Sports Betting Guides

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Kansas for Hockey

Kansas joined the sports betting revolution on September 1, 2022, when Governor Laura Kelly placed the state's first legal bet. The Sunflower State now has 7 licensed sportsbooks competing for your attention. Sharp NHL odds, deep player props, and frequent promos make Kansas a solid mid-tier market for hockey bettors, even without a home team. In April 2025, the Kansas legislature voted not to renew online sportsbook licenses when they expire on August 31, 2027. Current sportsbooks remain legal and operational, but this creates uncertainty about Kansas's long-term betting future.

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Kansas for Hockey

Kansas joined the sports betting revolution on September 1, 2022, when Governor Laura Kelly placed the state's first legal bet. The Sunflower State now has 7 licensed sportsbooks competing for your attention. Sharp NHL odds, deep player props, and frequent promos make Kansas a solid mid-tier market for hockey bettors, even without a home team.

In April 2025, the Kansas legislature voted not to renew online sportsbook licenses when they expire on August 31, 2027. Current sportsbooks remain legal and operational, but this creates uncertainty about Kansas's long-term betting future.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas legalized sports betting on May 12, 2022, when Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84. The first sportsbooks launched on September 1, 2022.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) regulates and licenses all sports betting activity. Kansas currently has 7 licensed online sportsbooks as of November 2025: BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365, Hard Rock Bet, and ESPN BET/theScore Bet. Remote registration is allowed, sign up and bet entirely through mobile apps from anywhere in-state. Kansas permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas State Wildcats. However, college player props are strictly prohibited.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Kansas

Critical update: In April 2025, the Kansas legislature voted not to renew online sportsbook licenses when they expire on August 31, 2027. Current operators remain legal, but bettors should monitor potential legislative changes as 2027 approaches.

Legal books protect your funds and offer consumer protections impossible on offshore sites. Stick with licensed operators.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Kansas

Kansas keeps it tight with 7 options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

BetMGM

Kansas Partner: Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway

BetMGM was the first sportsbook to launch in Kansas (September 2022) and remains a top choice. Aggressive promotional calendar with NHL-specific boosts on rivalry games. Deep parlay betting options, solid prop menus, and responsive live betting. Retail access at Hollywood Casino.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: All Kansas hockey bettors seeking promotions and parlay value.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Kansas Partner: Operates independently

FanDuel launched in Kansas in October 2022 and offers sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, phenomenal mobile app, and creative NHL same-game parlays. Intuitive interface with real-time goalie and injury updates. No minimum withdrawal requirement.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Best for: All Kansas hockey bettors, FanDuel is a top choice.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Kansas Partner: Operates independently

DraftKings excels at individual player props, pulling from their daily fantasy sports expertise. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook is convenient.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Flash Bets are clutch for live betting. Quick one-tap wagers during power plays or momentum shifts, no fumbling through menus while the game's moving.

Caesars Sportsbook

Kansas Partner: Operates independently

Caesars launched in Kansas in November 2022 with sharp NHL pricing and the industry's best loyalty program, Caesars Rewards. Daily odds boosts on select markets. Live streaming of select NHL games.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 bets.

Best for: Bettors focused on loyalty rewards and long-term value.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars Rewards is legit for regular bettors. Stack points, cash them in for Vegas trips, concerts, or comped dinners. Your bookie won't do that.

bet365

Kansas Partner: Operates independently

bet365 launched in Kansas in August 2025, bringing its globally renowned live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events, early cash-out options, and deep futures markets.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Hard Rock Bet

Kansas Partner: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kansas City

Hard Rock Bet launched in Kansas in early 2023, offering competitive odds, loyalty programs, and retail access in Kansas City area. NHL coverage includes moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props. Growing promotional calendar.

Welcome offer: Varies seasonally, check current promotion.

Best for: Kansas City-area bettors seeking retail options.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Kansas

Kansas sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for the best moneyline pricing across Kansas's 7 books, prices vary.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion. Pricing varies between Kansas books, always shop.

Shurzy Tip: With 7 sportsbooks in Kansas, puck line shopping matters. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at Caesars. Over a full season, that's real money. Don't be lazy.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game. Alternative totals available on most Kansas books.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (3+, 4+), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, and blocked shots. DraftKings and Caesars offer the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline. All major Kansas books offer period markets.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all major Kansas books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available across all Kansas books. FanDuel and DraftKings lead on NHL SGPs.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals. bet365 and Caesars have deep futures markets.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Kansas

Kansas's competitive market drives aggressive promotions. Here's what to watch for.

  • Welcome Bonuses: All 7 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, and bet365's Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 Safety Net.
  • Odds Boosts: Regional matchups (Blackhawks, Blues) and playoff action frequently feature boosted odds.
  • Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays often receive 25-50% payout boosts across multiple books.
  • Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Check multiple sportsbook promotion tabs daily. Kansas's competitive market means frequent, rotating offers. Stack bonuses strategically before the 2027 license expiration potentially changes things.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Kansas Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Kansas.

  1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop. Kansas books update quickly, but there's often a brief window to capture value.
  2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
  3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
  4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
  5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams, but use it as a tiebreaker when models are close.
  6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
  7. Shop Kansas's Market: With 7 sportsbooks competing, pricing varies. Check at least 3 books before betting. A 5-cent difference compounds into real money over a season.
  8. Monitor Legislative Changes: Given the April 2025 decision not to renew licenses (expiring August 31, 2027), stay informed about potential changes to Kansas's sports betting market.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Kansas

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

  • Pick a licensed sportsbook: From BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365, Hard Rock Bet, or ESPN BET/theScore Bet. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+.
  • Remote registration: Means you can open an account from anywhere in Kansas, no casino visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or e-wallets.
  • Claim promotions: By checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props. Compare odds across at least 3 books before placing bets. Place your first bet, start simple with moneylines, puck lines, or anytime goal scorer. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
  • Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Kansas

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission ensures all 7 licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All Kansas sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

  • Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Kansas's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Kansas's Best for NHL Betting

Kansas has 7 licensed online sportsbooks, making it a competitive mid-tier market for hockey bettors.

BetMGM offers first-mover advantages and aggressive promotions. FanDuel delivers sharp pricing, deep props, and excellent SGP markets. DraftKings excels for prop-focused bettors. Caesars provides loyalty rewards and daily boosts. bet365 dominates live betting (newest arrival in August 2025). Hard Rock Bet offers retail access in the Kansas City area.

Important caveat: In April 2025, the Kansas legislature voted not to renew online sportsbook licenses expiring August 31, 2027. Current operators remain legal and operational, but monitor legislative updates as 2027 approaches.

Want an edge before you even place a bet?

Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.

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