The “Breadbasket of America” is on a bit of a rollercoaster ride when it comes to casino revenue.
While casinos in Kansas saw a slight decline in December revenue compared to the previous year, the annual figures paint a different picture.
The four commercial casinos brought in $37.1 million, down from $37.4 million the year before, which is less than 1 percent.
A Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission report showed that electronic gaming machines contributed just over $32 million, while table games added the remaining $5 million.
Revenue for fiscal year 2025 is up 3.5% from this time last year at nearly $208 million. The fiscal year runs from July to June.
Hollywood Casino Takes Over Top Spot in Kansas
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway topped the earnings list, with over $14.9 million, a 1.3 percent increase from the previous year.
Over the past year, Hollywood Casino & Resort emerged as the leading revenue generator in the state. Its increase in revenue was slight, but it was enough to surpass Kansas Star Casino & Resort. Hollywood Casino accounts for almost 41% of the state's total casino revenue.
It made just over $13 million from electronic gaming machines (slots) last month, marking a 2.64% increase from the previous year, while table games brought in nearly $2 million ($1.6 million), an increase of almost 9%.
On top of that, Wyandotte County commissioners recently approved a proposal by Hollywood Casino for a new hotel near Kansas Speedway. So, they're not taking their foot off the gas, so to speak.
Interestingly, Hollywood Casino wasn't the biggest climber in 2024. Kansas Crossing Casino & Resort, located in Pittsburg, saw the most significant growth, boosting its revenue by 5.52% over the past year.
Kansas Star Casino Falls In Revenue Rankings
In contrast, Kansas Star Casino & Resort is headed in the other direction, reporting a 3% decline. However, it’s still the second-highest revenue-generating casino in The Sunflower State.
Here’s a breakdown of the four casinos in Kansas and the revenue generated in 2024, compared to what each did in December 2023, according to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission's report:
Kansas Casinos 2024 Revenue Change Breakdown
| Hollywood Casino & Resort | Kansas Star Casino & Resort | Boot Hill Casino & Resort | Kansas Crossing Casino & Resort | Total | |
| December 2023 | $14,794,647.63 | $14,938,602.79 | $4,380,085.77 | $3,329,139.97 | $37,442,476.16 |
| December 2024 | $14,979,442.47 | $14,489,439.15 | $4,123,009.19 | $3,512,888.42 | $37,104,779.23 |
| Change | +1.25% | -3.00% | -5.87% | +5.52% | -0.9% |
Boot Hill Casino & Resort suffered the biggest decrease in revenue over the past year. The Dodge City resort dropped nearly 6% year-over-year.
Casinos Report Record Revenue in 2023
This most recent report follows another study by the American Gaming Association (AGA), which revealed that Kansas casinos hit record gaming revenue levels in 2023 after sports betting became legal.
Sports betting was legalized in the state before the 2022 NFL season began. As a result, Kansas casinos earned $588.3 million in gaming revenue in 2023. Sports betting revenue also soared, doubling from $76.5 million in 2022 to $182.4 million in 2023, according to a report by the American Gaming Association.
Overall, casino revenue increased by 23% from 2022 to 2023. According to the AGA report, sports betting made up 31% of the total betting revenue in 2023.
If 2024 follows suit, which it appears that it will, we could see more record-breaking revenue numbers from Kansas this time next year.
Despite having no legal real money regulated online casinos in the state, Kansas gamblers can still play casino games online. These are available at sweepstakes casinos and online social casinos, which are fully legal in the Sunflower State. Believe it or not, you can play slots, blackjack, roulette, and even video poker at these sites.
