Regulators are finalizing the operator approvals ahead of the launch of the NFL season
Sports betting is now legal in Kentucky after Gov. Andy Beshear signed legislation on March 31 to launch sports betting in the state this year. Kentucky is the 38th state to legalize sports gambling, with some forms of wagering set to be launched this week.
Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks will begin accepting wagers on September 7 at 10 AM, which is also the start of the NFL regular season. Gov. Beshear plans to travel to Churchill Downs to make the state’s first official sports wager.
Beginning on September 7, the following locations will accept in-person bets:
- Churchill Downs in Louisville
- Red Mile in Lexington
- Turfway Park in Florence
- Newport Racing and Gaming in Newport
- Ellis Park in Henderson
- Oak Grove Gaming and Racing in Oak Grove
- Derby City Gaming in Louisville
- The Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run in Corbin
- The Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run in Williamsburg
Each property has separate rooms dedicated to sports betting where patrons can enjoy food and drinks while they watch the games. For example, Red Mile has five manned betting windows and 14 self-serve kiosks that only accept cash until online betting launches. Red Mile Sportsbook’s hours are from 10 AM to midnight.
Online sports betting will take a little longer to get started, but it’s right around the corner. Kentucky plans on launching online sportsbooks at 6 AM on September 28. Pre-registration for online mobile sports betting started on August 28 and continues through September 28.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
