Kansas Online Gambling
If you want to know more about Kansas’ online gambling scene, you’ve come to the right place! Our expert guide has all the information you need about Kansas sports betting and iGaming, including which forms of gambling are legal, where you can gamble, and how the Sunflower State regulates the industry.
While online casino games and real money online poker are illegal in Kansas, plenty of other options are available. Recent changes in legislation have opened up the world of online and retail sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), and other exciting opportunities for Kansas players. So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just starting out, read our complete guide below to find everything you need.
Best Kansas Gambling Sites
If you are a Kansas resident or visitor and want to explore the world of online gambling, you’re in luck. We have done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best Kansas online gambling sites. Our team of experts has rigorously tested each operator to ensure they meet our stringent criteria for safety, reliability, and overall user experience. Our list includes only the most reputable and trustworthy online gambling sites that offer a wide range of games and markets, generous promotions, and user-friendly navigation.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Kansas?
The legalization of online sports betting in Kansas came into effect in May 2022 after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 into law. As a result, players throughout Kansas can now enjoy placing sports bets online at popular online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Sadly, online casino games and online poker remain illegal in Kansas. Despite this, Kansas residents seeking to play their favorite casino games online can still do so at sweepstakes casino sites. These sites offer players similar casino games to real money sites, which they can enjoy using virtual currency instead of real money.
Kansas Gambling History
Gambling laws in Kansas have evolved significantly since the state legalized horse racing in 1986. Players in Kansas can indulge in a wide range of gambling options, including land-based casinos, retail and online sports betting, the lottery, horse racing, charitable gambling, and DFS. Unfortunately, the state prohibits online casino games and online poker.
To provide a clearer picture, the timeline below looks at the fundamental changes to the Kansas gambling legislature and when they occurred.
- November 4, 1986: Kansas voters approve a constitutional amendment to allow parimutuel betting at horse and dog racing, amending Article 15, Section 3b of the Kansas Constitution.
- November 11, 1986: 64 percent of voters vote in favor of a state lottery in Kansas.
- November 12, 1987: The Kansas Legislature passes the Kansas Lottery Act, and lottery ticket sales begin in Kansas. Sales of the first instant game reached an impressive $7 million.
- 1987: The Kansas Legislature establishes the Kansas Racing Commission (KRC) to implement provisions of the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act.
- 1989: The Woodlands Racetrack opens in Kansas City as the first KRC-regulated facility for live horse and greyhound racing.
- August 1, 1995: The Kansas Legislature approves tribal-state gaming compacts. The Tribal Gaming Oversight Act officially establishes the Kansas State Gaming Agency to fulfill Kansas’ obligations under tribal-state gaming compacts.
- July 1, 1996: The State Gaming Agency is attached to the KRC for budget and personnel purposes, redesignating it as the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC).
- May 18, 1996: The first Native American Indian casino opens in Kansas, the Golden Eagle Casino.
- March 29, 2007: The Kansas Expanded Lottery Act (KELA) passes, allowing for four destination casinos to open in southeast, southwest, southcentral, and northeast of Kansas as part of the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act (KELA).
- June 27, 2008: The Kansas Supreme Court hands down its decision upholding the constitutionality of KELA. This decision cleared the way for destination casinos and remaining racetracks to move forward.
- February 12, 2010: The KRGC approves the license for the Kansas Entertainment project in the northeast zone.
- February 3, 2012: Kansas Entertainment opens the doors to the public as Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.
- May 19, 2015: Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signs HB 2155, legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports in the state, clearing up a gray area for Kansas players wishing to participate in DFS. The bill also legalizes charitable gaming, bingo, and raffles.
- May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), meaning it will be up to individual states to legalize sports betting.
- May 12, 2022: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs SB 84 to legalize Kansas sports betting, both online and at retail locations.
- September 1, 2022: Online sports betting launches in Kansas, allowing Kansas players to legally bet on sports for the first time in the state.
Legal Gambling Options in Kansas
Kansas has undergone multiple changes to its gambling laws in the past years. The state provides players with various legal options, including online and retail sports betting, land-based casinos, DFS, and the lottery. To give you a more in-depth picture, below is a table specifying the types of gambling that are legal in Kansas and the year each was made legal in the state.
| Type of Gambling | Legal? | When Legalized? |
| Online Casinos | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | 1995 |
| Online Poker | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Poker | Yes | 1995 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | 2022 |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes | 2022 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 2015 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | 1986 |
| Lottery | Yes | 1987 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | 2015 |
Sports Betting
After the overturning of PASPA in 2018, the US Supreme Court gave individual states the power to decide on the legality of sports betting within their borders. In 2022, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 into law, legalizing both online and retail sports betting in Kansas. Kansas has six online sportsbooks, including popular names like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings.
Online Casino
Kansas state law prohibits real-money online casino games. Kansas residents have the option to engage in casino games at brick-and-mortar establishments or choose to play on a sweepstakes casino website, which we will explain further later on. With the recent success of legalizing online sports betting, Kansas may soon follow suit by legalizing online casinos, allowing players to enjoy a wider variety of games like slots and table games while gambling with real money.
Poker
Since the establishment of the Kansas State Gaming Agency in 1995, players in Kansas have enjoyed various poker games at land-based venues across the state. Players can participate in games such as Texas hold’em, Omaha, seven-card stud, and more. Despite the popularity of land-based poker in Kansas, the state has yet to legalize online poker.
Daily Fantasy Sports
In May 2015, Governor Sam Brownback signed HB 2155, which exempted Daily Fantasy Sports from Kansas’s gambling laws. This change made Kansas one of the first states to clearly state the legality of DFS. However, it is essential to note that to participate in DFS in Kansas, players must be at least 21 years old, whereas in many other states in the US, the minimum age is 18.
Lottery
The Kansas Government has been running the state lottery since 1987, offering a diverse range of games. The lottery hosts scratch tickets, pull-tab games, and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players must be at least 18 to participate in any Kansas Lottery game.
Retail Sportsbooks
Kansas players can find retail sportsbooks within the four state-run casinos, including DraftKings at Boot Hill Casino, FanDuel at Kansas Star Casino, ESPN BET at Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, and Caesars at Kansas Crossing. You must be at least 21 to bet on sports in Kansas, so be sure to carry an ID if you want to place sports bets in person.
Land-Based Casinos
Kansas is home to ten land-based casinos, including four state-owned establishments and six casinos operated by Native American tribes. At these casinos, players over the age of 21 can enjoy various games, including slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and more.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Since Kansas online casino games are not yet legal, sweepstakes casinos are an excellent alternative for gamblers. These sites allow players to play their favorite casino games using virtual currency instead of real money. Some of the best sweepstakes casino sites even offer players the chance to exchange their sweeps coins for real-money prizes, adding some extra excitement to the experience.
How are Gambling Sites Regulated in Kansas?
In Kansas, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) is the principal regulatory authority responsible for enforcing regulations related to gambling activities in the state. This includes regulating state-owned casinos, horse racing, and sports betting. The KRGC ensures that these operators comply with the law by enforcing standards for security, licensing, and other legal requirements.
On the other hand, tribal casinos in Kansas are managed and regulated by Native American tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). This law sets out the parameters for the operation of tribal casinos, and the tribes are responsible for ensuring that properties comply with the act’s provisions. The KRGC also works closely with tribal gaming authorities to ensure that all operators are conducting gambling activities safely and fairly.
Responsible Gambling in Kansas
Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life. Kansas authorities recognize the potential harm that can come from gambling addiction and are committed to providing resources to help those affected by it. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, there are several options available in Kansas to help.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Helpline
- Call or Text: 1-800-522-4700
- Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Kansas Gambling Help
- Website: http://www.ksgamblinghelp.com/
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Kansas?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Kansas. Legal online gambling options in Kansas include sports betting and DFS. Sadly, online casinos are yet to become legal in Kansas, but players can enjoy casino games on the best Kansas social casino sites.
Can I bet on sports in Kansas?
Absolutely. Sports betting has been legal in Kansas since September 2022. Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 into law on June 20, 2022, allowing for both online and land-based wagering. Six online sportsbooks are available to Kansas players, including FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.
Does Kansas have any online casinos?
Real money online casinos have yet to be legal in Kansas, but Kansas players can access online casino games at sweepstakes sites. Sweepstakes casinos usually offer the same games and bonuses as real-money casinos, but players will use virtual currencies to play.
Is DFS legal in Kansas?
You bet. DFS games are legal in KS. In 2015, Governor Sam Brownback signed a bill into law that made DFS contests legal in Kansas by excluding them from the definition of illegal gambling. This change paved the way for platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel to operate in the state.
Are Kansas online gambling sites safe?
The top-rated online gambling sites in Kansas listed on this page are licensed and regulated by the KRGC. This regulatory body is responsible for ensuring that the sites maintain high standards of security and fairness in all operations. As you play on a KRGC-licensed site, you can be confident that state-of-the-art security measures protect your personal information and financial transactions.
Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Kansas?
Kansas considers all gambling winnings taxable income, meaning Kansas players must report all of their winnings. When you win money through gambling, the state automatically deducts 5% of your winnings before receiving them. In addition, you must declare your gambling winnings to the IRS.
