Kansas Bet’s Rating Guidelines

At Kansas Bet, our sportsbook ratings are built to serve Kansas bettors first — not operators. Every score you see is the result of hands-on testing, regulatory review, and continuous monitoring, all tailored specifically to the Kansas sports betting market.

What makes our ratings different

  • Hands-on testing with real money on live Kansas sportsbooks
  • Methodology aligned with Kansas regulations and oversight standards
  • Independent, non-promotional scoring that cannot be bought or influenced
  • Ongoing updates to reflect changes in apps, bonuses, or compliance status

This page explains how we test sportsbooks, how scores are calculated, what categories matter most, and how we ensure accuracy over time.

Editorial Independence & Trust

How We Maintain Objectivity

Objectivity is the foundation of every sportsbook rating published on Kansas Bet. Our goal is to provide Kansas bettors with evaluations they can trust, based on verifiable experience rather than marketing influence or commercial pressure, in line with our published editorial principles.

Real-Money Testing Without Operator Coordination

All sportsbooks are tested using real money and live Kansas accounts. We do not notify operators before testing, request special access, or accept guided demonstrations. This ensures we experience the platform exactly as a regular Kansas bettor would — including deposits, betting, withdrawals, and customer support interactions.

Clear Separation Between Editorial and Business Teams

Our editorial team operates independently from any business, advertising, or partnership discussions. Reviewers and analysts responsible for scoring sportsbooks not be involved in commercial agreements, and business teams have no authority to influence ratings, rankings, or review outcomes.

Peer-Reviewed Ratings Before Publication

Before a rating is published, it undergoes a peer review process. Another qualified reviewer independently checks:

  • Testing notes and screenshots
  • Score calculations and category weighting
  • Compliance with Kansas regulatory standards

This process helps eliminate bias, errors, or inconsistencies and ensures every score meets our internal quality standards.

Transparent, Auditable Methodology

Our full rating methodology — including criteria, weights, and testing steps — is published publicly. Anyone can audit our process, compare scores across sportsbooks, and understand exactly how each rating was calculated. No proprietary or hidden scoring factors are used.

Affiliate Disclosure and Commercial Transparency

Kansas Bet may receive compensation when users sign up with sportsbooks through affiliate links. However:

  • Compensation does not impact ratings or rankings
  • Sportsbooks cannot pay for better placement or higher scores
  • All reviews follow the same scoring framework regardless of partnership status

Full details are available in our Affiliate Disclosure, which explains how affiliate relationships work and how we safeguard editorial independence.

Scope – What We Rate

Kansas Bet evaluates sportsbooks that are legally available to bettors in the state and meet strict regulatory, security, and consumer protection standards.

Who We Rate

We review and rate licensed Kansas sportsbooks that meet the following criteria:

  • Authorized to operate online sports betting in Kansas under state regulation
  • Available to bettors aged 21 and older, as required by Kansas law
  • Accessible only to users physically located within Kansas through geolocation verification
  • Offering real-money wagering to the general public, not limited beta or private platforms

Only sportsbooks that are actively serving Kansas bettors at the time of testing are eligible for a rating.

Who We Exclude

We do not rate or promote sportsbooks that fall outside Kansas regulatory protections, including:

  • Unlicensed or offshore operators not approved to operate in Kansas
  • Platforms that fail to meet security, data protection, or identity verification standards
  • Operators lacking adequate Responsible Gambling safeguards, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, or clear player protections
  • Any sportsbook subject to regulatory action that compromises consumer safety

By limiting our coverage to licensed, compliant operators, Kansas Bet ensures that every rating reflects a sportsbook that bettors can access legally and responsibly.

Our Testing Methodology

Every sportsbook rated by Kansas Bet goes through a 12-step testing process designed to replicate the full experience of a real Kansas bettor. Each step is completed using real money, live accounts, and in-state access, with findings documented and reviewed before scoring.

Step 1 – Researcher Preparation

We begin by creating a test plan, verifying the sportsbook’s Kansas license status, and mapping the platform’s features, supported devices, and wagering options.

Step 2 – Account Creation

We complete the sign-up process to evaluate registration friction, form clarity, account security features, and two-factor authentication (2FA) setup where available.

Step 3 – Identity & Geolocation Verification

We test KYC procedures, age verification checks, and in-state geolocation controls to confirm compliance with Kansas betting requirements.

Step 4 – Deposit Testing

At least two payment methods are tested to assess fees, minimum and maximum limits, and actual processing times compared to stated expectations.

Step 5 – Bet Placement Testing

We place pregame, live, parlay, and proposition bets to evaluate odds quality, bet limits, market availability, and cash-out functionality.

Step 6 – Withdrawal Testing

Multiple withdrawal methods are tested to measure transparency, fees, and actual payout times versus advertised timelines.

Step 7 – Customer Support & Responsible Gambling Tools

Customer support is contacted to assess response speed and agent knowledge. Responsible Gambling tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion are tested for accessibility and effectiveness.

Step 8 – User Experience & Platform Reliability

We evaluate navigation, load times, app stability, and consistency across mobile and desktop devices during both normal and high-traffic periods.

Step 9 – Evidence Documentation

All findings are documented with screenshots, bet slips, support transcripts, and timestamps to create a complete audit trail.

Step 10 – Scoring & Red-Flag Review

Testing results are mapped to our scoring rubric, red-flag issues are applied where necessary, and category scores are calculated based on weighted criteria.

Step 11 – Editorial Review & Quality Assurance

A secondary reviewer validates the findings, checks calculations, and ensures consistency with our published methodology and editorial standards.

Step 12 – Publication & Ongoing Monitoring

Once approved, the review is published with a changelog. We then monitor the sportsbook for material changes and trigger re-testing when necessary.

This structured methodology ensures every Kansas Bet rating is based on consistent, repeatable, and transparent testing, reflecting the real experience of Kansas bettors.

Rating Criteria & Weights

Kansas Bet uses a weighted scoring model to reflect what matters most to bettors in Kansas while prioritizing safety, legality, and fair play. Each sportsbook is evaluated across the categories below, with weights determining how much each area contributes to the final score.

Category

Weight

What We Evaluate

Licensing & Security

20%

  • Active Kansas license status
  • SSL/TLS encryption and data protection practices
  • Account security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Fraud prevention and risk controls
Read More

Markets & Bet Types

20%

  • Coverage of major and regional sports
  • Market depth, including props and futures
  • Live betting availability and functionality
  • Compliance with Kansas-approved betting offerings
Read More

Odds & Pricing

15%

  • Odds competitiveness versus market averages
  • Estimated hold percentages across key markets
  • Bet limits and consistency
  • Fairness and transparency of cash-out offers
Read More

UX & Performance

15%

  • Navigation clarity and usability
  • Page load times and in-app responsiveness
  • Stability during peak betting periods
  • Consistency across mobile and desktop devices
Read More

Payments & Withdrawals

10%

  • Diversity of deposit and withdrawal methods available in Kansas
  • Processing speed for both deposits and payouts
  • Fees, limits, and transparency
  • Accuracy of actual payout times versus posted timelines
Read More

Promotions & Terms

10%

  • Transparency of bonus terms and conditions
  • Wagering requirements and playthrough feasibility
  • Expiration periods
  • Compliance with Kansas promotional regulations
Read More

Responsible Gambling

5%

  • Deposit, wager, and loss limits
  • Cooling-off periods and time-out options
  • Self-exclusion tools
  • Access to responsible gambling resources
Read More

Customer Support

5%

  • Availability of live chat, email, or phone support
  • Response times
  • Accuracy and knowledge of support agents

History & Credibility

Qualifier

  • Operators track record and longevity
  • Past or current regulatory actions
  • Ownership structure and transparency

The 1–5 Star Rating Scale

Kansas Bet uses a 1–5 star rating system to summarize how a sportsbook performs across all evaluated categories. Each star level reflects the sportsbook’s overall quality, compliance, and reliability for Kansas bettors.

These operators may pose risks to bettors and are not recommended.

Rating

Meaning

4.5–5.0

Outstanding

Top-tier sportsbooks that excel across all major categories.

4.0–4.4

Strong

High-quality sportsbooks that are competitive and dependable, with only minor drawbacks.

3.0–3.9

Adequate

Sportsbooks that meet baseline expectations but involve clear trade-offs.

2.0–2.9

Weak

Below-average sportsbooks with significant shortcomings.

1.0–1.9

Poor

Sportsbooks with serious deficiencies or potential compliance concerns.

Continuous Monitoring & Updates

Kansas Bet ratings are actively maintained, not published once and forgotten. Because sportsbooks frequently update apps, policies, and promotions — and because regulatory conditions can change — we use a structured monitoring system to keep ratings accurate and current.

Quarterly Reviews

Every licensed sportsbook we rate is re-tested at least once per quarter. These scheduled reviews include:

  • Re-evaluating app and website performance
  • Confirming payment speeds and withdrawal reliability
  • Reviewing updated bonuses, terms, and limits
  • Verifying ongoing compliance with Kansas regulations

Quarterly testing ensures ratings continue to reflect the real, current experience for Kansas bettors.

Event-Driven Checks

In addition to scheduled reviews, we trigger immediate re-testing when meaningful changes occur, including:

  • Major mobile app or platform updates
  • Changes to payout policies, limits, or fees
  • Updates to bonus terms or promotional structure
  • Regulatory actions, warnings, or license status changes

If an event impacts user experience, safety, or compliance, the sportsbook’s score is reviewed without waiting for the next quarterly cycle.

Transparent Updates & Changelog

When a rating changes, we document the update transparently. Each sportsbook review includes a changelog noting:

  • The date of the update
  • The reason for the change (e.g., faster payouts, app issues, policy updates)
  • A clear explanation of how and why the score was adjusted

This approach allows readers to track how and why ratings evolve over time and ensures accountability in our review process.

Through continuous monitoring, scheduled reviews, and transparent updates, Kansas Bet maintains sportsbook ratings that are timely, accurate, and trustworthy for Kansas bettors.

How to Get Listed

Kansas Bet only lists and rates sportsbooks that meet clear baseline requirements designed to protect bettors and ensure full regulatory compliance within the state.

Baseline Requirements for Operators

To be eligible for listing and review, an operator must meet all of the following standards:

  • Hold an active Kansas sports betting license, issued through the Kansas Lottery and regulated with oversight from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
  • Operate a secure platform, including SSL/TLS encryption, account security controls, and fraud prevention measures
  • Publish transparent terms, conditions, and house rules that are accessible and understandable to Kansas bettors
  • Provide functional Responsible Gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options
  • Offer customer support accessible to Kansas bettors, with reliable response channels

Who Is Excluded

  • Unlicensed or offshore sportsbooks
  • Operators that fail security, compliance, or Responsible Gambling standards
  • Platforms not legally available to bettors physically located in Kansas

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a high rating — it simply qualifies an operator for testing. Final ratings are determined through our full testing and scoring methodology, based on real-world performance and ongoing compliance.

Our Commitment to You

Kansas Bet is built on trust. Every rating we publish is guided by clear standards designed to protect Kansas bettors and deliver information that is accurate, independent, and verifiable. Our commitment is grounded in three core pillars:

Transparency

We believe bettors deserve to know how and why ratings are created. That’s why we:

  • Publish our full rating methodology and scoring criteria
  • Maintain documented changelogs explaining when and why ratings change
  • Disclose all commercial relationships clearly and publicly

Nothing about our process is hidden or proprietary.

Independence

Our ratings are created without outside influence. We ensure independence by:

  • Keeping editorial decision-making separate from business or partnership discussions
  • Preventing operators from paying for placement, rankings, or score changes
  • Applying the same testing and scoring framework to every sportsbook

Accuracy

We prioritize precision and accountability in every review. To ensure accuracy, we:

  • Require peer review and quality assurance checks before publication
  • Archive testing evidence, including screenshots and transaction records
  • Update ratings promptly when platforms, policies, or regulatory status change

By committing to transparency, independence, and accuracy, Kansas Bet provides sportsbook ratings that Kansas bettors can rely on with confidence.

References & Regulatory Framework

We ground our ratings in official state regulatory requirements to ensure sportsbooks meet legal, security, and consumer protection standards in Kansas.

Key Regulatory Sources

  • Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) – The primary regulator enforcing sports wagering rules, licensing standards, and operational compliance in the state.
  • Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission – Overview & Authority – Information about the agency responsible for regulating sports betting and other gaming in Kansas.
  • Kansas Expanded Lottery Act & Senate Bill 84 (2022) – State legislation authorizing legal sports wagering and defining the legal framework under which sports betting must operate.

State-Specific Betting Restrictions

Kansas law and regulatory guidance include specific age and wagering restrictions that affect how sportsbooks must operate:

  • Minimum age for sports betting is 21 years old for all sports wagers in Kansas.
  • Bettors must be physically located within Kansas state lines when placing wagers.
  • Certain types of college sports prop bets may be restricted or subject to regulatory limits, and operators must adhere to KRGC guidance on permissible bet types.

These sources frame the legal baseline that all sportsbooks must satisfy before being listed, tested, and rated on Kansas Bet. By aligning with these official regulatory frameworks, we ensure that our evaluations reflect not just quality and experience, but also compliance with state law and consumer protection standards.

Kansas Responsible Gambling Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related harm, help is available. These resources offer confidential, free, and supportive options for Kansans, and are part of our broader commitment to Responsible Gambling and adherence to state gambling regulations.

In-State Helpline

Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline – 24/7, free, and confidential. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or 1-800-522-4700 to connect with trained professionals who can provide support, assessment, and referrals to treatment services within Kansas.

National Assistance

National Problem Gambling Helpline – Available across the U.S.

Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or use chat services via the National Council on Problem Gambling for help, referrals, and resources, including counseling and support group information.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion & State Programs

Kansas offers a Sports Wagering Exclusion Program administered by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC). Enrolling in this program:

  • Disables active sports betting accounts
  • Prohibits new account creation
  • Helps remove access to wagering for those seeking recovery support.

You can request exclusion by completing the KRGC exclusion form and submitting it per the instructions on the KRGC site.

Additional Support Options

  • Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) – A broader self-exclusion option that can ban entry to Kansas gaming facilities for a chosen period, with education and recovery steps required for removal.
  • Local treatment organizations and licensed counselors are available throughout Kansas to assist individuals and families affected by gambling harm.

Questions?

If you have questions about our sportsbook ratings, testing methodology, or scoring criteria — or if you’d like to share feedback — we welcome transparency and dialogue.

You can learn more about how we operate and get in touch using the links below:

  • Affiliate Disclosure – How partnerships work and why they don’t affect ratings
  • Privacy Policy – How we protect and handle user data
  • Contact Us – Reach out with questions, corrections, or methodology feedback

Kansas Bet is committed to clear, accountable, and bettor-first ratings. If something needs clarification, we’re always open to review and improvement.