DraftKings Extends Partnerships in Kansas Until 2030

DraftKings Sportsbooks won’t be leaving the Sunflower State any time soon.

The sportsbook giant has renewed its partnership with Butler National and its Boot Hill Casino & Resort to continue its online and retail operations in the Kansas sports betting market for the next ten years. This follows the casino's successful extension of its sports wagering license with the Kansas Lottery, which will be valid through 2030.

“We appreciate the Kansas Lottery’s continued confidence in Boot Hill Casino & Resort,” Boot Hill GM Ryan Deutsch shared in a press release. “We are also very pleased to extend our successful relationship with DraftKings. Sports wagering has become an important component of our entertainment offering and continues to attract visitors from across Kansas and neighboring states. This extension provides long-term stability for our sports wagering platform and allows us to continue investing in the guest experience and sportsbook operations.”

Butler National celebrated the deal, which ensures its casino will keep a critical edge in the small but competitive Midwestern market. 

The original partnership began in 2022, but was set to expire in 2027. 

How Did DraftKings Predictions Change the Deal?

While both sides have applauded the extension of their partnership, they adjusted the commercial terms to “reflect current market conditions.” Specific details have yet to be released, but the odd wording makes us wonder whether DraftKings’ growing prediction platform played a role in the deal.

DraftKings has been aggressively expanding its new platform into states where it doesn’t have sports betting operators. As a result, it is now promoting its availability in all 50 states.

If the deal with Boot Hill hadn’t been renewed, the operator could have chosen to launch DraftKings Predictions instead of partnering with a rival casino. This would allow it to skip paying licensing fees, state taxes, and adhering to state gambling laws.

DraftKings Predictions’ volume doesn’t come close to rivaling that of online sports betting. However, it recently launched an all-in-one DraftKings app that pulls up the prediction or sportsbook platforms depending on a player's location. 

That means Kansas customers would have a seamless way to keep betting with the operator. As a result, the state could see thousands of residents exit its regulated market, costing it significant tax revenue.