Underdog Fantasy Returns to Kansas under a new Format
After receiving a cease-and-desist order from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) in February, Underdog Fantasy confirmed Friday it's making a comeback in the Sunflower State.
The Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) company will operate under a new peer-to-peer format that, "complies with the spirit of Kansas law," according to KRGC director of security, Don Brownlee.
"We work closely with the Racing and Gaming Commission, who conducted a thorough review and concluded our peer-to-peer Champions product can be offered in Kansas," added Stacie Stern, Underdog’s Senior VP of Government Affairs and Partnerships. "The Commission has confirmed we are in good standing in the state, and we look forward to offering contests again to Kansas sports fans."
Stern explained that the company adjusts its game formats to meet differing regulatory requirements. According to Underdog Fantasy’s website, Kansas users will be able to participate in Pick ‘em and Draft contests.
"We make sure our games meet the differing standards in every state, which is why you see different products and game types in states across the country," she said.
Illegal operations
In Sept. 2023, Kansas gaming regulators described Underdog Fantasy and other DFS sites as "illegal operations" since they accepted wagers but did not follow the licensing and taxation rules required for regulated sportsbooks.
However, because the Champions product is a peer-to-peer game rather than player vs. operator, UnderDog claims it differs from traditional Kansas sports betting options.
"We can confirm that Champions, as currently configured, will not face regulatory action by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission," commented Brownlee this month.
After receiving a cease-and-desist order from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) in February, Underdog Fantasy confirmed Friday it's making a comeback in the Sunflower State.
The Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) company will operate under a new peer-to-peer format that, "complies with the spirit of Kansas law," according to KRGC director of security, Don Brownlee.
"We work closely with the Racing and Gaming Commission, who conducted a thorough review and concluded our peer-to-peer Champions product can be offered in Kansas," added Stacie Stern, Underdog’s Senior VP of Government Affairs and Partnerships. "The Commission has confirmed we are in good standing in the state, and we look forward to offering contests again to Kansas sports fans."
Stern explained that the company adjusts its game formats to meet differing regulatory requirements. According to Underdog Fantasy’s website, Kansas users will be able to participate in Pick ‘em and Draft contests.
"We make sure our games meet the differing standards in every state, which is why you see different products and game types in states across the country," she said.
Illegal operations
In Sept. 2023, Kansas gaming regulators described Underdog Fantasy and other DFS sites as "illegal operations" since they accepted wagers but did not follow the licensing and taxation rules required for regulated sportsbooks.
However, because the Champions product is a peer-to-peer game rather than player vs. operator, UnderDog claims it differs from traditional Kansas sports betting options.
"We can confirm that Champions, as currently configured, will not face regulatory action by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission," commented Brownlee this month.