Sports wagering licenses approved ahead of launch in Kentucky

Kentuckians will be able to place bets on sporting events starting September 7^th following legislation legalizing the wagers in the state during the 2023 session.

To set up a framework for people to be able to place their bets soon, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) voted Tuesday to approve temporary licenses for in-person and digital operators and providers.

Where To Bet In Person
The following Kentucky racetracks and their satellite facilities were approved to open a sportsbook with a planned retail opening on September 7:

• Churchill Downs, Louisville
• Derby City Gaming, Louisville
• Ellis Park, Henderson
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run, Corbin
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland, Williamsburg
• Newport Racing and Gaming, Newport
• Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, Oak Grove
• The Red Mile, Lexington
• Turfway Park, Florence

The following were approved, with facilities coming soon:

• Derby City Gaming, coming soon to downtown Louisville
• Ellis Park, coming soon to Owensboro
• Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, coming soon to Ashland

Mobile Applications For Betting
There will be eight mobile applications that Kentuckians can also use to place bets starting September 28 including:

• Bet365
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• Circa Sports
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• Penn Sports Interactive

Timeline for Implementation
Last week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a timeline for sports wagering to open in Kentucky. That timeline now moves closer to full implementation. Key dates for Kentuckians to remember include:

• Monday, August 28, at 6 a.m. EDT: Kentuckians can pre-register an account with approved mobile applications. Allowing pre-registration eases strains on electronic systems that can sometimes happen when many people try to register at once.
• Thursday, September 7, at 6 a.m. EDT: Wagerers can deposit money into their pre-registered mobile accounts only with approved mobile applications.
• Thursday, September 7, at 10 a.m. EDT: Wagerers can place an in-person bet at licensed retail facilities.
• Thursday, September 28, at 6 a.m. EDT: Approved mobile applications can start taking wagers.

Stay tuned to The Bottom Line for more information.