DraftKings gains Kentucky market access with ECL Corbin retail and online sportsbook deal
Operator partners with Bluegrass State-based race track operator ahead of expected September launch
DraftKings has inked a market access agreement to enter the soon-to-launch Kentucky sports betting market in partnership with local company ECL Corbin LLC.
A subsidiary of ECL Entertainment LLC, ECL Corbin is responsible for the land-based casino property Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland plus the Cumberland Run, an adjacent race track, both located in Kentucky.
In addition to offering mobile sports betting, DraftKings and ECL Corbin will open retail sportsbooks at Corbin properties as well. The launch is contingent on DraftKings and ECL Corbin receiving licenses to operate sports betting from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC).
ECL Corbin was recently confirmed as one of a number of prospective licensees for sports betting in the state, having submitted a license application to the KHRC, with DraftKings applying for a mobile license.
The pending launch would mark the 22nd state DraftKings is live in with its mobile sportsbook and 24th overall with sports betting.
“Together with the Corbin properties, we’re excited to bring our premier sports betting experience to yet another state and its sports fans,” DraftKings North America president Matt Kalish said.
“We want to thank the Kentucky General Assembly for passing legislation and Governor Andy Beshear for his support of sports wagering as we look forward to launching our sportsbook product during a busy football season, pending licensure and regulatory approvals,” Kalish added.
DraftKings is the second major operator to agree market access to Kentucky following BetMGM’s prior partnership with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY).
The partnership will see the construction and development of a 5,200 sq ft retail BetMGM Sportsbook due to open this fall with RRKY at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, a $75M gaming and entertainment facility in Ashland.
Under Kentucky gambling laws, race tracks licensed for sports betting may open retail sportsbook facilities at their satellite locations.
Sports betting is expected to debut on September 7 at retail locations in Kentucky, with mobile sportsbooks launching in the state on September 28.
Race track operators are required to pay an up-front fee of $500,000 for a license in addition to an annual renewal fee of $50,000, with license fees for online skins fixed at $50,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Adjusted gross revenue is taxed at a 9.75% rate for retail operators, rising to 14.25% for online.