Gambling Laws in Kansas

Laws in Kansas permit many forms of legal gambling but are yet to be updated to cover online activities. This means that many types of this are still classed as illegal by default.

What Type of Gambling Is Permitted in Kansas?

Kansas classes gambling as illegal unless otherwise specified, but in reality many forms are perfectly legal. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission oversees licensed gambling in the state.

Illegal gambling is deemed a crime against public morals in Kansas, with regulations outlined in Kansas Statutes 74-87, 74-88 and 74-98. 

Playing Online and Offline Casino Games

Casino gambling is legal in Kansas, with the state home to 10 venues, including six tribal and four commercial casinos.

The tribal casinos were first on the scene, opening venues in the 1990s. The 2007 Kansas Expanded Lottery Act permitted land-based casinos outside Indian reservations, creating more venues for state residents.

Kansas' existing laws do not specifically address online gambling, except in the operation of unlicensed venues, which would also cover online sites. However, the activity is generally regarded as illegal. Kansas residents wishing to play online casino slots and other such games still do so despite this. Many sites accept those in the state and local authorities show little interest in prosecuting players.

Poker Tables

You are legally able to play poker in Kansas and at least 3 of the state's casinos offer rooms. Players can enjoy plenty of tables, with cash games and tournaments of Texas Hold'em and Omaha most commonly available.

Online poker gambling isn't specifically mentioned in existing legislation but is deemed illegal in Kansas.

Playing Bingo for Real Money

Bingo gambling is legally permitted but charitable organisations can only offer games. Online bingo gambling is not specifically legislated and is classed as illegal by default.

State and Online Lotteries

Lottery gambling is legal, with the Kansas Lottery launched in 1987. State residents can buy tickets for various draws including the popular Powerball and Mega Millions, scratch cards, keno, raffles and pull-tab games.

Online lottery gambling is illegal. Even though the Kansas Lottery has a website, they are not permitted to sell tickets online. Those interested in playing online lottery games for real money can join one of the many available out-of-state sites that accept players from Kansas. Though this is illegal.

Social Gambling and Playing at Crypto Casinos

Gambling in your own home in Kansas is permitted as long as no money is involved. This also includes the various social gambling sites, i.e., those that only use play chips. There are no laws specifically regulating lootboxes or skins gambling in Kansas.

Kansas was one of the first states to recognise Bitcoin and some altcoins as a currency in 2015, with businesses even accepting them as payment. However, none of the existing casinos or other licensed gambling venues currently accept cryptos. Playing at an online crypto casino isn't allowed but this doesn't seem to stop many residents.

Kansas Sports Betting Laws

Sports betting is legal thanks to law changes that came into effect in 2022. The state is currently home to 4 sportsbooks, each legally permitted to partner with a maximum of 3 sports betting sites to offer services online. Available sites for this include BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel, with the latter two also offering DFS, which is legally allowed in Kansas.

Horse and greyhound race betting are legal but there are currently no opportunities in the state due to track closures. However, online betting on such events is still offered via several operators.

Gambling Age Restrictions

The Kansas legal age for most forms of gambling is 18, but state residents must be at least 21 to play at land-based casinos.

Kansas Gambling Tax Regulations

Kansas gambling tax regulation classes all winnings as income, with residents subject to a 5% tax on the state level and a 24% tax withheld on the federal level.

History of Gambling Laws in Kansas

Gambling in the state dates back to the 1800s, but it wasn't until 1986 that the first proper laws were passed, specifically relating to horse and greyhound racing. The Kansas Lottery was next to be legislated and was launched in 1987.

Following the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, Kansas opened its first tribal casinos in 1995. In 2007, the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act was passed, allowing land-based casinos to operate in the state.

Both online and offline sports betting were legalised in Kansas in 2022.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal in Kansas, with ten tribal and commercial casinos.

• Online casino gambling is unregulated and deemed illegal.

• Poker gambling is legal, with several casinos offering a few poker games.

• Online poker gambling is unregulated and classed as illegal.

• Bingo gambling is legal, but charitable organisations can only offer games.

• Online bingo gambling is unregulated and therefore illegal by default.

• Lottery gambling is legal via the Kansas Lottery, but online lottery ticket sales are illegal.

• Both online and offline sports betting are legal in Kansas.