Kansas Sports Betting May Not Launch In Time for Start of NFL Season

The launch of legal sports betting in Kansas may not take place in time for the start of the NFL season on September 8. A failure to launch by kickoff could cost the state and sportsbook operators a considerable amount of revenue. Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84 into law in May. It will allow for in-person and online sports gambling in the Midwestern state.

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is working on temporary regulations for sports betting. The regulator hopes to have draft guidelines before commissioners at its August 12 meeting. It will take some time to approve them. Background investigations must be done by August 15. Kansas Lottery is also working out contracts with its partners. They must set out their licensing process for online sportsbooks by September 1. It is the lottery that must approve sports-betting platforms.

The Kansas Lottery board is working on issuing operating licenses to the sportsbooks. The state-owned casinos reported $30.3 million in revenues in June, a 9.6% drop from the $33.4 million earned in May. If the delay is prolonged, it could mean a loss of revenue for the state and sportsbook operators.

Sportsbooks have already struck alliances with the state's four non-tribal casinos. They are permitted under the Kansas betting legislation to partner with up to three sports betting operators.

Eight major sportsbooks have formed alliances with the state-owned casinos in anticipation of license applications. Some of the major partnerships include BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings and Bally's. Barstool Sportsbook was announced as a sponsor of NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. Hollywood Casino is planning to launch a temporary sportsbook in time for the race.

Kansas Sports Betting May Not Launch In Time for Start of NFL Season. BetMGM and FanDuel (Kansas Star in Mulvane), Caesars (Kansas Crossing in Pittsburg), DraftKings and Bally's (Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City), Barstool Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino, Kansas City).

Kansas Sports Betting May Not Launch In Time for Start of NFL Season.