Caesars readies Kentucky mobile sportsbook ahead of statewide launch
Operator begins pre-registration of users with early market share-targeting promotional initiative
Caesars Entertainment has begun pre-registering new sportsbook accounts on its Caesars Sportsbook app in Kentucky, ahead of the state’s formal launch across both retail and online later this month.
As part of the Bluegrass State launch, new bettors registering and depositing prior to the start of mobile sports betting on September 27 will receive $100 in bonus bets, providing they deposit $30 or more between September 7 and September 27.
In addition to the mobile app, Caesars is set to open a retail sportsbook at Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington, with the venue accepting its first bets on September 7.
Caesars agreed a market access-led deal with the Red Mile and Keenland tracks in May, in the wake of the Kentucky legislatures’ decision to authorize both retail and online/mobile sports betting in the state in April 2023.
Under the state’s phased launch, bettors will be able to deposit money into pre-registered accounts at 6am on September 7. Four hours later, at 10am that same day, bettors will be able to place an in-person bet at licensed facilities.
Lastly, on September 28, approved mobile operators will be able to take bets from players.
“Launching Caesars Sportsbook for pre-registration in Kentucky is an exciting step as we prepare to bring customers in the Commonwealth a sports wagering experience that treats them like royalty this fall,” Caesars Digital president Eric Hession said.
Following up on its earlier licensing of Caesars and a number of other mobile sportsbook operators, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s (KHRC) Sports Wagering Advisory Council last week released the state’s first wagering catalog of approved sporting events on which markets can be offered.
The recommended catalog was approved by KHRC executive director Jamie Eads and is subject to ratification by the full commission at their next scheduled meeting.
To be considered for the catalog, an event must be sanctioned by a governing body. Additional sporting events can be requested by a licensee for future approval. In addition, a sport’s governing body can request that specific events be limited or excluded from wagering.
Notable inclusions within the catalogue include the NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, and NCAA baseball, softball, basketball, football, and hockey events.
Representatives from the KHRC have also approved a number of wagering types, including single game bets, parlays, over-under bets, money line, as well as in-game wagering and in-play bets.
Additional wagering types can be considered for approval by the KHRC if requested by a licensee. A sport’s governing body can request that wager types be limited or excluded for specific events.