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 Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill in May that the legislature passed with bi-partisan 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 Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, and Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas.
Kansas Star has partnered with FanDuel, while Hollywood Casino has teamed up with Barstool Sports for mobile betting.
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 casinos in Dodge City and Pittsburg 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.