Kansas is one of the latest states to launch legal sports betting, expanding the industry’s presence across the United States. A year later, the Sunflower State’s wagering industry continues to grow, as shown by the increased interest in the vertical.
The continued growth of sports betting resulted in a monthly handle of $219.3 million in September. This figure is notably 36.6% higher than the one recorded during the sports betting market’s opening month, September 2022. For reference, that month saw the state’s sportsbooks collect $160.5 million in bets.
September’s results also signify the recovery of the local market, following the subpar August results. In August, Kansas’ sports betting operators recorded a handle of $94.4 million, 132.3% lower than September 2023’s results.
This rebound is to be expected, of course, considering the return of the NFL and the multiple new wagering opportunities awaiting players.
Kansas Exceeded Its Previous Record
The record-breaking September 2023 results also exceeded the ones recorded in March this year when the state’s sports punters wagered a total of $206.3 million.
September’s handle of $219.3 million translated into revenue of $8.1 million, far exceeding the results recorded in August 2023 and September 2022 when the industry recorded revenues of $1.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
Taking a closer look at the September 2023 figures makes it clear that betting online continues to be Kansans’ preferred way to wager. For reference, an overwhelming $201.1 million of the total bets were placed online. Only $18.2 million of the total wagers were placed with traditional sportsbooks.
Reflecting the Kansans sports betting enthusiasts’ preference for online wagering, the online vertical accounted for $7.6 million of the monthly revenue in the state. Retail sportsbooks, meanwhile, reported revenue of $459,336.
DraftKings continues to be the preferred online sportsbook of local bettors. The American sports betting giant and its local partner, Boot Hill Casino, accounted for $97.2 million of the handle and $3.3 million of the revenue. FanDuel and BetMGM followed next with revenues of $3 million and $814,000 respectively.
Earlier this month, Matt Schwartz, Kansas Lottery’s finance director, said that the industry has so far seen Kansan bettors wager $1.85 billion, contributing $7 million to state revenue.
June, on the other hand, was a record-low month for the Sunflower State, because of a variety of setbacks.