Overview of Kansas State and its Sports Betting Sector
Kansas, known as the Sunflower State, has approximately 2.9 million residents as of 2024. The state is characterized by its prairies, agricultural industry, and a blend of urban and rural communities. Politically, Kansas leans Republican, with the party holding the governorship and both legislative chambers, reflecting the state’s conservative traditions. Despite its traditional values, Kansas has embraced modern trends by legalizing and regulating sports betting, becoming a significant player in the Midwest's sports betting landscape.
Sports betting in Kansas was officially legalized on May 12, 2022, when Governor Laura Kelly signed the legislation. The state acted quickly to implement the framework. On September 1, 2022, Governor Kelly placed the first sports wager, a $15 futures bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl in 2023—a bet that paid off when the Chiefs clinched the championship (Kansas City Star, 2022).
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) and the Kansas Lottery regulate and report on sports betting. They oversee and ensure operators' compliance, enforce regulations, conduct background checks, and license sportsbooks.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Kansas
Annual sports betting revenue figures are pulled directly from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission’s official annual reports.
Source:
RG
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Kansas
Monthly sports betting revenue figures are sourced directly from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission’s published monthly revenue reports.
Source:
RG
Kansas Handle and Gross Gaming Revenue
Since legalizing sports betting in 2022, Kansas has steadily built one of the Midwest’s most dynamic wagering markets. The Kansas sports betting market has licensed six major sportsbooks, including DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook. These operators have expanded the market by offering diverse and competitive betting options, mainly through mobile platforms, which account for most bets in the state.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) reported annual GGR of $386.89 million in 2022, rising to $404.36 million in 2023—a healthy 4.5% year-over-year gain.
2024 (January–October Recap)
Through October 2024, Kansas bettors had staked $2.78 billion, producing $192.89 million in GGR and $10.39 million in tax revenue. The busiest month was October, with $793.80 million in handle and $39.07 million in revenue (11.02% hold), while February’s post-Super Bowl lull saw just $140.10 million wagered (4.17% hold).
November & December 2024
- November 2024: Handle reached $290.97 million, generating $25.53 million in GGR at an 8.77% hold and $2.55 million in tax revenue.
- December 2024: Seasonal slowdown brought $261.28 million in wagers, $8.79 million in GGR (3.36% hold), and $878,609 in taxes.
Q1 2025 Kansas Sports Betting Update
Here’s a quick look at Kansas’s Q1 2025 performance, drawn directly from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission’s official monthly reports:
| Month | Handle | GGR | Hold % | Tax Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | $301,837,633 | $16,158,360 | 5.35% | $1,615,836 |
| February 2025 | $216,186,513 | $23,940,150 | 11.07% | $2,394,015 |
| March 2025 | $248,409,034 | $8,030,320 | 3.23% | $803,032 |
All figures sourced directly from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission’s official reports.
Latest Updates in Kansas Sports Betting
- November 14, 2024: Kansas set a new record for its monthly sports betting handle in October, reaching $275.9 million—a 10.5% increase year-over-year.
- October 11, 2024: Kansas saw a surge in sports betting revenue in September, nearly tripling its August total to achieve $248.8 million in profits.
- September 23, 2024: Underdog Fantasy returned to Kansas with a restructured 'peer-to-peer' format. According to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, the new model "aligns with the intent of Kansas law."
- September 18, 2024: Kansas university professors expressed concerns as Missouri residents prepare to vote on legalizing sports betting this November, citing potential cross-border impacts on Kansas' betting market.
Kansas Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 2.9 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024) |
| Political Affiliation | Republican, the state's Republican Party holds the governorship and both legislative chambers. (270towin.com, 2024) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Permitted from May 12, 2022. (Kansas Gov, 2019). Gov. Laura Kelly placed the first sports bet on Sept. 1, 2022 (Kansas Senate, 2022) |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | Six major online sportsbooks: DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook. |
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Q1, 2025 | $48,128,830 |
| Sports Betting Handle Q1, 2025 | $766,433,180 |
| Professional Sports Teams | Kansas State has an enormous sports culture with Kansas City, Missouri, just across the state line (KC Chiefs, KC Royals). Sporting Kansas City (MLS) is the sole pro team in the state. |
FAQs on Kansas Sports Betting Revenue
General Information about Kansas Sports Betting
When did Kansas legalize sports betting?
Kansas legalized sports betting on May 12, 2022, and Governor Laura Kelly placed the first bets on September 1, 2022, including a $15 futures bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
What is the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission's role?
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) oversees sports wagering operations, ensures compliance, regulates state-owned casinos like Boot Hill Casino, and enforces licensing standards.
How many sportsbooks operate in Kansas?
Kansas features five major online sportsbook operators: DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and ESPN Bet. It also has retail sportsbooks at state-owned casinos.
Kansas Sports Betting Revenue and Market Performance
What was Kansas’ sports betting revenue in 2023?
In 2023, Kansas generated $182.4 million in sports gambling revenue, with a handle of $2.12 billion. Tax revenue from sports wagering skyrocketed to $10 million, contributing significantly to state funds. (KRGC, 2024)
How does Kansas manage its sports betting revenue?
Revenue from sports bets supports public programs, with tax revenue being reinvested into state funds to address needs like education, infrastructure, and problem gambling prevention programs. (KRGC, 2023)
How has Kansas’ betting revenue grown since legalization?
Sports wagering revenue increased 138% year-over-year from $76.5 million in 2022 to $182.4 million in 2023, showcasing rapid market growth fueled by mobile apps and competitive operators.
Betting Platforms and Operators
Which casinos host retail sportsbooks in Kansas?
Kansas state-owned casinos, including Boot Hill Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Kansas Star Casino, offer brick-and-mortar sportsbooks for in-person wagers.
How dominant are online sports betting apps in Kansas?
Most bets are placed through online apps, reflecting trends in accessibility and convenience for sports bettors. (Spectrum News, 2024)
Professional Sports Teams and Sports Gambling
What Kansas professional teams influence sports betting?
The Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) play a major role in sports wagering trends, with fans frequently placing bets on their games. In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly's bet on the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl highlighted their impact.
Do Missouri residents participate in Kansas sports betting?
Many Missouri residents cross the state line to place bets in Kansas. In November 2024, Missouri voted to legalize sports betting, but the industry is not yet operational.
Regulation and Responsible Gambling
What measures are in place to prevent problem gambling?
Kansas allocates a portion of its sports betting tax revenue to problem gambling programs, ensuring that resources are available for education and support.
Future of Sports Betting in Kansas
How does Kansas compare to neighboring states?
With Missouri still considering sports wagering legalization, Kansas benefits from cross-border activity, which bolsters its handle and revenue figures. However, future legalization in Missouri could impact Kansas' revenues. (Kansas Reflector, 2024)
Sports Betting Trends and Updates
What was Kansas’ biggest month for sports betting?
October 2024 set a record for Kansas, with a handle of $275.9 million, reflecting strong engagement during the NFL season.
Which sports are most popular for Kansas bettors?
NFL games, especially those involving the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by college sports and basketball, including bets on the Philadelphia Eagles during rival matchups.
How are sports wagers taxed in Kansas?
Kansas imposes a 10% tax on betting revenue.