Kansas
Gambling Laws 2026

Sports betting is legal in Kansas, one of 36 states where it is, as of May 2026. Commercial casinos are legal, as they are in 24 states, and online casino gambling is illegal. Kansas has a state lottery, and horse racing is legal.

Kansas operates four state-owned casino facilities rather than privately owned commercial casinos. The properties are Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, Kansas Star Casino near Wichita, Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City. The state owns the facilities but contracts management to private operators. Sports betting launched in September 2022, and mobile betting is legal with all major operators holding licenses.

The lottery has operated since 1987. Horse racing operates under pari-mutuel rules at various facilities, though the live racing calendar is limited. The state-ownership model for casinos is unusual nationally and reflects the political compromise that made casino gambling possible in a conservative-leaning state.

For residents, casino access is reasonable but not abundant. The four facilities are spread across the state, so depending on where you live, one may be convenient or several hours away. Wichita and Kansas City area residents have the easiest access. Mobile sports betting is fully available statewide. Online casino gambling is not legal in Kansas.

4 state-owned casino facilities. Sports betting launched 2022.

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Also on Kansas: the full Kansas profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Kansas sex laws guide and the Kansas country music guide.