Kentucky receives retail and online sports wagering applications

(PRESS RELEASE) -- One month after announcing that sports wagering will open in Kentucky on 7 September at retail locations and 28 September for mobile applications, Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update on licensing applications.

“The countdown is on. Kentuckians can plan to place their first sports wagers, at a retail location, in just 28 days,” said Gov. Beshear. “Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads and high-speed internet.”

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has received applications from seven of the state’s licensed racetracks:

• Churchill Downs, Louisville
• Cumberland Run, coming soon to Corbin
• Ellis Park, Henderson
• Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, Oak Grove
• The Red Mile, Lexington
• Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, coming soon to Ashland
• Turfway Park, Florence

Racetracks licensed for sports wagering may open retail sports wagering facilities at their satellite locations.

Mobile service providers that have applied for a license to operate in Kentucky include:

• bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• Circa Sports
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Penn Sports Interactive

Licensing applications do not guarantee licensure. Applications are being reviewed by KHRC staff and will be voted on at a meeting of the full commission on 22 August. The KHRC is also in the process of reviewing licensing applications for key employees.

“The KHRC is excited to open sports wagering and is working efficiently to meet the necessary deadlines,” said KHRC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz. “This is a careful process dedicated to wagering integrity and protecting bettors in the state of Kentucky.”