In September, sports betting revenue in Kansas reached $8.2 million, marking a significant decrease of 55 percent compared to the same month last year. Online betting was the major contributor to this revenue, generating $7.6 million, while retail betting brought in $607,693. Despite the drop in revenue, the overall sports betting handle experienced growth. The Kansas Lottery reported a handle of $283.7 million, which represents a 14 percent increase from the previous year. Of this total handle, $277.6 million was wagered online, and $6.1 million was wagered at physical retail locations.
DraftKings emerged as the leader in the online sports betting market, with a handle of $118.3 million and revenue of $1.9 million. Meanwhile, FanDuel recorded a handle of $89 million, resulting in a revenue of $4.2 million. BetMGM, although with a smaller handle of $24.2 million, managed to generate $815,976 in revenue. In the retail market, ESPN Bet took the lead with a handle of $4.1 million and revenue amounting to $428,078. Other players in the retail market included FanDuel, which earned $144,227 from a $1.2 million handle, Caesars with $16,273 from $318,794, and DraftKings with $19,115 from $476,460. Combined, the taxes collected from both online and retail betting amounted to $821,562.
The broader casino sector in Kansas also saw some changes. Overall casino revenue for September stood at $33.1 million, a slight increase of 2.7 percent from $32.2 million in September 2024. However, this was a decrease of 11.3 percent compared to the figures in August 2025. Notably, Hollywood Casino & Resort was a significant contributor, generating $13.8 million, a growth of 9.6 percent year-over-year. Kansas Star Casino & Resort also saw revenue growth, reporting $12.4 million, up by 2.8 percent. These two establishments collectively accounted for nearly 80 percent of the state’s total casino revenue.
Industry observers noted the discrepancy between the increase in betting handle and the decline in revenue. The rise in handle suggests more betting activity, possibly due to increased consumer interest or promotional incentives offered by sportsbooks. Yet, the revenue drop could indicate more successful betting outcomes for gamblers or a shift in the types of bets being placed, such as more favorable odds or lower-margin betting options.
One industry insider remarked that the Kansas market is in a “dynamic phase,” where operators are keenly competing for market share. This competitive environment often leads to aggressive promotions that can temporarily inflate betting handles but might not translate into equivalent revenue gains. The insider suggested that while the immediate revenue figures might seem concerning, they could be indicative of a healthy and evolving market adapting to consumer preferences.
Conversely, some analysts express concerns that the state’s sports betting market may be reaching saturation. With major players like DraftKings and FanDuel already deeply entrenched, new entrants face significant hurdles to gain a foothold and drive substantial new revenue. This could potentially limit future growth unless there are substantial changes in market dynamics or regulation.
The Kansas sports betting market remains a crucial area to watch, especially with its proximity and influence relative to other states. Neighboring states that are yet to legalize or expand sports betting provide a pool of potential bettors, but at the same time, they could introduce competitive pressures if they move forward with legalization.
The contrasting performance between the betting handle and revenue highlights the complexities of the sports betting industry, where market share battles can sometimes overshadow profitability. As the industry matures, stakeholders will likely focus on optimizing operations and maximizing net revenue rather than merely driving up betting volumes.
For Kansas, the path forward may involve a careful balancing act of fostering a competitive environment while ensuring sustainable revenue streams for both the state and its betting operators. This ongoing evolution in the market dynamics will play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of sports betting in the state.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
