DraftKings holds grand opening for retail sportsbook at Kansas' Boot Hill Casino

Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Western Kansas celebrated Friday the debut of the new DraftKings sportsbook. The amenity was opened to the public after a ribbon-cutting ceremony and follows a busy first six months for sports betting in the Sunflower State. It also comes ahead of what is set to be a busy few weeks with NCAA March Madness.

Casino officials were eager to welcome the amenity to their property as part of their partnership with DraftKings, which is currently the largest platform in the state. “It’s a great opportunity for us out here in Dodge City to drive tourism and the items that the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act was supposed to drive,” said Chris Reedy, Bulter National Corporation Vice President.

In the first six months of legalized sports betting, numbers from the Kansas Lottery show that of the more than $1.1 billion wagered, $453 million was through DraftKings. “This gives smart sports fans, which there are so many of them now, even more ways to get excited about it,” said Mike Golic Jr., DraftKings Podcast host and football analyst, as reported by KWCH.

This is the first year Kansans will be able to legally bet on the NCAA tournament, one of the biggest sporting events each year. “You look at the Kansas basketball standpoint of this, they make up about 10 percent of the handles nationwide on DraftKings, but about 49 percent here in the state,” added Golic Jr.

A two-day celebration at Boot Hill Casino was held in honor of the new sportsbook's opening, including a meet-and-greet session with Golic Jr. The events also featured former Kansas City Chiefs players Neil Smith, Brian Goolsby, a former Kansas State football player; and Mitch Lightfoot, a former University of Kansas men's basketball player.

Diane Giardine, General Manager for Boot Hill Casino, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the new DraftKings retail sportsbook. This is the place to be for sports fans, where you can watch your favorite games while enjoying a comfortable and entertaining atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming sports fans and creating unforgettable experiences for them.”

The 2,500-square-foot facility provides sports betting and viewing with a 17-foot LED video wall, several high-definition television, two cashier stations, four betting kiosks, sportsbook lounge seating and food and beverage options. 

Michael Kibort, senior director of retail sportsbooks at DraftKings, added: “It’s exciting to see our shared vision of bringing DraftKings’ innovative mobile app to life with an in-person experience at our new DraftKings retail sportsbook located at Boot Hill Casino & Resort.”