In a historic move for Kansas, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is set to become the first tribe in the state to offer sports betting. This groundbreaking development not only marks a significant step forward for tribal gaming in Kansas but also reflects the evolving landscape of sports wagering across the United States. With the Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta gearing up to launch its sportsbook, Kansans and visitors alike will soon have a new way to engage with their favorite sports. Let’s dive into what this means for the tribe, the state, and the future of sports betting in Kansas.
Kansas has been steadily embracing sports betting since it became legal in the state in 2022. Signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly through Senate Bill 84, the legalization opened the door for both commercial and tribal entities to participate in this booming industry. While commercial sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have already made their mark with online and retail options, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is poised to carve out its own unique space as the first tribal operator to join the fray.
Located just 25 miles north of Topeka, the Prairie Band Casino and Resort has long been a staple of entertainment in the region. Since opening its doors in 1998 as Kansas’ first full-service casino, it has offered everything from slot machines and table games to bingo and dining. Now, with the addition of a sportsbook, the casino is ready to elevate its offerings and tap into the growing demand for sports betting among locals and tourists.
This milestone isn’t just about adding a new amenity—it’s about economic opportunity, cultural significance, and the tribe’s ability to adapt to modern trends while honoring its sovereignty. For the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, sports betting represents a chance to boost revenue, create jobs, and strengthen its presence in the Kansas gaming market.
To understand the significance of this moment, it’s worth looking back at how sports betting came to Kansas in the first place. The journey began with a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, when it struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This ruling gave states the green light to legalize sports betting, ending Nevada’s long-standing monopoly on the practice.
Kansas didn’t rush into legalization. It took several years of legislative debate before SB 84 was signed into law on May 12, 2022, with an effective date of July 1. The state launched its sports betting market with a soft opening on September 1, 2022—coinciding with the start of the NFL season—and went full steam ahead a week later on September 8. Governor Kelly herself placed the first legal wager, betting $15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl (a bet that paid off when the Chiefs triumphed in February 2023).
Since then, Kansas has seen impressive growth in its sports betting industry. The state’s six online sportsbooks and four state-owned casinos have generated billions in wagers, with tax revenue contributing to public projects. However, until now, tribal casinos had not entered the sports betting arena. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s move changes that, signaling a new chapter for tribal gaming in Kansas.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s decision to offer sports betting didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of careful planning, renegotiated gaming compacts, and a vision to stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. The tribe’s gaming compact with the state, amended and approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2023, paved the way for this expansion. This approval came after Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution in May 2023, updating the tribe’s compact to explicitly include sports betting.
The Prairie Band Casino and Resort, located on tribal land in Mayetta, is already a well-established gaming destination. With 1,200 slot machines, 25 table games, a 400-seat bingo hall, and a range of amenities, it’s no stranger to drawing crowds. General Manager Bill Marsh emphasized the tribe’s readiness, stating, “As a result of our extensive research, we’ve found a place for Prairie Band Sportsbook in the sports betting market.” This confidence is backed by the casino’s track record and the tribe’s commitment to delivering top-notch experiences.
Director of Gaming Chris Garrow echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnerships that will make this venture a success. “We are partnering with the world’s leading odds provider and others to give our guests the finest sports betting experience,” Garrow said. While the specific partner hasn’t been named, the tribe’s focus on quality suggests they’re aiming to compete with the big players already operating in Kansas.
So, what will sports betting at Prairie Band Casino and Resort look like? For starters, the tribe plans to launch its sportsbook in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a retail betting room opening on-site. Sports betting kiosks will be scattered throughout the casino, making it easy for guests to place wagers while enjoying other games. Customers will also earn loyalty rewards, similar to those offered for slots and table games, adding an extra incentive to participate.
The tribe has already tested the waters with free-to-play pick’em challenges, offering prizes ranging from $100,000 to $1 million during events like the Super Bowl and NCAA basketball tournament. According to Garrow, these initiatives have been met with “extremely positive” feedback, signaling strong interest from both guests and staff.
But the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation isn’t stopping at brick-and-mortar betting. Tribal Council Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick has hinted at bigger ambitions: a mobile sports betting app. “Initially, we’re going to have a sports betting room that’s going to be located in the casino, and our hope is to offer up a mobile app,” Rupnick told local media. This move could position the tribe to compete statewide, not just on its reservation, depending on legal developments.
The potential for mobile sports betting ties into a broader conversation about the “Hub-and-Spoke” model, a framework that’s been making waves in the gaming world. This model, pioneered by the Seminole Tribe in Florida, allows tribes to accept online bets placed anywhere in the state as long as the servers processing those bets are located on tribal land. In Florida, the Seminoles’ Hard Rock Bet app has become the sole provider of online sports betting, thanks to a 2021 gaming compact upheld by a federal appeals court in 2023 (a decision the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review in June 2024).
Kansas took note of this precedent. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s amended compact includes a judicial trigger: if the Hub-and-Spoke model is deemed compliant with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) by a final, non-appealable federal court ruling, the tribe can launch statewide mobile betting. With the West Flagler v. Haaland case settled in Florida’s favor, the path seems clear for Kansas to follow suit.
If this happens, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation could offer sports betting to anyone within Kansas borders, not just those visiting the casino. This would be a massive leap forward, expanding the tribe’s reach and revenue potential while giving Kansans more options to bet on teams like the Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, or the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
The introduction of sports betting at Prairie Band Casino and Resort isn’t just a win for the tribe—it’s a boost for the entire region. Economically, it promises to create jobs, from sportsbook staff to tech support for a potential mobile app. The additional revenue will also support tribal services, a key requirement under IGRA, which mandates that gaming proceeds benefit the tribe and its members.
For Kansas as a whole, keeping betting dollars in-state is a priority. Before legalization, many Kansans turned to illegal offshore sites or crossed borders to wager in states like Colorado. Now, with tribal and commercial options expanding, that money stays local, benefiting businesses and taxpayers. The state’s 10% tax on sports betting revenue (minus promotional credits) has already brought in millions since 2022, funding everything from infrastructure to education.
Culturally, this move reinforces the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s sovereignty and adaptability. Tribal gaming has been a lifeline for Native American communities for decades, and sports betting is the next frontier. By embracing it, the tribe honors its traditions of resilience and innovation, ensuring its legacy thrives in the modern era.
Of course, launching a sportsbook isn’t without challenges. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will face competition from established players like DraftKings and FanDuel, which have deep pockets and loyal user bases. Building a mobile app, if approved, will require significant investment in technology and compliance with state and federal regulations.
There’s also the question of how other Kansas tribes will respond. The state is home to three other tribal casinos—the Iowa Tribe’s Casino White Cloud, the Kickapoo Tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino, and the Sac and Fox Nation’s Sac and Fox Casino. If the Prairie Band’s sportsbook succeeds, these tribes might follow suit, further expanding tribal sports betting in Kansas.
On the flip side, the opportunities are immense. Kansas has a passionate sports culture, from the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs to the Jayhawks’ basketball dominance. Tapping into this enthusiasm could make Prairie Band Sportsbook a hit, especially if it offers unique promotions or ties betting to local events.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s foray into sports betting reflects a broader trend among Native American tribes across the U.S. From the Seminoles in Florida to the Muckleshoot Tribe in Washington, tribes are leveraging their sovereignty and gaming compacts to claim a stake in this multibillion-dollar industry. The success of the Hub-and-Spoke model in Florida has sparked interest in states like Kansas, Washington, and Wisconsin, where tribes see mobile betting as the future.
This shift isn’t without controversy. In states like California and Oklahoma, tribes have clashed with commercial operators and state governments over control of sports betting. In Kansas, however, the cooperative approach—seen in the state’s support for the Prairie Band’s compact—suggests a more harmonious path forward.
As of March 26, 2025, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is on track to launch its sportsbook later this year. The exact timeline depends on construction, staffing, and final regulatory approvals, but the tribe’s leadership is optimistic. If all goes according to plan, Kansans could be placing bets at Prairie Band Casino by the holiday season—or even sooner, with Chairman Rupnick eyeing a September debut.
The potential for mobile betting remains the wildcard. With the legal framework in place and Florida’s precedent as a guide, the tribe could roll out an app in 2026 or beyond, pending final court rulings or state negotiations. Either way, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is positioning itself as a trailblazer, not just in Kansas but in the national conversation about tribal gaming.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s entry into sports betting is more than a business decision—it’s a historic moment for Kansas. As the first tribe in the state to offer this service, it’s breaking new ground while building on a legacy of gaming excellence. For sports fans, it’s an exciting addition to an already thriving market. For the tribe, it’s a chance to grow, innovate, and lead.
Whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs supporter, a casual bettor, or just curious about the future of gaming in Kansas, all eyes will be on Prairie Band Casino and Resort in the months ahead. This isn’t just a bet on sports—it’s a bet on progress, and it’s one the tribe is ready to win.
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