BetMGM has marked its entry into the Kansas sports betting market by partnering with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The state’s sports betting market went live on 1 September, with six operators having been licensed to offer their services.
BetMGM debuted in its 24th market across North America, and also announced its partnership with the National Football League’s (NFL) Chiefs ahead of the new season.
Under the agreement, BetMGM signage will be present inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. BetMGM content will be featured across the Chiefs’ digital channels with special offers, game day experiences and prizes available to fans and season ticket members.
“With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Kansas City Chiefs are an ideal partner,” said Matt Prevost, BetMGM’s chief revenue officer. “As we launch our sports betting platform in Kansas, we look forward to elevating the game day experience for Chiefs fans throughout the region.”
The six licensed operators – Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet – can now launch their sportsbooks in the state, with legislation making both retail and mobile betting lawful.
BetMGM is one of four operators that are operating through an agreement with Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg.
“We’re confident sports fans across the Sunflower State will enjoy the excitement of wagering with BetMGM,” said Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM’s chief executive. “We would like to thank the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Kansas Lottery and Kansas Crossing Casino for being great partners and supporting our efforts.”
Kansas governor Laura Kelly announced the launch day of 1 September in mid-August, just three months after Senate Bill 84 was passed. That legislation authorizes sports wagering on mobile apps, in casinos and other specific venues, as well as historical horse racing.
The bill permits lottery facility managers to operate sports betting in Kansas on behalf of the state’s lottery, with this to take place via partnerships with online sports betting operators.
Each lottery facility manager can have up to three interactive sports wagering platforms. Operators will be granted a one-year provisional licence based on past performance in other states, with platforms that have been granted contracts to be announced soon.
SB 84 also offers a path for tribes to also operate sports betting, allowing the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding the vertical.