Governor of Kansas places state’s first legal sports wager

Kansas’s current Governor, Laura Kelly, placed the first authorized sports bet in the history of Kansas on September 1. The wager was fixed under the province’s gambling hall in Kansas City’s famous Hollywood casino.

“We are so grateful for the leadership of Governor Kelly and the legislature to finally get legalized sports wagering over the goal line this year,” said Lydia Garvey, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. “We have been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive, and I’m confident many of our customers will follow her lead in betting on Kansas City to emerge as champions once again.”

Governor Kelly had put in a wager of $15 on a 10-1 odds, with the presumption that the Kansas City Chiefs would gain a victory in Super Bowl LVII on February 12th, 2023. The dollar number was selected in acknowledgement of Patrick Mahomes, the star Chief quarterback player’s number 15 jersey.

“I just placed Kansas’ first legal sports wager at @Hollywood_Kan. What did I bet on? Let’s just say that I’m really hoping the @Chiefs win the Super Bowl this season — even more than usual. Kelly’s official Twitter page read.

There was an official countdown to 10 before the Governor of Kansas cut the ribbon, which was to signify the formal legalization of sports betting in the sunflower state.

“Now Kansans will have another way to show their support for their favorite team players.” She said.

“My constituents have pushed for this legislation for years, and now, the next time we have a significant sporting event in our state, Kansans will be able to bet on their hometown team,” added Sen. Rob Olson, a Johnson County Republican and chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.

Thus far, only six betting site platforms have been officially approved for use. These include PointsBet, DraftKings, Ceasers, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Barstool.

Kansas legal sports wagering will not be officially opened until Thursday, September 8th, the date of the season’s first official NFL game. The ceremony at Hollywood Casino was a “soft launch” for the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, the Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Petersburg, Ford County, Dodge City, the Hollywood Casino at Kansas City’s speedway, and the Boot Hill Casino and resort.

“Every day, I hear from Kansans across the state who are eager to finally place legal wagers on sports. I’m glad we were able to move quickly to get this bipartisan effort done in time for football season. Now, casinos, restaurants, and other venues will have another way to attract Kansans to their establishments, creating jobs and driving economic growth. And I’m willing to bet on that.” Governor Kelly remarked.

The legal declaration of the association between the Kansas City football team and renowned betting firms will generate the marketing content capacity on the committee’s social media as well as ensure the advertising at the GEHA field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Although, Governor Kelly had endorsed a bipartisan constitution that permits sports betting in the state. Nonetheless, all gamblers are mandated to be physically present in Kansa to take part in the experience. This means that wagers cannot be placed at Missouri’s Arrowhead Stadium because it’s not in Kansa.

More gambling news