Kentucky Sees Over $4.5 Million of Retail Betting in 2 Weeks

• Kentucky residents bet over $4.5 million at retail locations since legal sports betting launched two weeks ago.
• The state is estimated to make over $23 million in annual tax revenue from legal sports betting.
• Online sports betting launches on Thursday.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported more than $4.5 million in sports betting wagers since retail sports betting launched on September 7. Those numbers are expected to see a major spike once online sports betting launches in less than a week.

More than $4.5 million has been wagered on sports during the first two weeks of sports betting.

The best news? Those funds are staying right here in our state to help us build a better Kentucky.

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 21, 2023

Kentucky’s tiered legal sports betting approach launched retail sports betting three weeks before online sports betting. Plenty of eager Kentucky residents placed their bets at retail locations but most are patiently waiting for online sports betting.

Governor Beshear said in his news conference that the Kentucky sports betting numbers will continue to grow once mobile wagering launches.

“This is a strong number that certainly reflects the excitement Kentuckians have for the opening of sports wagering,” Beshear said on Thursday. “With college football and the NFL season underway, plus the launch of mobile wagering, we expect that number will grow significantly.”

Kentucky Is Less Than A Week Away From Mobile Betting

Betting over $4.5 million at brick and mortar sportsbooks is a great sign for the future of Kentucky sports betting. Most legal US sports betting states receive less than 10% of their monthly handle from retail locations.

Kentucky revenue estimates project more than $23 million in annual revenue from sports betting once fully live. The Kentucky Sports Betting Advisory Council is focused on offering as many sports betting options as possible ahead of Kentucky’s online sports betting launch on Thursday.

The Kentucky Sports Betting Advisory Council looks to add onto the sports betting catalog with smaller-scale betting options with a broader international audience. The Council voted in favor of Formula One Racing, the National Rugby League of Australia & New Zealand (NRL), Bellator Mixed Martial Arts, Professional Fighters League (PFL), and the UTR Pro Tennis Tour.

News tags: Andy Beshear | Kentucky | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission | Kentucky Sports Betting Advisory Council