A strong number that certainly reflects the excitement Kentuckians have for the opening of sports wagering.
Two weeks after Kentucky sports betting opened in retail establishments, the governor’s office announced that more than $4.5 million had been wagered in the state so far.
Democratic Governor Andy Beshear added that more than 60,000 mobile accounts had pre-registered to date. Mobile sports betting is scheduled to start next week, on September 28.
In an update on Thursday, Beshear called the $4.5 million handle “a strong number that certainly reflects the excitement Kentuckians have for the opening of sports wagering. With college football and the NFL season underway, plus the launch of mobile wagering, we expect that number will grow significantly.”
“It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky,” he added. “This is a win-win for Kentuckians, who can enjoy a quality entertainment experience and benefit from funds staying right here in our state to help us build a better Kentucky.”
Beshear’s office said several operators, but not all, had reported the number of mobile accounts that have pre-registered. Retail sports betting launched on September 7.
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Additional Terms Apply.
- Quality welcome offer
- Some of the best promos
- Variety of betting markets
Circa to Launch Later in 2023
The governor’s office also revealed that seven of the eight mobile operators awarded licenses last month by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will have their apps ready to go on opening day.
Bet365, BetFanatics, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and FanDuel are prepared to launch on September 28, Beshear’s office said. It also said Barstool Sportsbook would launch, but it’s unclear if Penn Entertainment will bring the brand to the Bluegrass State — last month, Penn agreed to rebrand Barstool as ESPN Bets as part of a new ten-year, $1.5 billion partnership.
The eighth mobile operator, Circa Sports, “plans to launch a mobile application later this year.”
Mobile sportsbooks can being accepting wagers at 6 am ET on September 28.
Approved Sportsbooks in Kentucky
| Venue | Retail Partner | Mobile Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Churchill Downs | Kambi1 | |
| Cumberland Run, The Mint Gaming Hall |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Circa Sports, DraftKings Sportsbook |
| Ellis Park | Kambi1 | ESPN Bet2 |
| Oak Grove | Kambi1 | BetFanatics |
| The Red Mile | Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
| Sandy’s Racing and Gaming | BetMGM | bet365, BetMGM |
| Turfway Park | Kambi1 | FanDuel |
Notes: (1) Under the brand Churchill Downs Race & Sports Book, (2) formerly Barstool Sportsbook
More Sports Added to Catalog
Also on Thursday, the seven-member Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) met and recommended additions to its initial sports catalog, a list of sporting events and wagering types allowed in Kentucky.
The sporting events SWAC added to its catalog include:
- Formula One Racing
- NRL (National Rugby League Australia)
- PFL (Professional Fighters League MMA)
- Bellator (MMA)
- Universal Tennis League
According to Beshear’s office, SWAC “also recommended criteria for selecting independent testing laboratories for technical components of sports wagering systems.
“The recommendations were approved by KHRC Executive Director Jamie Eads, subject to ratification by the full commission at their next scheduled meeting.”
SWAC held its inaugural meeting last month, where it approved the first version of its sports catalog. It included obvious sports like MLB, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA. Six NCAA sports were also included in the first draft.
Seven horse racetracks and at least two other entities in Kentucky are allowed to operate up to three skins for mobile sports betting — meaning there could be up to 27 sportsbooks in the state. Retail sports betting will be taxed at 9.75%, while online wagers for tax rate will be 14.25%.
