As the anticipation for the upcoming NFL regular season builds, sports bettors in Kentucky have something extra to cheer about. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has taken swift action by approving emergency regulations that will pave the way for the opening of legal sportsbooks at the state’s horse tracks.
Online sports betting will follow shortly after, with availability by September 28. Each race track will have the opportunity to partner with up to three online sportsbooks, offering a convenient and exciting mobile betting experience.
The state’s support to the new law and market
Governor Andy Beshear, a strong advocate for sports betting, commended the commission for promptly implementing the bipartisan sports betting law he signed on March 31. Expressing his appreciation at a press conference, he stated, “We gave you a very tight timeline and you delivered!“
The timing of the launch date not only aligns with the start of the highly anticipated NFL season but also comes just two months before Kentucky voters decide whether to reelect Beshear for another four years as governor. The closely watched race could serve as a barometer of the Democrats’ ability to showcase their bipartisan accomplishments to voters in traditionally conservative states.
Governor Beshear himself expressed excitement about the upcoming launch, revealing that he plans to place the first bet once the programs go live in September. With a playful nod to his alma mater, he added, “I’ll be really interested in who Morehead State University is playing next weekend!“
Starting Tuesday, the KHRC will begin accepting applications for sportsbook licenses, with a total of nine operator licenses available. Governor Beshear expects most, if not all, of the state’s tracks to have their sportsbooks up and running by the September launch. These rates are notably lower than those in neighboring Ohio, which recently raised its sportsbook tax to 20%.
Related: Kentucky steps up to tackle problem gambling ahead of sports betting launch
The NFL is coming very near, and Kentucky is ready
The September 7 launch date aligns perfectly with the NFL season kickoff, featuring an exciting primetime match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. Kentucky bettors will also have the opportunity to wager on a thrilling college football season, including games involving in-state teams like Louisville and the University of Kentucky.
While the emergency regulations have enabled the timely introduction of sports betting, they will be replaced by a permanent set of rules next year. Governor Beshear emphasized the importance of adaptability and learning from the experience, stating, “I want us to be willing to adapt to make this the most desirable state to spend those dollars, but also to protect everybody involved.“
Kentucky stands out as one of the few states allowing 18-year-olds to bet on sports, mirroring the requirements for the lottery and horse race wagering. Governor Beshear estimates that the program will generate $23 million in its first year, providing crucial funding for education and law enforcement pensions while keeping Kentucky’s sports betting dollars within the state.
As the countdown to September begins, sports enthusiasts and bettors in Kentucky eagerly await the kickoff of an exciting season, both on the field and at the sportsbooks!
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