Kansas is only days away from joining 30-plus states that already offer some form of sports betting. According to a press release Friday from the Kansas Lottery, six of a potential 12 operators have been approved to launch mobile platforms as early as noon Thursday.
Also, the Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway appears to be the lone retail location aiming to open this week. According to a Barstool Sportsbook press release, the company will open a temporary sportsbook with 30 kiosks and five teller windows.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly recently announced the plan is for the Kansas Lottery to hold a soft launch for sports betting beginning at mid-day Thursday, followed by a full opening on Sept. 8, which is the first day of the NFL season. According to the new law, each of the four state-operated casinos —'Boot Hill Casino, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas Crossing Casino, and Kansas Star Casino — will be allowed to offer retail sportsbooks and mobile sports betting with as many as three digital platforms or applications.
As a whole, Kansas will allow up to a dozen legal sportsbooks to operate in the state, and consumers can expect Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook,'DraftKings, and FanDuel'to be among those that go live first.
Nine have access, six approved so far
Here’s a look at the nine operators that have announced market access and their status as of Monday: