Legal Kentucky Sports Betting Set to Launch in September

• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed emergency regulations in preparation for the state’s legal sports betting launch in September.
• Retail sports betting is set to launch on September 7, with mobile sports betting expected to launch on September 28.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Monday afternoon, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved emergency administrative regulations required to open legal sports betting in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear signed the regulations into law as Kentucky will now aim to launch sports betting in time for football season.

The launch date for brick and mortar sportsbooks is September 7, right in time for the 2023-2024 NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions kickoff the NFL season at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 7.

Mobile Kentucky sports betting will join other legal NFL betting sites on September 28.

Starting on Tuesday, July 11, each of Kentucky’s licensed horse racing facilities can apply for a retail sportsbook at their main location or at a licensed satellite location. The tracks must pay a $500k fee for an initial license and a $50k annual renewal fee.

There are over a dozen state racetracks eligible for legal sports betting, including Churchill Downs, Kentucky Downs, and The Red Mile. Sportsbooks operators will face a $50k initial fee and a $10k annual renewal fee.

With just a six-month turnaround since Gov Beshear signature was inked to legalize sports betting in the Bluegrass State, Kentucky would become one of the fastest states to launch sports betting after legalization.

Governor Beshear is confident they can do it, claiming that “The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has increased staffing and they have laid out regulations that protect Kentucky bettors, and ensure are wagering systems are responsible.”

Beshear and Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Chair Jonathan Rabinowitz both mentioned their efforts to learn from other states who have successfully launched legal sports betting in order to produce the best product for Kentucky residents.

Economic Impact

Andy Beshear claimed at the KHRC special meeting that he expects the state to earn around $23 million, with that number steadily increasing in the future. As to where that money will go, Beshear listed many outlets of great importance to Kentucky families.

“Bringing sports wagering to Kentucky means more money to support our pensions for hard-working law enforcement, our educators, and every state city and county employee. I want to see any freed-up dollars going to support public education, economic development, disaster recovery, and any other necessary projects like providing clean drinking water to our families, building safer roads, and supporting high-speed internet.”

Governor Beshear believes that Kentucky sports betting will continue to improve the economy through job opportunities and tourism.

News tags: Andy Beshear | Churchill Downs | Detroit Lions | Kansas City Chiefs | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission | NFL