Kentucky has now joined the states with legal sports betting, so bettors can wager on much more than just the ponies.
Brick-and-mortar racing and gaming facilities in the Bluegrass State began accepting action on baseball, football, and a variety of other offerings on Thursday.
The second phase, the legal launch of online sports betting sites, is scheduled for September 28, although Kentuckians who have pre-registered with operators are allowed to begin depositing as of Thursday as well.
In the meantime, residents of the Bluegrass State will have to travel to physical locations such as the famous 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, courtesy of the state horse racing commission:https://t.co/utmzkgvHgD pic.twitter.com/Gmok2SIG8E
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) September 7, 2023
Kentucky managed to launch retail sports betting 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 supporter of legalizing sports betting in Kentucky who has been cheering on its implementation amid his re-election bid, decided to go with a parlay.
The governor wagered $20 on the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals college football teams winning more than 7.5 games this year and the Duke Blue Devils winning fewer than 7.5 at odds of +750, which could net him $150. The parlay is a special that Churchill Downs is offering customers on the first day of legal sports betting in the state.
"It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky," Beshear said in a press release. "This is a win-win for Kentuckians, who can enjoy a quality entertainment experience and benefit from funds staying right here in our state to help us build a 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 available until 7:30 p.m. ET today, it appears. pic.twitter.com/sLFvTOFliQ
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) September 7, 2023
The locations approved for retail sportsbooks in Kentucky thus 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 also approved temporary licenses for several online sportsbooks, putting them in a position to accept pre-registrations now and then wagers on Sept. 28. They are:
"The KHRC is dedicated to wagering integrity, and while we are celebrating today’s launch, our work continues," said Jonathan Rabinowitz, chairman of the commission, in the release.
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