Sports betting in Kansas took a hit in May, seeing a revenue drop to $12.3 million, a sharp 32.8% decrease compared to the same month last year. This follows a similarly bleak picture from April’s $14.5 million. The total handle for May was $168.1 million, with a staggering $166.2 million wagered online and a modest $2 million at retail outlets.
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Online Betting Leaders
DraftKings dominated the online betting market, boasting a $65 million handle and $6 million in revenue. And fanDuel wasn’t far behind with a $50.5 million handle and $3.9 million in revenue. BetMGM and Bet365, though major players, trailed considerably with BetMGM’s handle at $12.6 million translating to $472,200 in revenue, and Bet365 managing a $11.6 million handle with minimal revenue of $10,251.
Retail Sector Performance
In the retail sector, theScore took the lead with $944,601 in handle and $161,007 in revenue. FanDuel clocked in with $734,739 and $95,965, while Caesar’s and DraftKings saw handles of $161,364 and $120,539 respectively, with revenues of $13,874 and $38,162. These figures highlight the ongoing trend of online dominance over retail in the sports betting world.
Casino Revenue Bucks the Trend
While sports betting didn’t fare well, Kansas casino revenues painted a different story. May’s figures hit $39.8 million, a rise of 5.5% year-on-year and up from April’s $36 million. Kansas Star Casino led the charge with $16.3 million, showing an 8% increase from last May. Hollywood Casino saw a 3.6% rise to $15.5 million, Boot Hill Casino climbed 6.6% to $4.2 million, and Kansas Crossing Casino edged up 2.3% to $3.8 million.
Market and Future Prospects
The Kansas Lottery’s figures underscore ongoing fluctuations in the sports betting sector—part of a broader pattern seen across several states. Despite this setback, analysts note that the overall trend leans towards growth, particularly as operators refine their online offerings. However, whether these adjustments can alter revenue trajectories remains uncertain. And the industry will now turn its focus to upcoming months, anticipating adjustments from operators and potential regulatory shifts. The Kansas regulatory board is expected to review these trends closely ahead of their next quarterly assessment.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
