Kansas’ First Tribal Sportsbook Launches at Prairie Band Casino
Prairie Band Casino and Resort, located in Mayetta, Kansas, has recently opened the historic first retail sportsbook run by a state Tribe.
The casino, owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, opened its sportsbook on January 4th.
This development has been nearly two years in the works. It started with legalization of sports betting in Kansas in 2022, a move that prompted the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe to ask to launch their own sportsbook. That process required more than a year of complex negotiations with the U.S. Department of the Interior and Kansas state authorities.
They eventually worked out a new gaming compact in July 2023, paving the way for the first Tribal operation on the list of Kansas retail sportsbooks.
“I want to thank the governor, all her staff, and of course, all the state legislators that worked really hard to make sure that we could amend our compact to be able to allow this amenity,” said Chairperson of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick.
A Unique, Community-Focused Approach
The Prairie Band Casino’s sportsbook’s management says it will stand out for being a locally owned operation.
“It’s a locally owned… locally operated sportsbook. Think of it as your mom and pop shop,” said the casino’s Director of Gaming, Chris Garrow.
That could distinguish it among a competitive market of national operators in the state, including market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings, Las Vegas-based veterans Caesars and BetMGM, and up-and-coming ESPN Bet and Fanatics.
Garrow also says this local focus extends to the casino and sportsbook’s revenue, which directly supports the Tribal community.
The sportsbook’s inaugural bet was placed by Rupnick, who chose football betting to open proceedings. He wagered $20 on the University of Kansas Jayhawks to win the NCAA Division I National Championship.
“My daughter goes to KU, so I figured that was a good, safe bet… And KU’s pretty good!” he said, speaking to local news outlet KSNT.
Facilities and Amenities
The sportsbook at Prairie Band Casino offers a dedicated sports lounge for patrons to watch games and enjoy drinks. A series of large screens show various live matches and sports news.
It also features 10 gaming kiosks for online betting, adding to the casino’s diverse gaming options like slot machines, table games, and bingo.
Behind the scenes, the new sportsbook’s tech will be provided by European developer Kambi, who work with DraftKings, Bally Bet, and several other U.S. operators. Kambi also provides tech to Tribal operation WarHorse Casino Lincoln, who offer sports betting in Nebraska, Kansas’ neighboring state.
Outside of the new sportsbook, the Prairie Band Casino & Resort has more than 1,000 slot machines and a 400-seat bingo hall.
It is no stranger to state firsts either, having been the first full resort operation among Kansas casinos when it opened in 1998.
Today, the resort also has three bars and several restaurants, including Three Fires Steakhouse, The Longhouse Buffet, Embers Bar & Grille, Kapi Coffee Bar, Lobby Bar, and The Casino Bar.
While the current setup of the sportsbook marks a significant beginning, during the launch festivities, Garrow reportedly hinted at the potential for future expansions or enhancements.
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