In a significant development, the state of Kentucky is poised to introduce sports betting within a span of three weeks, according to an announcement by Governor Andy Beshear. The commencement of sports betting activities is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, and will be accessible at licensed retail establishments.
Following the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) meeting, a comprehensive list of approved retail facilities and mobile applications is slated for release on August 22.
Outlined in a precise timeline, the rollout plan encompasses several key dates such as:
- August 22 at 1:30 p.m. - The KHRC will convene to vote on license applications. Simultaneously, the roster of authorized retail facilities and endorsed mobile applications will be unveiled.
- August 28 at 6 a.m. - Kentuckians will be able to pre-register their accounts through sanctioned mobile applications. It is planned to alleviate pressure on electronic systems.
- September 7 at 6 a.m. – Individuals can initiate deposits into their pre-registered mobile accounts and subsequently commence in-person wagering at licensed facilities from 10 a.m.
- September 28 at 6 a.m. – Individuals will be able to engage in wagering activities via approved mobile applications.
With the opening day of sports betting just three weeks away, Gov. Beshear today provided a timeline of key dates, including that betting will officially start at 10 a.m. EDT on Thurs., Sept. 7, for in-person bets at licensed retail facilities.
Read more: https://t.co/Lnu2ekWXbX pic.twitter.com/91K0gixoe5
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 17, 2023
Governor Beshear enacted a bipartisan bill into law in March, thereby paving the way for the introduction of sports betting in the state, a development that will have a notable impact on Kentucky’s betting landscape.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which is responsible for oversight and enforcement of sports betting, developed and approved the regulations.
Gov. Beshear, at the time of signing the bill, said the state anticipates $23 million a year in tax revenue from the vertical, and that the new market will keep sports betting money from going to neighboring states. The legislation gives the racing commission until the end of 2023 to set up permanent regulations and award licenses.