BetMGM Announces Kentucky Sports Betting Market Access

• BetMGM announced it has reached a deal with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky to offer sports betting in Kentucky
• BetMGM plans to go live with online sports betting on Sept. 28
• The operator is planning a 5,200-square-foot retail sports betting facility Sandy’s Racing and Gaming

BetMGM announced it has secured market access for Kentucky sports betting.

The sports betting operator announced today a partnership with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY) to enter the commonwealth and plans to launch online sports betting on Thursday, Sept. 28, the announced launch date for the state.

BetMGM and RRKY also announced plans to open a 5,200 square-foot brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing and Gaming.

BetMGM Ready to Launch by Sept. 28

BetMGM is gearing up to launch in September when the state will allow both retail and online sports betting to begin. BetMGM will launch its online sports betting app on Thursday, Sept. 28, by week four of the NFL season.

“Kentucky has a rich history in sports and a passionate fan base,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said in the announcement. “Revolutionary Racing is an ideal partner, enabling us to deliver an entertaining and responsible gaming experience, while investing in the state through job creation and tax revenue.”

Kentucky retail sports betting is set to launch on Thursday, Sept. 7, before the first NFL game of the season. BetMGM and RRKY will be opening a 5,200 square-foot brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, a $75 million gaming and entertainment facility in Ashland.

Construction of Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack and equestrian center will follow on 182 acres adjacent to the facility, with the first racing launching in 2025.

“We promised to bring a world-class facility to Ashland and wanted a world-class partner for online sports wagering across the Commonwealth and at our sportsbook lounge,” Revolutionary Racing CEO Prentice Salter said in the announcement. “We’ve got that with BetMGM.”

According to a BetMGM rep, only those 21 or older in the state will be able to register for the BetMGM online sports betting app. Kentucky’s legal sports betting age is 18, one of the few states in the country to allow those under 21 to participate.

Fourth Announced Kentucky Sports Betting Operator

BetMGM is the fourth operator to announce sports betting access in the commonwealth. Both Caesars and FanDuel announced partnerships earlier in the year.

Caesars announced agreements with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming and Racing in Lexington to grant Caesars Sportsbook market access for online sports betting. The agreement also includes plans to open the first brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook location in central Kentucky.

As part of the deal, Caesars Sportsbook will be an official sports betting partner of Keeneland and Red Mile. Caesars will also operate as an on-premise brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Red Mile.

A FanDuel spokesperson earlier confirmed the sports betting operator will partner with Churchill Downs for Kentucky sports betting market access. The spokesperson said the operator has made no additional announcements about future Kentucky sports betting plans and has no further comment at this time.

In April, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen spoke with WDRB.com and said the famous track would be partnering with FanDuel Kentucky for its sports betting product.

“We have entered into contracts to provide certain online wagering platforms including FanDuel access to the Kentucky market in connection with which we receive a revenue stream,” Carstanjen said.

However, no confirmation of the deal was provided by FanDuel until late June.

DraftKings CEO and Co-Founder Jason Robins said during the company’s Q2 2023 earning report the operator has secured Kentucky access and will launch online sports betting on Sept. 28. However, he did not provide any other details on a partnership with a track.