Kentucky sports betting handle is closing in on $250 million since sportsbooks launched in the Commonwealth early last month.
That’s according to Gov. Andy Beshear, who announced today that wagers totaling $248 million have been placed since the state’s official launch in September.
The majority of Kentucky sports wagers to date were placed by the mobile app after online sports betting launched statewide on Sept. 28. Those wagers totaled $232.3 million as of Monday. Retail sports betting handle totals $15.7 million since in-person betting began on Sept. 7.
“Kentucky is approaching $250 million wagered,” Beshear said today in a prepared statement. “That is a strong number that certainly reflects excitement for the opening of sports wagering. It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky. This is a win-win for Kentuckians.”
The handle numbers released by Beshear’s office on Monday are preliminary. Official monthly revenue data is still pending.
Kentucky Sports Betting Rollout Continues
Seven mobile apps are now live and available for wagering statewide in Kentucky including Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Bet365, Barstool, and Fanatics. ESPN Bet (PENN) is expected to roll out nationally and in Kentucky this fall, with Circa Sports online in Kentucky by 2024. Additionally, there are up to 14 retail sportsbooks licensed in the state.
On Thursday, another licensed retail sportsbook will open in Northeast Kentucky. Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, owned by Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY), will open a BetMGM-branded sportsbook that day.
BetMGM will be the retail and online sportsbook service provider for Sandy’s.
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Chair Jonathan Rabinowitz released a statement today praising the feedback his agency has received about the state’s retail and mobile rollout. The KHRC is the state’s sports betting regulator under a 2023 Kentucky statute (House Bill 551).
Within less than three months after the law took effect in June, the KHRC had launched sports betting at the retail level. Kentucky’s scheduled online launch was on time just three weeks later.
“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the team, this launch has exceeded our expectations,” said Rabinowitz. “Our work continues to protect the bettors in the state and support the best customer experience.”
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