Kentucky Governor sheds light on online sports betting market ahead of launch
Bluegrass State racks up $4.5m handle in first two weeks of retail betting with 60,000 mobile sportsbook accounts registered
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has lauded the success of retail sports betting in the Bluegrass State following its launch earlier this month, revealing that $4.5m has been wagered by Kentuckians during the first two weekends since the vertical went live.
On September 28, Kentucky’s online and mobile sports betting operators will be able to formally take bets, having conducted a preregistration process since initial licensing earlier this month.
Beshear confirmed that 60,000 sportsbook accounts have been registered already, with that number expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Seven mobile and online sportsbook operators will go live on opening day: bet365, BetMGM, Barstool Sportsbook, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and sports betting newcomer Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
It has been confirmed that a local arm of Circa Sports, Circa Sports Kentucky, has received a license to operate a sportsbook from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), with plans to launch a mobile sportsbook app later this year.
“This is a strong number that certainly reflects the excitement Kentuckians have for the opening of sports wagering,” said Governor Beshear. “With college football and the NFL season underway, plus the launch of mobile wagering, we expect that number will grow significantly.
“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 now enjoy a quality entertainment experience and benefit from funds staying right here in our state to help us build a better Kentucky,” the legislator added.
On Thursday (September 21), Kentucky’s Sports Wagering Advisory Council met to confirm additions to the state’s sports wagering catalog of approved sports betting events.
Additions to the catalog include Formula One, National Rugby League Australia, Professional Fighters League, Bellator, and the Universal Tennis League.
The council also recommended criteria for selecting independent testing laboratories for technical components of sports wagering systems.
The recommendations were approved by KHRC executive director Jamie Eads, subject to ratification by the full commission at their next scheduled meeting.