Two weeks after the launch of retail sports betting in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear has provided an update on the success of the launch.
In a statement published on the state governor’s website, Beshear released preliminary figures showing that the first two weeks of sports betting saw retail sportsbooks accept over $4.5 million in wagers.
“This is 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. 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.”
New Additions to Sports Betting Markets
The Sports Wagering Advisory Council met yesterday and has now recommended additions to the sports wagering catalog.
These include:
- Formula One Racing
- NRL (National Rugby League Australia)
- PFL (Professional Fighters League MMA)
- Bellator (MMA)
- Universal Tennis League
The council also put forth criteria for choosing independent testing laboratories to assess the technical components of sports wagering systems. These recommendations received the approval of KHRC Executive Director Jamie Eads, pending ratification by the full commission during their next meeting.
Mobile Sports Betting Launch
Mobile sports betting in Kentucky is set to launch on September 28th with customers now allowed to fund their accounts on their chosen mobile sports betting app.
According to Beshear, mobile sports betting operators are reporting that more than 60,000 accounts have already been created. However, the governor also noted that not all licensees have reported their account registrations yet.
| Operator | Partnering Track/Location | Sports Betting Type | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kambi | Churchill Downs, Louisville Churchill Downs’ satellite location, Derby City Gaming, Louisville Ellis Park, Henderson Turfway Park, Florence Oak Grove, Oak Grove |
Retail | Sept 7th |
| DraftKings | The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run, Corbin The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland, Williamsburg |
Retail and Mobile | Sept 7th (mobile Sept 28th) |
| BetMGM | Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, Ashland | Retail and Mobile | TBD (mobile Sept 28th) |
| Caesars | The Red Mile, Lexington | Retail and Mobile | Sept 7th (mobile Sept 28th) |
| Fanatics | Oak Grove Gaming and Racing | Mobile | Sept 28th |
| FanDuel | Turfway Park, and its satellite location, Newport Racing and Gaming | Mobile | Sept 28th |
| Penn Sports Interactive | Ellis Park, Henderson and Owensboro | Mobile | Sept 28th |
| Circa Sports | Cumberland Run | Mobile | TBC |
| Bet365 | Sandy’s Gaming and Racing | Mobile | Sept 28th |
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.