Legalized sports betting begins in Kansas with ‘soft launch’

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Legalized sports betting arrived in Kansas on Thursday, with wagers being taken at state-owned casinos and via mobile apps.

The “soft launch” of sports betting in Kansas comes after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill in May that the Republican-controlled Legislature passed with bipartisan support.

The launch meets a goal set by state officials to have the operations running by Sept. 1, in time for the first NFL games. An official launch of the operations is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Bettors must be in Kansas to place their wagers.

Under the law, each state-owned casino may offer in-person sportsbooks and mobile sports betting on up to three platforms or applications.

As of Thursday, in-person betting is available at Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane.

Hollywood Casino will partner with Barstool Sports for mobile betting and Kansas Star will partner with FanDuel.

Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City will offer mobile sports betting through DraftKings, and Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg will offer mobile sports betting through BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet.

In-person betting at the two casinos will be announced in the near future, lottery officials said.

Tribal casinos in Kansas are working with state officials on contracts to allow sports betting.