DraftKings agrees market access in Kansas

DraftKings Ready for Kansas Sports Betting following Casino Deal

When sports betting launches in Kansas, DraftKings will be ready to enter the market as an operator. The sports betting company announced a market access deal with BHCMC, LLC, part of Butler National Corporation, which operates the Boot Hill Casino & Resort. Once the sports wagering legislation and regulatory approval are given, this partnership could bring DraftKings to bettors in Kansas.

Jeremy Elbaum, Senior Vice President, DraftKings, said that as they continue with their strategy of expanding their mobile betting footprint to each state in the US, they are “eager to begin working with Boot Hill Casino & Resort.” Elbaum added that they are looking forward to the opportunities that lay ahead are optimistic that lawmakers in Kansas will “enact common-sense legislation” that will benefit the state and its residents.

The DraftKings Sportsbook is currently offering sports betting and casino gaming options in 18 states. The company has recently introduced a new loyalty rewards scheme that awards players experiences, free play, and exclusive items based on the number of times they bet on the platform.

Clark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Boot Hill Casino & Resort, said they are pleased to work with DraftKings to bring a “first in class mobile sportsbook to Kansas.” Stewart described DraftKings as a “leader in this fast-growing industry” and that they will bring a “trusted, experienced mobile sports betting application” to bettors in Kansas.

Current Sports Betting Status in Kansas

Sports betting has not been legalized in Kansas in 2021. Senate Bill 84 would have permitted the state lottery to offer sports wagering per the Kansas Lottery Act and via lottery gaming facility managers.

Residents would have been able to wager online through apps and websites approved by the lottery. The bill passed by a vote of 26-12 vote in the Senate, but a substitute for SB 84 failed in the Kansas House Committee. It was rejected by a margin of 71-48.

The two branches in Kansas must form one bill that each could agree to terms before sending it to Gov. Laura Kelly for approval.

Bally’s Looking to enter the action in Kansas

Like DraftKings, Bally’s is looking to establish a presence in the Kansas sports wagering market. In June, the brand also announced a deal with Boot Hill Casino. The BallyBet mobile sportsbook will be implemented by Boot Hill when sports betting launches in Kansas.

George Papanier, president of Bally’s Corp., said they are “extremely excited to work with Boot Hill Casino & Resort.” Papanier added that the agreement marks the 14th state in which customers can access their platform and provides a “significant opportunity for Bally’s” to enter another attractive mobile sports betting market.

Relevant news