Kentucky regulators are working toward the goal of an NFL season kickoff for sports betting.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission provided a brief KY sports betting update during a meeting Tuesday, including plans for a session in early July to review and approve regulations. The KHRC has not released a specific date yet.
Commissioners are working on a sports betting debut in conjunction with the September 7 opening of the NFL betting season. Legislative leadership and Gov. Andy Beshear have shared their hopes for that start date.
Kentucky sports betting regulations nearly ready
The Kentucky sports betting law takes effect June 28, and the KHRC will have six months to implement sports betting. KHRC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz said the agency has met with stakeholders, and drafts will be available on the website soon.
Rabinowitz said the rules being drafted are “clear and concise.” During the drafting process, the agency met with regulators in five states:
Kentucky regulators also met with service providers, while legal counsel met with professional sports associations to “learn about emerging issues.” The KHRC hired Gaming Labs International (GLI) for consulting services.
Quick turnaround possible?
While a March to September timeframe is tight, several states without existing infrastructure have achieved similar launch windows.
In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly signed sports betting into law May 12, 2022. Sportsbooks began taking bets September 1, 2022.
The year prior, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey inked legislation in April 2021, with sportsbooks beginning to take bets September 9, 2021.
Kentucky regulator shorthanded
Despite the progress, Rabinowitz noted the KHRC is hiring 14 new positions for sports betting.
Those positions range from leadership to investigation, analytical and administrative.
KY sports betting framework
Beshear signed sports betting legislation March 31. Kentucky sports betting law allows in-person sportsbooks at the nine horse racing tracks in the state.
Each of those tracks can partner with up to three online sports betting operators, for a potential 27 online sportsbooks in the state.
Churchill Downs Inc. already mentioned FanDuel as a partner in Kentucky sports betting. Caesars, meanwhile, has gained access through a partnership with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing.
