Kansas’ sports betting market continued its upward trajectory in March, recording a total handle of $206.3 million, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous month of February. This surge represents the highest betting activity since the Sunflower State’s sports betting market inception in September, surpassing the previous peak of $206 million achieved in January.
Despite the competitive landscape, Kansas sportsbooks reported a revenue of $46,000 for March, marking a notable 25% increase compared to February’s revenue of $35,916. Additionally, operators contributed $911,159 in tax revenue, showcasing an 80% growth month-over-month, up from the $1,134 paid in February.
Cory Thone, Public Information Officer at the Kansas Lottery, shared insights with BetKansas.com, saying, “March was a particularly strong month for sports betting in Kansas, driven significantly by the NCAA basketball tournament. College basketball enjoys immense popularity in the Sunflower State, and fans were eager to engage with their favorite teams and tournaments. As we approach the spring and summer sports seasons, we anticipate further opportunities for growth and engagement among our players.”
Kansas Sports Betting Background:
The sports betting landscape in Kansas began to take shape with a soft launch on September 1, when sportsbooks at the state’s four government-owned casinos started accepting wagers both in-person and through mobile platforms. The market then celebrated its full-scale launch on September 8, ushering in a new era of legal sports betting in the state.
Boot Hill Casino & Resort Welcomes DraftKings Sportsbook:
Further enhancing the sports betting landscape in Kansas, Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City unveiled its 2,500-square-foot DraftKings sportsbook retail location. The grand opening ceremony took place on March 10, 2023. Kansas introduced legal sports betting in September 2022.
The new facility provides a premium sports betting experience with features including a massive 17-foot LED video wall, multiple high-definition televisions, two cashier stations, four betting kiosks, comfortable sportsbook lounge seating, and a variety of food and beverage options. The event also witnessed the presence of former Kansas City Chiefs player Neil Smith, adding to the excitement of the launch.
Kansas’ sports betting market has demonstrated its resilience and growing popularity, with March 2023 marking a historic high in total handle. This positive trend underscores the enthusiasm of Kansas sports bettors and bodes well for continued growth as the state enters the spring and summer sports seasons. The addition of new sportsbook locations like the DraftKings sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino & Resort further enhances the sports betting experience for Kansas residents and visitors.