Licenses Granted to Eight Mobile Sportsbooks in Kentucky

Licenses Granted to Eight Mobile Sportsbooks in Kentucky

On August 22, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) unveiled the list of eight sports betting service providers that have secured licenses in the state.

"The stage is set. Retail sports wagering hubs will be up and running in just over two weeks," remarked Gov. Andy Beshear, praising the KHRC for their prompt action which coincides with the start of the NFL season.

Echoing the enthusiasm, the KHRC Chairman, Jonathan Rabinowitz stated, "It's thrilling to be on track for the launch. Our core focus remains on ensuring a transparent and secure betting environment for our Kentucky residents."

Click here to sign up for sports betting updates from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Licensed Kentucky Sports Betting Service Providers

Mobile Sports Betting Licenses:

• Bet365
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• Circa
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• Penn Sports Interactive (ESPN BET)

Physical Sports Betting Licenses:

• Churchill Downs, Louisville
• Derby City Gaming, Louisville
• Ellis Park, Henderson
• The Mint Gaming Halls in Corbin and Williamsburg
• Newport Racing and Gaming, Newport
• Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, Oak Grove
• The Red Mile, Lexington
• Turfway Park, Florence

RELATED: The Best-Reviewed Sportsbooks in Kentucky

Key Insights from the KHRC Reveal:

Operators: Big names like Churchill Downs, The Red Mile, and Turfway Park are among the venues that have been green-lit. Other significant locales, such as Derby City Gaming in central Louisville and Ellis Park in Owensboro, are also in the lineup.

Service Providers: Out of the nine service providers receiving temporary licenses, eight are set to debut their mobile betting apps in the Bluegrass State. Noteworthy mentions include the unexpected entrants, Bet365 and Penn Sports Interactive (ESPN BET). Their inclusion hints at their potential influential role in Kentucky's sports betting arena.

Economic Boost: Once in full swing, sports betting is expected to pump an estimated $23 million annually into Kentucky's coffers. This influx will support sports wagering oversight and feed into Kentucky's pension fund. Moreover, 2.5% of this sum is earmarked for assisting those grappling with gambling issues, managed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

MORE: How to Bet on Sports in Kentucky

Roadmap: Gov. Beshear outlined the rollout plan: By Aug. 28, Kentuckians can set up their mobile betting accounts. Starting Sept. 7, they can commence in-person betting at licensed venues, and from Sept. 28, mobile betting kicks off.

Advisory Council on Sports Betting: Earlier this month, an executive directive was passed by Gov. Beshear to form the Sports Wagering Advisory Council, aiming to offer expert insights into the betting industry.

Other Announcements: The KHRC also touched upon the Baffert Case, sanctioning the decision made on May 26, 2023. This verdict can be challenged in the Circuit Court within 30 days.

For enthusiasts keen on an in-depth analysis of the licenses and their corporate partners, the KHRC website is the go-to source.

Stay tuned with us as we track Kentucky’s burgeoning sports betting scene.