Governor Andy Beshear, along with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and lawmakers, has announced that sports wagers can legally be made at retail locations in the state commencing September 7 this year. Mobile sports wagering will be permitted as of September 28.
Kentucky sports betting will be here right in time for football season. The first NFL game for the 2023 season will take place on September 7.
After years of pushing to get sports betting legalized in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 551 on March 31 to legalize sports wagering in the state.
Licensed Kentucky horseracing facilities can apply for a retail sportsbook starting July 11. Licensed horseracing facilities will be permitted to partner with up to three marketing platforms for mobile wagering.
Beshear states, “Retail locations can open September 7 followed by mobile applications on September 28 with more details to come. When you look back at this, the odds were against us, but we were determined to get sports betting passed in Kentucky and we got it done.”
John Wholihan, Marketing Director at The Mint Gaming Hall and Kentucky Downs, says, “The process went along the way as it was supposed to. We knew that there was some June deadlines on regulations and it takes time to work through those. But since then, very quickly, especially with a holiday in between, we’re happy to see that things got moved along to the governor for signature, so that’s great.
“It’s a great thing to complement, for example, the horse race betting/simulcasting that we currently offer at our properties. I think those two are a good complement together, racing and sports. For the property itself to have that amenity, another offering for people.”
