Kansas Casino and Pari-Mutuel Licenses: Complete Guide to KRGC Licensing

Currently, all pari-mutuel licenses for horse and dog racing in Kansas have lapsed and been revoked, with no pari-mutuel racing conducted since August 2008. However, Kansas operates four state-owned casinos that require specific licensing through the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC), offering opportunities for gaming facility managers, suppliers, and employees.

Understanding Kansas Gaming Licenses Through the KRGC

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is the state agency empowered by the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act and the Kansas Pari-mutuel Racing Act to regulate state owned casinos and pari-mutuel racetracks in Kansas. The commission comprises five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for staggered four-year terms.

The KRGC's regulatory framework operates under two primary legislative acts that define gaming operations in Kansas. The Kansas Expanded Lottery Act, passed in 2007, allows the state to own and operate "destination casino resorts" in four gaming zones – northeast, southeast, south central and southwest. This act fundamentally changed Kansas's gaming landscape by establishing state-owned casino operations.

Kansas currently operates four licensed gaming facilities that require KRGC oversight and licensing. The KRGC currently regulates Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and the Hollywood Casino at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City. The Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, Kansas opened in April 2017. Each facility operates under strict regulatory compliance monitored by commission staff.

Current Status of Pari-Mutuel Racing Licenses

The reality of pari-mutuel licensing in Kansas presents a stark contrast to the active casino licensing sector. At the present time, all pari-mutuel licenses for horse and dog racing in Kansas have lapsed and been revoked. No pari-mutuel racing has been conducted in Kansas since August 2008. This cessation represents a significant shift from Kansas's historical racing industry.

Despite the absence of active pari-mutuel operations, the regulatory framework remains intact. In 1986, the voters of the state of Kansas amended Article 15, Section 3b of the Kansas Constitution to "permit, regulate, license and tax" horse and dog racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Kansas. In 1987, the Kansas Legislature passed the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act. The legislation established the foundation for racing regulation that continues today, even without active operations.

The cessation of pari-mutuel activities doesn't eliminate future possibilities for racing operations. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is responsible for the licensing and regulation of parimutuel racing in Kansas, Currently there are no parimutuel dog or horse tracks operating within the state. However, the regulatory infrastructure exists should circumstances change to support renewed racing operations.

Gaming Facility Manager Certification Requirements

Gaming facility manager certification represents the highest level of licensing within Kansas's casino regulatory structure. Gaming Facility Manager Application Packet (Forms Packet 400) - includes Business Entity Disclosure Form. Applicants will also need to download Level 1 (Forms Packet 551) and Level 3 (Forms Packet 553) Individual Disclosures to be completed by multiple individuals as indicated in this packet. This comprehensive application process ensures thorough vetting of gaming facility leadership.

The certification process requires extensive background investigations and financial disclosures. Facility managers and suppliers are responsible for expenses, fees and costs incurred by the commission in performing the renewal background investigations of their employees. This financial responsibility ensures that licensed entities maintain accountability for their personnel's ongoing compliance.

Gaming facility managers must demonstrate substantial gaming industry experience and financial stability. Manager, at a minimum, meets and will continue to meet the following criteria: (1) has sufficient access to financial resources to support the activities required of it by this Agreement and the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act; (2) is current in filing all applicable tax returns and in payment of all taxes; and (3) Manager or its direct or indirect principals, affiliates or officers and/or members have at least three consecutive years experience in the management of gaming which would be class III gaming. These requirements ensure experienced leadership operates Kansas gaming facilities.

Employee Gaming Occupation Licenses

Kansas employs a tiered licensing system for casino employees that categorizes positions by responsibility level and gaming access. Persons meeting any of the following criteria are considered Level I employees and will be required to obtain a Gaming Occupation License: Each person who has authority to hire or fire employees of a gaming licensee; establish working policies for a gaming licensee and an ability to control or direct a gaming licensee; act as the chief financial officer or who has financial management responsibility for a gaming licensee. Level I licensing applies to senior management positions with significant operational authority.

Level II licensing covers middle management and specialized gaming personnel. Persons meeting any of the following criteria, or whose responsibilities involve the maintenance or conducting of gaming activities or equipment, or who will be required to work regularly in a restricted area are considered Level II employees or contractors and will be required to obtain a level II Gaming Occupation License. This classification includes surveillance personnel, cage operations staff, and electronic gaming machine technicians.

Level III licensing encompasses the broadest category of casino employees. Each person who will be employed by or working for a gaming facility, or acting as an independent contractor of a gaming facility, or working with an ancillary gaming facility operator, and who is not required to obtain a Level I or Level II license shall be required to obtain a Level III Gaming Occupation License or temporary work permit before engaging in any work with the gaming facility. This ensures comprehensive background screening for all gaming facility personnel.

Supplier Certification and Vendor Licensing

Supplier certification ensures that companies providing goods and services to Kansas casinos meet regulatory standards for integrity and financial stability. Supplier Application Packet (Forms Packet 430) - Includes Business Entity Disclosure Form. Applicants will also need to download Level 1 (Forms Packet 551) and Level 3 (Forms Packet 553) Individual Disclosures to be completed by multiple individuals as indicated in this packet. The certification process examines both corporate entities and individual principals involved in gaming supply operations.

The supplier certification process requires comprehensive disclosure of business relationships and financial standing. Certified suppliers must maintain compliance with ongoing reporting requirements and submit to periodic renewal processes. Supplier Renewals (Forms Packet 431) - Includes Business Entity Disclosure Form. This ensures continued adherence to regulatory standards throughout the certification period.

Gaming equipment suppliers face additional technical standards and testing requirements. The Kansas Racing and Gaming enforces 13 articles of regulations on the state owned casinos. The regulations cover licensing, security, audits and responsible gambling among others. These regulations include specific articles addressing Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) standards and technical specifications that suppliers must meet.

Legal Framework Governing Kansas Gaming

Kansas gaming operates within a carefully defined legal structure that distinguishes between authorized and prohibited gambling activities. In Kansas, there are only four forms of legal gambling: • Bingo and charitable raffles conducted by charitable organizations, nonprofit religious organizations, fraternal and veterans organizations • Horse and dog racing, para mutual wagering at State licensed tracks • State owned casinos and lottery • Legally approved tribal casinos. This framework provides clear boundaries for legal gaming operations.

The constitutional foundation for Kansas gaming establishes specific limitations on gambling activities. The Kansas Constitution and criminal statutes establish that lotteries are illegal. A lottery is any game, scheme, gift, enterprise, or similar contrivance wherein persons agree to give valuable consideration for the chance to win a prize or prizes. The limited exceptions to illegal lotteries include licensed bingo games, tribal gaming, licensed parimutuel racing and wagering, and the state lottery (including casino gambling). This constitutional framework requires careful compliance with authorized gaming activities.

The KRGC serves as both a regulatory agency and law enforcement entity for gaming compliance. As a regulatory agency, our chief mission is to seek compliance. As a criminal justice agency, our charge is to enforce the law. We take these responsibilities seriously, and we require our licensees do as well. This dual role ensures comprehensive oversight of gaming operations and swift action against illegal gambling activities.

Application Process and Requirements

The licensing application process requires in-person completion at designated KRGC locations. You must complete the application in person at a Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission office. Applications can be processed at the KRGC office in Topeka or at any of the state owned Kansas casinos including Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, and Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg. This requirement ensures identity verification and personal interaction with regulatory personnel.

Application submission requires specific documentation and careful attention to completeness. Read the entire form before filling it out, and verify your responses afterward. If you have nothing to report on a specific item, indicate "NONE" in the space provided. This form must be completely filled out, typed or printed in black ink, except initials and signatures. Use blue ink when signing, dating, or initialing any page of the documents. Incomplete applications delay processing and may prevent participation in gaming activities.

Employee licensing applications follow a specific channel through gaming facility human resources departments. NOTICE: Employee License Applications and Renewals should not be sent directly to the KRGC but instead should be submitted through the Human Resources department of a licensed gaming facility. This streamlined process ensures proper coordination between gaming facilities and regulatory oversight.

FAQ

Are pari-mutuel racing licenses currently available in Kansas? No. All pari-mutuel licenses for horse and dog racing in Kansas have lapsed and been revoked. No pari-mutuel racing has been conducted in Kansas since August 2008. While the regulatory framework exists, no tracks currently operate.

What types of casino licenses does Kansas offer? Kansas offers Gaming Facility Manager certification, Supplier certification, and three levels of Gaming Occupation Licenses (Level I, II, and III) for employees. Gaming Facility Manager Application Packet (Forms Packet 400), Supplier Application Packet (Forms Packet 430), Level 1, 2, and 3 Gaming Occupation License Applications are available through the KRGC.

Can I apply for a Kansas casino license online? No. You must complete the application in person at a Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission office. Applications can be processed at the KRGC office in Topeka or at any of the four state-owned Kansas casinos during operating hours.