Kentucky sports betting 2023: Legal sports betting details and updates

Kentucky sports betting: is it legal?

Yes. Kentucky sports betting is legal. Retail sports betting launched in Kentucky on September 7th, 2023, and the first mobile Kentucky mobile sportsbooks debuted in Kentucky on September 28, 2023. The Kentucky launch sports betting promos below are all available to be claimed today.

The Kentucky sports betting promos for post-launch

On June 28, 2023, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law, legalizing online sports betting statewide. The legislation requires the market to be live within six months of the effective date, meaning sportsbooks are expected to launch by December 28, 2023. The Kentucky sports betting launch was anticipated to roughly coincide with the start of the 2023 NFL season, which came to fruition when it was announced that September 28 will be the official launch date.

The sportsbooks below have all been approved for service provider licenses in Kentucky, and launched mobile sports betting apps in KY on September 28. 2023:

• Bet365
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• Circa
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• ESPN Bet

Recent news updates on Kentucky sports betting:

• The KHRC, Kentucky’s sports betting and horse racing regulatory commission, appoints Beth Bungert as Safety Steward
• Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council to meet September 21st: How to livestream
• FanDuel Kentucky promo code: $100 sign-up reward for KY bettors today, plus $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket (9/15/23)
• BetMGM Kentucky bonus code SYRACUSECOM: $100 pre-registration deal for KY bettors today (9/15/23)
• bet365 Kentucky bonus code: Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets + $10 per Lions vs. Packers TD for pre launch (9/13/23)
• KHRC releases search feature for Kentucky sports betting service provider licensees (9/13/23)
• FanDuel Kentucky promo code: $100 bonus + $100 NFL Sunday Ticket discount for early registration (9/12/23)
• BetMGM Kentucky bonus code SYRACUSECOM activates $100 promo for pre-launch registration (9/11/23)
• DraftKings, Bet365, and ESPN BET approved for Kentucky sports betting licenses, among other sportsbooks (8/22/23)
• Bet365 and ESPN BET among surprise applicants for Kentucky sports betting licenses, BetRivers and WynnBET surprise omissions (8/14/23)
• BetMGM secures deal to enter Kentucky’s sports betting market (8/7/23)
• Kentucky Horse Racing Commission unveils FAQs on sports betting, read and download here (8/7/23)
• KHRC releases Kentucky Sports Wagering Account Requirements, read them here (8/2/23)
• Sign up now for sports wagering updates from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (7/30/23)
• Kentucky Horse Racing Commission reveals parameters for sports betting service provider licensing (7/21/23)
• FanDuel Sportsbook partners with Churchill Downs to enter Kentucky sports betting market (7/17/23)

We will continue to publish news updates on Kentucky sports betting in the run-up to September’s launch. Check back regularly for the latest scoops.

What Kentucky sports bettors can expect

Kentucky sports betting is set to offer a wide range of options for bettors, both in-person and online. House Bill 551 grants licenses to Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks, allowing them to establish retail sports betting lounges on-site. Additionally, Kentucky Speedway, a motorsports venue, has the opportunity to operate a retail sportsbook.

The introduction of online sports betting will further enhance the accessibility and convenience for Kentucky bettors. Each racing track will be permitted to partner with up to three online sportsbook operators, resulting in a potential total of 27 online sportsbooks in the state.

Following a July 10th meeting, regulators from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission released a slew of updates regarding Kentucky sports wagering regulations, including the Kentucky Standards for Sports Wagering, the introduction to which is also featured below.

When it comes to the types of sports and events available for betting, the legislation encompasses professional leagues as well as collegiate sports. This means that bettors in Kentucky will have the opportunity to wager on major sports such as basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and more. However, high school sports are excluded from betting options.

To ensure the integrity of the betting market, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will establish regulations and oversight to prevent any potential issues related to match-fixing or unfair practices. The introduction of sports betting in Kentucky aims to provide a safe, regulated, and enjoyable betting experience for all participants, including carefully regulated Kentucky sportsbook promo codes.

Regarding taxation, online operators will be subject to a tax rate of 14.25%, while in-person sports betting revenue will be taxed at a rate of 9.75%. These taxes will contribute to the state’s revenue and support various initiatives, such as the permanent pension fund.

Overall, Kentucky sports betting will offer a diverse range of options, combining retail sportsbooks at racing tracks with convenient online platforms. This comprehensive approach aims to meet the preferences and needs of all types of bettors in the state.

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Kentucky sports betting apps and sites

The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky opens up opportunities for various sportsbook apps to enter the market. While most of the specific apps that will launch in the state are yet to be confirmed, FanDuel and Caesars have already announced deals to operate in KY, and numerous additional leading operators are expected to establish their presence in Kentucky as well.

bet365 Kentucky

DraftKings Kentucky

FanDuel Kentucky

BetMGM Sportsbook

Popular teams and sports for Kentucky sports betting

In Kentucky, college basketball reigns supreme when it comes to sports betting. The state has a passionate fan base for college basketball, especially for the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals. When the NCAA basketball season rolls around, the excitement in Kentucky reaches a fever pitch.

The Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious horse racing event in the United States, is another significant sports betting attraction in the state. Horse racing has a long and storied history in Kentucky, and betting on Kentucky Derby draws both avid horse racing enthusiasts and casual bettors alike. The race not only showcases top-class horses but also provides a thrilling betting experience as spectators try to predict the outcome.

Additionally, Kentucky’s proximity to several professional sports teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cincinnati Reds (MLB), and Nashville Predators (NHL), creates a strong interest in professional sports betting. Fans of these teams often have a vested interest in their performance and can engage in sports betting to enhance their game-day experience.

Basketball, both at the professional and collegiate level, is another popular choice for Kentucky bettors. With the nearby NBA teams like the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as the high-profile college basketball programs within the state, fans have ample opportunities to wager on basketball games throughout the year.

While these sports dominate the betting landscape in Kentucky, it’s important to note that sportsbooks offer a wide range of options, covering various sports, including football, baseball, hockey, soccer, golf, and more. Bettors can explore an array of betting markets, such as moneylines, point spreads, over/under, prop bets, and live betting, providing them with a comprehensive and engaging sports betting experience.

Kentucky horse racing

Horse racing has deep roots in Kentucky and is an integral part of the state’s sporting heritage. The Bluegrass State is renowned for its world-class thoroughbred breeding, training facilities, and prestigious racing events, with the most iconic being the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky’s love affair with horse racing dates back to the early 19th century when the sport gained popularity across the region. Today, the state is home to several prominent racetracks, including Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Turfway Park, among others.

Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, is the most famous racetrack in Kentucky and hosts the annual Kentucky Derby. Known as the “Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and attracts a global audience. The race showcases the finest thoroughbred horses, jockeys, and trainers, and is a spectacle of athleticism and tradition.

Keeneland, situated in Lexington, is another renowned racetrack in Kentucky. Known for its picturesque setting and historic grandstand, Keeneland hosts high-quality race meets in the spring and fall. The track’s boutique atmosphere and emphasis on horsemanship make it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

Horse racing in Kentucky not only provides thrilling entertainment but also plays a significant role in the state’s economy. The industry supports numerous jobs, including trainers, jockeys, grooms, and stable staff. Moreover, the breeding and sale of thoroughbred horses contribute to the state’s agricultural sector.

In recent years, Kentucky has expanded its racing offerings beyond traditional horse racing. Tracks such as Red Mile in Lexington have introduced harness racing, a form of racing where Standardbred horses pull a driver in a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. This addition has added diversity to the racing scene and attracted a new audience.

Kentucky DFS operators

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) has gained popularity across the United States, and Kentucky is no exception. In 2018, the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 259, legalizing DFS contests in the state. The bill established a regulatory framework and allowed operators like DraftKings and FanDuel to offer their services to Kentucky residents.

DFS operates under a different legal classification compared to traditional sports betting. In DFS contests, participants create virtual rosters of real players and compete against each other based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games. The outcome is determined by the players’ real-world performances rather than the final result of a single game or event.

Since the legalization of DFS in Kentucky, residents have embraced the opportunity to engage in this form of fantasy sports. Players can choose from a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and golf, among others. DFS contests provide a unique and interactive way for sports fans to showcase their knowledge and skills while potentially winning cash prizes.

Operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, known for their daily fantasy sports offerings, have become prominent in the Kentucky market. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, a variety of contest formats, and enticing promotions to attract and retain players. Kentucky residents can enjoy participating in DFS contests from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go through mobile apps.

It’s important to note that while DFS is legal and widely available in Kentucky, it’s still subject to certain regulations and restrictions. The legislation requires operators to obtain a license from the Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure player protection and fairness.

Online casino in Kentucky

Casino gambling, including online casinos, is not legal in Kentucky. Residents seeking similar online gambling options to those available in New Jersey will need to travel to neighboring states. However, there are alternatives such as social and sweepstakes casinos like WinStar, LuckyLand, and Chumba, which offer free virtual coins and the opportunity to win jackpot prizes without involving real money. It is important to note that offshore gambling sites are not recommended due to the lack of regulation and oversight.

Pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering platforms like TVG and Twin Spires, as well as the Kentucky Lottery, are the only legal online gambling options in Kentucky. Efforts to legalize online casino gambling in Kentucky have not been a priority for lawmakers. However, there have been discussions regarding the legalization of retail and online sports betting. Despite potential budget shortfalls and neighboring states legalizing online gambling, the passage of online gambling laws in Kentucky remains uncertain.

Timeline of Kentucky sports betting developments

The timeline for the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky has seen several significant milestones and legislative efforts. Here’s a brief overview of the key events that have shaped the path to legalized sports betting in the state. The timeline for the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky has seen several significant milestones and legislative efforts. Here’s a brief overview of the key events that have shaped the path to legalized sports betting in the state.July 27, 2023: The CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. (owner of the Kentucky Derby) announces the intention to have retail sportsbooks open at the facility on September 7, 2023, the day sports betting launches in Kentucky.

• September 4th, 2023: KHRC publishes KY sports wagering catalog.
• July 24, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission begins the hiring process of 14 positions to help with the rollout of sports betting in the state.
• July 21, 2023: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission executive director Jamie Eads reveals a list of five sportsbooks that have talked with the state in preparation for the September launch: BetMGM, Circa Sports, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
• July 17, 2023: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signs an executive order to create a Sports Wagering Advisory Council, which will advise on the oversight of retail and online sports betting in the state. At this point, FanDuel Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook are confirmed as the initial mobile sports betting operators in Kentucky, with speculation that other major players like DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and more will soon follow suit.
• July 10, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announces that online sports betting will launch in the state on September 28, 2023, and retail sports betting will launch on September 7, 2023, the same day the NFL kicks off its season. The commission also schedules a special meeting to consider and finalize the regulations for sports betting.
• July 6, 2023: Governor Andy Beshear’s office pushes for a pre-NFL kickoff launch of sports betting in Kentucky.
• June 28, 2023: House Bill 551 is signed into law, legalizing online sports betting in Kentucky with a target launch date of December 28, 2023.
• June 21, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission plans for a session in early July to review and approve sports betting regulations.
• May 16, 2023: The partnership between Caesars Sportsbook and prominent Kentucky racing venues, Keeneland Racetrack, and Red Mile Gaming & Racing, sets the stage for the introduction of retail sportsbooks in Lexington.
• September 8, 2022: FanDuel enters into multi-year partnership with Churchill Downs, foreshadowing the eventual expansion of this partnership to allow FanDuel Sportsbook to operate in Kentucky, tethered to Churchill Downs.
• September 15, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court rules that Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines are unconstitutional in the state, as they fail to meet the criteria for pari-mutuel wagering.
• 2019: Multiple sports betting bills, including those related to daily fantasy sports wagering and online poker, are introduced in Kentucky but make limited progress in the legislative process.
• May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court issues a landmark ruling in the case of Murphy v. NCAA, striking down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA), which opens the door for states to individually legalize and regulate sports betting.
• 2017: The first sports betting bill is introduced in Kentucky, allowing the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to regulate and oversee the industry, but it does not progress further in the legislature.

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