The first legal sports bet in Kansas was $15 — inspired by Patrick Mahomes’ jersey number — on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
Gov. Laura Kelly placed the wager Thursday at Hollywood Casino, kicking off sports betting in Kansas.
“Every day I hear from Kansans across the state who tell me they are literally counting down the hours until they can finally — legally — wager on sports,” Kelly said. “I’m with them: I’m so glad this moment has finally come.”
Kansas sports fans — and Missourians willing to cross state lines — can now legally bet on their favorite teams.
“Now, Kansans will have another way to show their support for their favorite teams and players,” Kelly said. “As long as they’re not the Broncos or Mizzou, I’m good with that.”
The sports betting soft launch kicked off at noon Thursday. It will be followed by a full opening Sept. 8, which is the start of the NFL season.
The launch comes just in time for the first football games of the season for the Chiefs, Kansas State University Wildcats and University of Kansas Jayhawks. That was an uncertain prospect when the bill passed late this spring and faced a lengthy and arduous regulatory process.
“With NFL season kicking off … the timing is perfect to showcase our NFL in-play betting capabilities in particular,” PointsBet Group CEO Sam Swanell said in a statement.
Several sportsbooks have offered signup bonuses as advertised on social media and television.
“It’s an especially exhilarating time of year, and we are excited for eligible Kansans to be able to get in on all the action,” DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish said in a statement.
Previously: We found out when sports betting will start in Kansas. Here’s what to know.
The Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission approved temporary rules and regulations to operate sports betting. Those guidelines were reviewed by Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office and required his approval.
Near Wichita, the Kansas Star Casino will host a grand opening Sept. 8 that includes a ceremonial first bet by former Jordy Nelson, the star wide receiver at Kansas State University and the Green Bay Packers.
How can I place a wager?
© Gary Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports With sports betting legal in Kansas beginning Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be a popular bet.
You can place a wager in-person at one of the four state-owned casinos, though only two have in-person sports betting up and running.
Mobile and online betting is also available through several third-party vendors that contract with the casinos.
The state’s federally recognized Native American tribes could soon offer betting. More locations, such as restaurants and gas stations, will likely offer ways to gamble on athletics in the future.
More: What channel is KU football vs. Tennessee Tech? How to watch, stream Kansas’ season-opener
What casinos and apps have sports betting in Kansas?
© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal Surrounded by members of the media, Gov. Laura Kelly hands over $15 to place the first legal sports bet in the state at noon Thursday at Barstool Sportsbook inside Hollywood Casino. Kelly placed the bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
The Kansas Lottery reported the following sports wagering platforms will be available to the public on launch day.
Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, will have in-person sportsbook and mobile sports betting through Barstool Sports.
Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane will have in-person sportsbook and mobile sports betting through FanDuel.
Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City will have mobile sports betting through DraftKings. In-person wagering is expected to be offered in the future.
Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg will offer mobile sports betting through BetMGM, Caesars and PointsBet. In-person betting is expected to be available in the future.
More: Inflation isn’t just at the store but also hurt Kansas pensions. Here’s what officials will do.
What are the types of wagers and betting lines?
© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal Digital banners advertise Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino where people can now legally place sports bets in the state.
A money line is a simple bet on the result of a sporting event, such as whether a team wins a game. You win money if you pick the correct outcome.
Point spreads are a type of wager that encompasses the outcome while factoring in how close the score ends up. You win money if you bet on the favorite and they win by more than the expected margin. You can also win money if you bet on the underdog to pull off the upset or to “cover” by playing a closer game than expected.
Over/under bets are placed on the combined score of both teams in a game. You win money if you correctly predict the total points scored to be either over or under the number set by sportsbooks.
There are futures odds, such as predicting far in advance who will win the Super Bowl or the college football Heisman Trophy. Such bets tend to be more lucrative.
Other bet types are also offered, such as same-game parlays, player props and special odds.
What do Vegas betting lines show for Kansas teams?
© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal Sports betting is now legal in Kansas at casinos and on sportsbook apps like FanDuel, Barstool, DraftKings and BetMGM. Kansas State football, led by running back Deuce Vaughn, is expected to be a popular bet in the Sunflower State.
The Kansas City Chiefs are among the best odds to win the Super Bowl, just behind the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vegas Insider reports. The sportsbooks are so confident in the Chiefs being a safe bet to make the playoffs that prop odds would require you to put up $210 for the chance of winning $100.
Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is just behind Josh Allen on MVP odds.
While the Kansas City Royals have struggled this season, Vegas thinks infielder Bobby Witt Jr. still has a slim shot at AL Rookie of the Year.
Sporting Kansas City would be among the riskiest bets to win the MLS Cup, Vegas Insider reports. The United States has odds in the middle of the pack for winning the FIFA World Cup, while USMNT star Christian Pulisic is a longshot to be the top goal scorer.
Vegas odds aren’t very hopeful for either Kansas State University or the University of Kansas to pull of a national championship season in NCAA football.
For fans expecting Nebraska transfer quarterback Adrian Martinez to lead the Wildcats to a successful year, betting the over on the 6.5 win total could be of interest. K-State won eight games last season with Skylar Thompson running the offense. Star running back Deuce Vaughn is a longshot to win the Heisman, Vegas Insider reports.
For fans confident that coach Lance Leipold’s squad takes a step forward this year after winning two games last year, they could be intrigued by a 2.5 win total. For less hopeful fans who don’t want to wait until basketball season, the more favorable football odds may come on whether the Jayhawks cover the spread in matchups.
The defending national champion Jayhawks are among the favorites to make the Final Four, according to Vegas Insider. Sportsbooks have Kansas behind Gonzaga, North Carolina, Houston, Kentucky and Duke.
How much money will Kansas make?
© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal Fans of the University of Kansas may bet against the spread in coming weeks.
How much of a cut the state would take of the revenue was a top issue lawmakers debated, ultimately settling on a 10% tax. A few million dollars worth of tax revenue is expected to come in annually.
The current fiscal year is expected to see $1.8 million in new tax revenue to the state. The fiscal estimates increase to $6 million and $10 million in the next two years.
The revenue will go toward a white collar crime fund used to investigate illegal wagering, a new fund designed to attract professional sports teams to Kansas and combatting gambling addiction.
While the state may not be rolling in much dough, the spending is expected to help businesses by legalizing an activity that benefited offshore operators, keeping more of their money in Kansas.
“Casinos, restaurants, and other venues across the state now have another way to attract Kansans to those establishments — creating jobs and driving economic growth,” Kelly said.
Gambling addiction help
If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, the state has resources to help.
The problem gambling hotline is 1-800-522-4700. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day.
Jason Tidd is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jason_Tidd.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Sports betting is now legal in Kansas. Here’s what to know when gambling on Chiefs, K-State, KU