When Does Kentucky Sports Betting Launch? Timeline Explained
By Joe Summers
Legal sports betting is officially coming to Kentucky in just over a month. You’ll soon be able to bet on the NFL and all of your favorite teams across the country!
We’ve compiled a timeline of legalization in the “Bluegrass State” and all of the information you need to know ahead of the upcoming launch.
When Was Sports Betting Signed into Law in Kentucky?
On March 31st, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law. HB 551 was passed in the Kentucky Senate by a vote of 25-12, then Gov. Beshear quickly signed it into law.
The bill officially legalized sports betting in Kentucky, requiring that online sportsbooks allow betting within six months.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Kentucky?
Kentucky users will be able to bet in casinos and retail sportsbooks on September 7th just in time for the NFL season.
The original timeline called for a date closer to the end of the year, but lawmakers led by Gov. Beshear stressed the importance of NFL betting. That pressure led casinos and retail books to adjust to the September 7th timeline.
Online sportsbooks are expected to launch on September 28th.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Kentucky?
You can go in person to casinos or retail sportsbooks starting on September 7th. You can bet from mobile apps and online sportsbooks on September 28th.
Users will need to validate their identity and location to bet via mobile apps.
HB 551 establishes a tax of 14.25% for online operators and 9.75% on revenue gathered from in-person betting.
How Many Sportsbooks Will Operate in Kentucky?
The bill signed by Gov. Beshear permits the nine horse racing tracks to open retail sports betting locations on their grounds. Kentucky Speedway is also permitted to open a retail sportsbook.
Each of those 10 locations is allowed to host three online sportsbooks, so HB 551 ultimately permits up to 30 online sportsbooks in addition to the physical locations.
What Sportsbooks Can I Bet on in Kentucky?
The list of online sportsbooks launching is not yet finalized, but we do have some confirmations.
BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics, FanDuel and Bet365 have all confirmed launches on September 28th. Caesars is partnered with Keeneland and Red Mile, while FanDuel is partnered with Churchill Downs.
Circa Sports and WynnBet have also been named by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission executive director Jamie Ead as sportsbooks that have had conversations with the state ahead of the launch.
How Old Do I Need to Be to Bet on Sports in Kentucky?
Kentucky will be the third state (Wyoming and New Hampshire) to allow users aged 18-and-up to bet on sports. Every other state with legal sports betting requires you to be 21, but Kentucky’s laws allowing 18-year-olds to bet on horse racing prompted the lower age requirement.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Kentucky?
Some states do not allow bets on college sports, but Kentucky will allow full access to college sports per HB 551.
All major sports leagues will be available as well, giving the state complete access to the national sports betting market.
Responsible Gaming Tools
Each sportsbook, both online and in-person, will have responsible gaming tools available to bettors, including but not limited to educational guides, support services and tools to self-exclude if necessary.
Support is available at the National Council on Problem Gaming, 1-800-GAMBLER and American Addiction Centers.