With less than a month before Kentucky sports betting is set to launch, BetMGM is ready to trot into the Bluegrass State.
BetMGM announced Monday its market access deal with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky. Along with BetMGM’s online offering, the deal includes an in-person sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Ashland, Ky.
“Kentucky has a rich history in sports and a passionate fan base,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said in a release. “Revolutionary Racing is an ideal partner, enabling us to deliver an entertaining and responsible gaming experience, while investing in the state through job creation and tax revenue.”
Kentucky sports betting begins with in-person bets on Sept. 7, with online launch slated for Sept. 28. Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, however, is expected to open in October.
New Kentucky sports betting facility
Revolutionary Racing is constructing Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, a $75 million project in Eastern Kentucky. Revolutionary Racing, ELS Gaming and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are partners in the project.
The development includes a 5,200-square-foot, in-person sportsbook for BetMGM. It will also be the sixth-largest historic horse racing facility in Kentucky, with more than 650 of the slot machine-like devices.
Revolutionary Racing will also develop 182 acres next to Sandy’s for the state’s first quarter-horse racetrack. Races will begin in 2025.
Sportsbooks lining up Kentucky access
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission told legislators last month it had heard from a variety of sportsbooks, including BetMGM. Regulators also discussed sports betting with Circa Sports, DraftKings and WynnBet.
FanDuel was the first known access deal in the state through its partnership with Churchill Downs Inc. The company is also a potential partner for DraftKings, as the companies have a deal for CDI’s horse racing technology.
Caesars announced its partnership with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing in May.
Kentucky sports betting ready to go
It took multiple legislative sessions to get KY sports betting over the hump. While 2023’s effort was a relative surprise, the time to go live after the governor’s signature will be among the quickest in active US sports betting markets.
Gov. Andy Beshear signed sports betting into law March 31, and emergency regulations July 10. The time between Beshear’s first signature and the Sept. 7 debut will rival with Arizona and Kansas as the speediest to launch.
The state has nine horse racing tracks, and each can partner with up to three online sportsbook operators. There are also 15 locations eligible for in-person sportsbooks.
