The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved emergency regulations that will allow retail sports betting to launch on September 7th while mobile sports betting will follow on September 28th.
HB 551, introduced by Rep. Michael Meredith, allows for retail sports betting at licensed racetracks or gaming facilities. The bill also allows for retail license holders to partner with mobile sports betting operators to launch online sportsbooks.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a press conference after Monday’s meeting:
“We expect most tracks, if not all tracks running today, to be operational on (Sept 7).”
All racetracks will be allowed to launch retail sportsbooks on September 7th, although only The Red Mile has confirmed its partner and retail launch.
| Track | Location | Racing Type | Retail Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill Downs | Louisville | Thoroughbred | TBD |
| Keeneland Race Course | Lexington | Thoroughbred | Caesars (retail launch unconfirmed) |
| Turfway Park | Florence | Thoroughbred | TBD |
| Kentucky Downs | Franklin | Thoroughbred | TBD |
| Ellis Park | Henderson | Thoroughbred | TBD |
| The Red Mile | Lexington | Harness | Caesars |
| Bluegrass Downs | Paducah | Harness | TBD |
| Cumberland Run | Corbin | Harness | TBD |
| Sandy Ridge | Ashland | Quarter Track | TBD |
The KHRC opted to delay the launch of mobile sports betting in Kentucky by three weeks to allow for licensed sportsbooks to meet the state’s technical requirements for operations.
Speaking of the different launch dates, Beshear noted:
“(It’s) what we’ve seen from other states in terms of best practices and getting people signed up and finding out where the different challenges are.”
Each track can partner with up to three mobile operators. However, Caesars is the only confirmed mobile operator at present. There are reports that Churchill Downs is in talks with FanDuel over a mobile partnership deal.
| Racetrack | Mobile Sportsbook Partner | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Churchill Downs | TBD | TBD |
| Keeneland Race Course | Caesars | TBD |
| Turfway Park | TBD | TBD |
| Kentucky Downs | TBD | TBD |
| Ellis Park | TBD | TBD |
| The Red Mile | Caesars | TBD |
| Bluegrass Downs | TBD | TBD |
| Cumberland Run | TBD | TBD |
| Sandy Ridge | TBD | TBD |
Asked if the launch date might come too soon for an effective rollout, Beshear told reporters:
“We’re not re-inventing anything. There are so many examples out there we’ve watched in these last couple of years. We’ve had a number of prime examples of how to get it done. There was significant communication between the various companies that are going to be a part (of this).”
I will be excited to make the first bet in the commonwealth of Kentucky. I’ve been for sports betting since I began running. I believe we can do this responsibly. I believe this administration and general assembly can get it done. I’ll be proud to make that first bet.”
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.