Faith Mortensen | January 22, 2020 | Updated on: January 27th, 2023
Kansas gambling falls behind most of the south in many aspects. Up until 2007, they were well behind Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado in legalizing casinos. However, they were one of the first to allow off-track betting. For the moment, there are three commercial casinos based in Kansas, with five tribal casinos on reservation land. All commercial casinos are run by the state lottery and pay taxes.
While their lottery was a tad late, only being established in 1986, it has since caught up to surrounding states. Lottery tickets can be sold by convenience stores. Bingo remains one of the most popular types of gambling in Kansas since it was legalized in 1974. Horse racing is legal, but there are no tracks in the state. So, what can citizens gamble on?
There are a few types of Kansas gambling currently allowed that have been approved by citizens. These include charitable gambling activities like bingo and lotteries. Additionally, off-track online betting and daily fantasy sports are legal right now. Daily fantasy sports were legalized through a codified exemption of the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. However, lottery tickets can’t be purchased online.
Still, lottery and scratch tickets can be purchased at retailers throughout the state. These include tickets for state games, such as Pick 3, 2 by 2, and Super Kansas Cash. The state is also part of a multi-state draw for the Powerball and MegaMillions. Other legal games at Kansas casinos include:
Slots
Blackjack
Poker
Craps
Roulette
While greyhound and horse racing are legal, there are no tracks operating in the state. Off-track betting can be used, including pari-muteul pools and wagering. Moreover, there are no plans for racetracks in the near future.
All Kansas Gambling Laws
In the case of activities not mentioned in Kansas gambling laws and code, the state is strict. If gambling operations are not explicitly legalized, players and operators are penalized. Gambling at unlicensed establishments is a misdemeanor for first-time offenders who play there. More so, operators will face a level 8 felony charge. So, be sure that your venue is licensed.
Charities can operate two games of chance in the state. These are bingo and raffles, which are both considered games of chance in state laws. Raffles have only been allowed since 2014. Any non-profit organizations who want to offer charitable gambling must be registered in the state.
While amendments exist to allow off-track betting, the Kansas Lottery can’t sell tickets online. In addition, the lottery has to be renewed every 15 years. Also, the lottery is responsible for running the state’s casinos, they receive 22% of the profits. Casino operators get 73% of all gambling wins. All problem gambling services receive 2% for their operations. Local jurisdictions surrounding the casino receive 3% of revenues from the operator.
List of Kansas Casinos
After legalizing casinos in 2007, eight casinos were quickly approved in Kansas. Three of the casinos are operated by the lottery, while the other five are run by Kansas Native Americans. Casinos within the state siphoned revenues and put an end to the racing industry. One new casino was opened in 2016 in Pittsburg, KS. We’ve listed these venues below:
Casino
Size
Address
7th Street Casino – Kansas City
600 Slot Machines
777 North 7th Street Trafficway.
Boot Hill Casino – Dodge City
580 Slot Machines
4000 W. Comanche.
Casino White Cloud – White Cloud
380 Slot Machines
777 Jackpot Drive.
Golden Eagle Casino – Horton
750 Slot Machines
1121 Goldfinch Road.
Hollywood Casino – Kansas City
2,000 Slot Machines
777 Hollywood Casino Blvd.
Kansas Star Casino – Mulvane
1,850 Slot Machines
108 West Main St.
Prairie Band Casino – Mayetta
1,100 Slot Machines
12305 150th Road.
Sac & Fox Casino – Powhattan
700 Slot Machines
1322 US Highway 75.
Kansas Crossing Casino – Pittsburg
625 Slot Machines
1275 US-69 Pittsburg.
History of KS Gambling
Kansas gambling laws are mainly amendments that allow gambling. The first amendment allowed charitable bingo in 1974. Then, 12 years later, a second amendment expanded gambling to a state lottery. In the same move, racing was legalized for greyhounds, quickly followed by horse racing. Around the same time, the state also voted to allow off-track betting.
In 1989, the Woodlands Racetrack opened for the first time. However, it closed down in 2008. Wichita Greyhound Park opened in the same year, and the last race took place in 2010. Both tracks have been purchased in the hopes of being opened again by investors. It’s doubtful that state lawmakers and voters will allow this to happen as both practices are considered animal abuse.
In the mid-1990s, attempts to legalize slot machines at racetracks and casinos began. In response, the state set up four sections in Kansas with one permitted casino in each. During 2016, the four casinos were up and running, so no further commercial gaming will be added. Four poker rooms also operate in the state.