$325 Million Bet on Kentucky Sports Since September Launch

Sep 23, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe Kentucky Horse Racing Commission provided updates to betting total during today’s meetingThe KHRC reported $310 million in Kentucky online sports betting since Sept. 28 launchMore than $15 million bet at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state since Sept. 7 launch

Kentucky online sports betting is off to a nice start during its first month of operation.

According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission today, the commonwealth has seen more than $300 million bet through its seven mobile sports betting operators for the last month.

The commission noted that more than $15 million has also been bet at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks since early September.

Kentucky Sports Betting Totals

Hans Stokke, director of sports betting for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, reported the ps today during the commission’s monthly meeting. He reported $310 million in online sports betting handle for the commonwealth from Thursday, Sept. 28, through Monday, Oct. 30.

The $15 million in retail sports betting bumps the commonwealth’s total sports betting handle since its Thursday, Sept. 7 launch over $325 million.

Stokke also said the commonwealth is expecting Circa Sports to launch its online sports betting app before the year is out. Circa Sports currently has a partnership for an online sports betting license with ECL Corbin, LLC, at its Cumberland Run harness track, and will be the eight live operators.

Neither Stokke nor the KHRC provided any information about revenue or tax data during the meeting.

On Oct. 23, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) reported the state had reported around $250 million in online sports betting handle. If those numbers were accurate, Kentucky sports bettors wagered more than $60 million the following week.

“It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky. 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,” Beshear said in a release.

Kentucky Downs Approved for Retail Sports Betting

Kentucky Downs also received unanimous approval from the KHRC this afternoon for a retail sports betting license.

According to Stokke, Kentucky Downs will launch its brick-and-mortar sportsbook sometime in 2024.

The follow locations are offering brick-and-mortar sports betting in the state:

Churchill DownsCumberland RunDerby City GamingEllis Park in HendersonNewport Racing and GamingThe Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run in CorbinThe Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run in WilliamsburgOak GroveTurfway Park

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission also issued temporary facility licenses to three locations that have yet to open. Derby City Gaming, Ellis Park in Owensboro, and Sandy’s Gaming and Racing will open at a future date.