Online Gambling in Kansas: Quick Facts
- Legal Kansas online gambling options? N/A
- Legal gambling age: 21
- Who regulates Kansas online gambling? N/A
- Legal mobile gambling? No
- Do I need to be physically located in Kansas to gamble online? N/A
- Do I need to be a resident of Kansas to gamble online? N/A
- Sports available to bet on: None
A Brief History of Online Gambling in Kansas
There has never been any form of Kansas online gambling available, but the laws don’t actually specifically prohibit iGaming. This came into discussion in 2009 as some believed that it was legal to either offer online gambling or gamble online.
The Attorney General ultimately made the decision in 2009. He decided that all of the gambling laws in place prohibited forms of online gambling in Kansas. Lawmakers have yet to revisit any of these laws, and there haven’t been any real attempts to challenge that decision.
In 2013, an attempt was made to ban online gambling, and that legislation also looked to expand land-based gambling. That bill quickly failed, but it didn’t really have anything to do with iGaming.
When lawmakers were looking to legalize sports betting, the topic of online gambling in Kansas was never included in those bills.
Kansas Online Gambling: The Current Law
As mentioned above, the online gambling laws in Kansas are not very specific, and that has created a little bit of controversy. Some states have amendments in place to prohibit iGaming options, but Kansas does not have anything in the state Constitution.
This is not a state that has a real negative view of online gambling. However, it also doesn’t have any big supporters of making this a legal option.
Legal Online Sportsbooks in Kansas
Kansas does not have any legal online sportsbooks, and there aren’t any retail sportsbooks either. This is one area that had a recent attempt made to change the gambling laws, but lawmakers were not able to get anything passed.
If sports betting were to come to Kansas at some point, it would likely start at the retail level first. This is a strategy taken by other states in the US, but legal online sportsbooks in Kansas could come after those retail places are established.
Sports Betting in Kansas
There was some optimism that Kansas was on the path to sports betting, but those efforts quickly stalled. It's hard to get a good feeling about the potential of Kansas sports betting, but the state would attract some of the top operators.
It is likely that sports betting would be the first form of expanded gambling in Kansas, but this could still take years.
Here are some of the top betting options that you would see offered in Kansas if sports betting was an option:
Legal Online Casinos in Kansas
There are currently 12 casinos or pari-mutuel facilities located throughout the state of Kansas, and that is where all of the casino gambling is done. Kansas City is home to three of the casinos, and that is where some of the top properties in the state are located.
State law prohibits most forms of gambling in locations outside of the casino properties. These casinos are able to offer a wide range of casino games. The Ameristar Casino Kansas City is regarded as the biggest in the state, with the most slots and table games.
It would be the three casinos in Kansas City that would be expected to lead the charge for online casinos in Kansas if that became a possibility. The other properties would also likely be given a chance to apply for an online casino license as well.
Legal Online Poker in Kansas
Since there are no online casinos available in Kansas, legal online poker options are not available either. These two forms of iGaming tend to work together, but they don’t always have to be legalized at the same time.
Poker is allowed at the casinos in Kansas, and the state does not have restrictive laws when it comes to this form of gambling. It would seem likely that lawmakers in Kansas would look to legalize online poker at the same time as online gambling was passed.
How to Set Up a Kansas Online Gambling Account
At some point, Kansas online gambling is going to be an option, and it's likely that you will want to find a way to sign up for an account. You will be happy to know that this is not a complicated process, but there are some specific steps required.
The first step is to visit an online gambling site. There is no rule saying you are limited to just one, but you have to start somewhere.
From there, you will be required to enter some basic personal information such as your name, date of birth, and your address. You will usually be asked for your social security number as well, and that is to simply verify your identity.
Some sites will ask you for your email address right away as another way to verify your identity and account. Remember that all of the information you provide will be kept confidential.
After you have created an account, choosing a username and password is the next step. You will want to choose unique usernames and passwords, but you also want to choose one that you will remember.
After you have an account, the next step is to log in and make your first deposit. Be sure to check out all of the available bonuses and promotions so that you can take advantage of some bonus money.
Note: some sites allow for a two-step verification process, and it would be smart to take advantage of this option.
Kansas Banking Methods
One of the biggest improvements to online gambling sites comes in the form of banking methods. Banking options used to be limited at online gambling sites, but that is no longer the case.
PayPal is now a commonly used banking method on online gambling sites, and that is an option that online sites prefer as well. Using PayPal makes it extremely easy and convenient to send money back and forth.
There are other sites or services similar to PayPal, and these are great options as well. Any method that doesn't require you to use your banking institution is usually preferred by online gambling sites and can make things much easier.
Online gambling sites will still allow you to use a credit or debit card as well, but that method is kind of fading away. This is another method that can sometimes be blocked or slowed down.
The improvements made when it comes to banking don't just stop with deposit methods. Online gambling sites have also improved how they make payouts to customers that win.
Different withdrawal options tend to have different times to complete, but the sites try to get you your winnings as quickly as possible.
The Future of Online Gambling in Kansas
The recent attempts to legalize Kansas sports betting are a great sign for the future of online gambling in Kansas. It's clear that this is on the mind of lawmakers, and it will lead to more discussion in the future.
Another reason for optimism is the fact that several surrounding states are also looking to expand gambling, and that puts pressure on Kansas to follow suit. The laws in Kansas aren't as restrictive as they are in other states, and that can help as well.
It does seem likely that online gambling is coming to Kansas, but it won't be happening anytime soon.
