Kentucky Will Vote on Sports Betting Applications on Aug. 22

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Kentucky state regulators will vote on sports betting license applications on Aug. 22 — just weeks ahead of Sept. 7 retail and Sept. 28 mobile sportsbook launches, regulators announced Thursday. 

According to a press release from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), seven of the state’s nine horse racetracks have applied for sports betting licenses to date. 

Additionally, seven sportsbook operators have applied for service provider licenses in the Commonwealth. 

“The countdown is on. Kentuckians can plan to place their first sports wagers, at a retail location, in just 28 days,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.

Sports Betting License, Service Provider Applicant Names Released

The seven racetracks that have applied for Kentucky sports betting licenses include: 

Churchill Downs, Louisville; Cumberland Run, Corbin; Ellis Park, Henderson; Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, Oak Grove; The Red Mile, Lexington; Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, coming soon to Ashland; and Turfway Park, Florence. Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) is the owner of Churchill Downs, Oak Grove, Turfway Park, and Ellis Park, although all four tracks are eligible for separate licenses under the state’s sports betting law. 

Mobile and retail sports betting are allowed under each license. 

The seven sportsbooks that have applied for service provider licenses to date are: 

  • Bet365
  • BetMGM
  • Caesars
  • Circa
  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Penn Sports Interactive

The KHRC clarified that applications “do not guarantee licensure,” adding that applications are under review and “will be voted on at a meeting of the full commission Aug. 22. The KHRC is also in the process of reviewing licensing applications for key employees.”

Read More: Penn, ESPN Bet Partnering With Ellis Park in Kentucky | Cumberland Run Inks Deal With DraftKings Ahead of Kentucky Launch

About the Author
Rebecca Hanchett

Rebecca Hanchett

Legislative Writer
Based in Kentucky's Bluegrass region, Rebecca Hanchett is a political writer who covers legislative developments at Gaming Today. She worked as a public affairs specialist for 23 years at the Kentucky State Capitol. A University of Kentucky grad, Hanchett has been known to watch UK. basketball from time to time.

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