The next time some lifelong residents of Kansas walk into the Prairie Band Casino and Resort, they may think to themselves, “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” But rest assured, they are.
Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Kansas recently made history as the first tribal casino in the state to open a sportsbook. This milestone comes after a lot of talks and agreements between the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe, state authorities, and the US Department of the Interior. It all happened after Kansas gave the green light to sports betting in 2022.
Zeke Rupnick, who leads the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, highlighted the teamwork needed to make the sportsbook happen. He gave credit to Governor Laura Kelly and state legislators for working together to change their agreement. This adjustment ensures that tribal casinos in the Sunflower State are treated the same as other gaming places in the state.
“I think when the state first went with sports betting tribes weren’t (really) considered in that,” Rupnick told WIBW News. “We had to go back and amend the law to allow us to amend our compact with a state,” he said.
Back in September, the sports betting services company Kambi Group agreed to team up with the resort, which is near Topeka. As part of the agreement, all revenue that is generated by sports betting will contribute to supporting the tribal community.
Kansas residents can also enjoy sports betting, as well as a variety of other novelty markets like politics and entertainment at offshore sportsbooks.
New Sportsbook Features a Lounge
The casino spans 35,000 feet, and the new betting spot has a sports lounge where you can catch the big game or just hang out and watch with a drink.
Plus, there are gaming kiosks for those who want to place bets on the fly. Chris Garrow, the Director of Gaming, told KSNT News that this sportsbook has a special touch compared to other big-name competitors – it’s locally owned and operated, giving it a mom-and-pop shop vibe.
In addition to slot machines, table games, and bingo, there is a variety of dining choices, ranging from buffet-style and fast-casual to fine dining. You can find different bars and restaurants, including:
- Kapi Coffee Bar
- The Casino Bar
- Lobby Bar
- Embers Bar & Grille
- Three Fires Steakhouse
- The Longhouse Buffet
And this may be just the beginning. The current setup (in sportsbook terms) is basic, but Garrow hinted that there could be more to come in the future. He’s indicating that the initial setup might just be the starting point. There’s a chance of seeing expansions or improvements down the road.
Sports Betting Expected to Generate Big Numbers
The latest research into sports betting in Kansas shows that they made over $43 million in revenue in the past fiscal year. Out of that, around $4 million went back to support the state.
Those numbers are expected to grow because Garrow says the initial feedback that he is getting from casino guests about the sportsbook is positive. He adds that many are asking questions about it as well.
This is the true local sportsbook in Kansas, and it appears it came out of the gate smoothly.
