When the NFL kicks off its 2023 season in early September, Kentucky sportsbooks expect to be ready to take wagers. Governor Andy Beshear made the launch part of his mission, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission hopes to oblige. The commission oversees regulatory operations.
To meet these parameters, the commission expects to complete regulations by June, according to Legal Sports Report.
The law says sports betting must be “fully functional” within six months of the effective date, which should reach the NFL season. Not unheard of. In 2022, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the law in May 2022 and by September 1, sportsbooks took wagers.
Likewise, Arizona sportsbooks were able to go online September 9, 2021, five months after Governor Doug Ducey signed the state’s sports betting legislation into law in April.
Licenses are tied to the nine race tracks, including:
- Churchill Downs
- Cumberland Run (a new racing facility)
- Ellis Park
- Keeneland
- Kentucky Downs
- Oak Grove Racing and Gaming
- Red Mile
- Revolutionary Racing (facility under construction)
- Turfway Park
Each track can run an in-person sportsbook and have up to three online operations. With 27 online operators, expect just about every sportsbook to join.
DraftKings and FanDuel, the two leaders, signed deals with Churchill Downs Inc, to bring horse racing to their apps. Caesars also has its horse racing app active in Kentucky.
