Sports betting continues to gain momentum across the United States, with several states preparing to launch their legal sports wagering systems in 2023 or 2024.
Maine, Kentucky, Vermont and North Carolina all have approved sports betting and are readying for launches either by the end of this year or early 2024. Here is a brief description on how the states are readying to have legal wagering in their states.
Kentucky is leading the pack with its plans to launch legal sports betting as early as September. Retail sportsbooks will go live on September 7, coinciding with the first day of the NFL season. Mobile sportsbooks are expected to follow suit on September 28, offering Kentuckians a new form of entertainment and an opportunity to support various state initiatives.
Governor Andy Beshear expressed his excitement about bringing sports wagering to Kentucky, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the state’s economy.
“Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery, and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads and high-speed internet,” Beshear said in a recent press release.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is responsible for regulating sports wagering in the state and is currently reviewing license applications from top operators such as bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and more.
Kentucky’s legislation allows for each of the state’s nine racetracks to have a retail sportsbook, three mobile partners, and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at satellite locations. With a diverse range of options, sports bettors in Kentucky will have plenty of opportunities to engage with their favorite sports and teams.
Maine is set to join the growing list of states with legal sports betting as it gears up for a November launch. The state’s Gambling Control Board (MGCB) is currently reviewing proposed regulations for its sports wagering system.
Milt Champion, the executive director of the MGCB, has expressed optimism about the upcoming launch, stating that applications for licenses are already starting to trickle in.
Vermont is gearing up for a December launch of its mobile sports betting operators. Vermont aims to offer its residents and visitors an exciting platform to engage with sports wagering. The state’s sports betting regulator is currently accepting digital sports wagering license applications, with a deadline of August 28.
To ensure fair and transparent licensing, the regulator has established scoring criteria that evaluate factors such as company experience, integrity, and product and software quality. By carefully selecting license applicants, Vermont aims to create a competitive and thriving sports betting market.
While North Carolinians may have to wait a little longer for legal mobile sports betting, they are expected to launch between January 8 and June 14 of 2024.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission is responsible for regulating sports betting in the state and is currently in the process of hiring additional staff members. Although the commission has not yet begun accepting license applications, the preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and successful launch of mobile sports betting platforms.
