Kentucky Joins States With Legal Sports Betting With Retail Launch
Kentucky has now joined the states with legal sports betting, so wagerers can bet on much more than just the ponies.
Brick-and-mortar racing and video gaming centers in the Bluegrass State began accepting action on baseball, football, and a range of other offerings on Thursday.
The second stage, the legal launch of online sports wagering websites, is scheduled for September 28, although Kentuckians who have pre-registered with operators are permitted to start transferring as of Thursday too.
In the meantime, citizens of the Bluegrass State will need to travel to physical places such as the popular Churchill Downs in Louisville, where Gov. Andy Beshear made Kentucky's ceremonial first bet at the facility's new sportsbook at around 10 a.m. ET.
Here's where you can find Kentucky's new retail sportsbooks, thanks to the state commission: https://t.co/utmzkgvHgD pic.twitter.com/Gmok2SIG8E
Kentucky handled to introduce retail sports wagering with college football in full swing and in time for the start of the NFL's regular season. And, for the opening act, Beshear, a longtime fan of legalizing sports wagering in Kentucky who has been cheering on its execution amidst his re-election quote, chose to go with a parlay.
The guv bet $20 on the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals college football groups winning more than 7.5 video games this year and the Duke Blue Devils winning less than 7.5 at chances of +750, which might net him $150. The parlay is an unique that Churchill Downs is providing customers on the first day of legal sports wagering in the state.
" It has taken many years to get here, but sports betting is finally a truth in Kentucky," Beshear said in a press release. "This is a win-win for Kentuckians, who can enjoy a quality entertainment experience and take advantage of funds staying right here in our state to help us build a much better Kentucky."
BREAKING MUST CREDIT @Covers: The parlay Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear chose as the state's first (non-horse racing) sports bet is a * ~ special ~ * at Churchill Downs, with odds of +750, according to the book's bet builder. And only readily available up until 7:30 p.m. ET today, it appears. pic.twitter.com/sLFvTOFliQ
The locations authorized for retail sportsbooks in Kentucky so far include:
- Churchill Downs in Louisville
- Ellis Park in Henderson
- The Red Mile in Lexington
- Derby City Gaming in Louisville
- The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run in Corbin
- Newport Racing and Gaming in Newport
- Oak Grove Gaming and Racing in Oak Grove
- Turfway Park in Florence
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has likewise approved short-lived licenses for several online sportsbooks, putting them in a position to accept pre-registrations from time to time wagers on Sept. 28. They are:
bet365.
BetMGM.
Caesars Sportsbook.
Circa.
DraftKings.
Fanatics.
FanDuel.
Barstool Sportsbook/ESPN Bet
" The KHRC is devoted to betting stability, and while we are commemorating today's launch, our work continues," stated Jonathan Rabinowitz, chairman of the commission, in the release.