Initial Operators Applying For Kentucky Sports Betting License Includes ESPN BET

• Seven online sports betting operators have applied for a Kentucky sports betting license
• The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will vote on the applications during their Aug. 22 meeting
• Seven of the state’s licensed racetracks applied for a retail sports betting license

The Kentucky sports betting landscape is becoming more clear by the day.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D) today announced that seven online sports betting operators and seven of the state’s licensed racetracks have applied for Kentucky sports betting licenses.

“The countdown is on. Kentuckians can plan to place their first sports wagers, at a retail location, in just 28 days,” Gov. Beshear said today. “Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads and high-speed internet.”

Seven Operators Apply for Kentucky Sports Betting Licenses

According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, seven sports betting operators have applied to operate in Kentucky/ The KHRC stressed that an application does not immediately mean a license will be awarded.

The following operators submitted applications:

• DraftKings Kentucky
• FanDuel Kentucky
• BetMGM Kentucky
• Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky
• Bet365 Kentucky
• Circa
• PENN Sports Interactive (ESPN BET)

The applications will be voted on by the KHRC at its Aug. 22 meeting.

It’s the first new sports betting application for PENN Sports Interactive and its partner ESPN BET. PENN is licensed for sports betting in 16 other states and hopes to launch ESPN BET by November.

“The KHRC is excited to open sports wagering and is working efficiently to meet the necessary deadlines. This is a careful process dedicated to wagering integrity and protecting bettors in the state of Kentucky,” said KHRC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz.

The KHRC also received applications from seven of the state’s licensed racetracks:

• Churchill Downs, Louisville
• Cumberland Run, coming soon to Corbin
• Ellis Park, Henderson
• Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, Oak Grove
• The Red Mile, Lexington
• Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, coming soon to Ashland
• Turfway Park, Florence

Existing Kentucky Sports Betting Partnerships

BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel all previously announced Kentucky sports betting market access agreements. BetMGM announced a partnership with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY) earlier this week and plan to launch on Thursday, Sept. 28. BetMGM is also planning to open a 5,200 square-foot brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, a $75 million gaming and entertainment facility in Ashland.

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 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.

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.