Kansas, Illinois Sports Betting Handles Decline After Missouri's Launch

Neighboring states see drops as broader U.S. growth slows amid taxes, competition, and market shifts.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:43pm

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Missouri's launch of legal sports betting in December 2025 has cut into the sports betting handles of neighboring states Kansas and Illinois, with Kansas seeing the steepest declines. Illinois' drop has been more modest, influenced by factors like local team performance and new per-bet taxes. Nationwide, sports betting handle growth is flattening as the market matures, with Missouri's entry, taxes, and prediction markets contributing to the slowing expansion.

Why it matters

The launch of sports betting in Missouri, the nation's newest legal market, has had a direct impact on the neighboring states of Kansas and Illinois, highlighting the competitive dynamics within the rapidly evolving U.S. sports betting landscape. As states continue to legalize and mature their sports betting industries, understanding cross-border effects and broader national trends will be crucial for operators, regulators, and consumers.

The details

Since Missouri's first legal sportsbooks began taking bets on December 1, 2025, both Kansas and Illinois have posted year-over-year declines in their monthly sports betting handles. Kansas has seen the steepest drops, with a 7.9% decline in December 2025, followed by 24.7% and 12.1% decreases in January and February 2026, respectively. Illinois' declines have been more modest, with a 3.4% drop in December 2025 and a 3.9% decline in January 2026. Factors like the Kansas City Chiefs missing the playoffs, the Chicago Bears' strong season, and new per-bet taxes in Illinois have also influenced the handle changes in those states.

  • Missouri launched legal sports betting on December 1, 2025.
  • Kansas saw year-over-year sports betting handle declines of 7.9% in December 2025, 24.7% in January 2026, and 12.1% in February 2026.
  • Illinois saw year-over-year sports betting handle declines of 3.4% in December 2025 and 3.9% in January 2026.

The players

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team based in Kansas City, Missouri, which did not qualify for the playoffs in the 2025 season, denying both Kansas and Missouri the betting opportunities in January and February.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team based in Chicago, Illinois, which had one of their strongest seasons in a decade, potentially boosting Illinois' sports betting handle in the 2025-2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Kansas and Illinois have seen year-over-year revenue declines each month since Missouri's first legal sportsbooks began taking bets Dec. 1. Though there are a host of factors that could impact the declines, the Missouri sports betting launch appears to have had a direct effect on its neighbors to the east and west.”

— Ryan Butler, @ButlerBets

What’s next

As the U.S. sports betting market continues to evolve, industry analysts and regulators will closely monitor the cross-border effects of new market entries, as well as the broader nationwide trends impacting handle and revenue growth.

The takeaway

The launch of sports betting in Missouri has had a measurable impact on the neighboring states of Kansas and Illinois, highlighting the competitive dynamics within the rapidly maturing U.S. sports betting landscape. As states continue to legalize and refine their sports betting industries, understanding these cross-border effects and broader national trends will be crucial for operators, regulators, and consumers.