners.
Gaming facilities can have three platforms or skins. FanDuel and DraftKings have already rolled out their promotions by offering $100 in free wagers for new customers in Kansas.
Bettors across the state can expect eight online sportsbooks to enter the state. These platforms include FanDuel, DraftKings, Barstool, Caesars, BetMGM, Bally’s, FOX BET, and PointsBet. The tax rate for both mobile and retail sportsbook operators is set at ten percent.
Kansas Will Certainly Get Bettors Neighboring States
Unlike Kansas, Missouri will have to wait for next year’s legislative session to push for sports betting. Many experts in the sports betting industry believed that if one state joined the industry, the other would follow shortly. However, the mayor of Kansas City stated on Twitter, “It’s so dumb we don’t have this yet.”
Sports wagering in the Sunflower State is projected to generate millions in revenue annually; the state can expect some visitors to cross state lines to place wagers throughout the year. The Kansas Lottery is set to meet again on September 7th, while the next KRGC meeting is set to take place on the 9th.
