There is now a timestamp for the official start of Kentucky sports betting as the countdown to September 7 continues.
Gov. Andy Beshear released a timeline of key dates and times Friday, including the official start time for Kentucky sports betting:
- August 28: Registration for mobile sportsbook apps
- Sept. 7: Opening of in-person Kentucky sportsbooks; first date for mobile deposits
- Sept. 28: Start of mobile sports betting in Kentucky
“The countdown is on. We are just three weeks away from sports wagering in Kentucky,” Beshear said. “We are ready to deliver the quality entertainment experience Kentuckians asked for, while bringing money to the state to support pensions and free up funds that can be used to build a better Kentucky.”
More key Kentucky sports betting dates
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will meet 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to vote on license applications. Last week, Beshear announced the seven online operators who applied.
After Tuesday, Kentuckians will know what in-person sportsbooks and online sportsbooks are approved for operation.
“The KHRC is excited to open sports wagering and is working efficiently to meet the necessary deadlines. This is a careful process dedicated to wagering integrity and protecting bettors in the state of Kentucky,” KHRC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz said in the release.
Kentucky governor leading open process
Beshear has kept Kentuckians up to date on the entire process since he signed sports wagering into law March 31. Last month, the KHRC approved emergency regulations to expedite the launch.
The same day, the governor also announced the September 7 and 28 start dates for sports betting. That turnaround will be among the fastest states to launch sports betting after a bill signing.
Legislative estimates suggest the state will bring in $23 million annually in taxes from sports betting revenue. The state will tax in-person wagers at 9.75% and online bets at 14.25%.
Which apps will have sports betting in Kentucky?
The seven sportsbook operators that applied for service provider licenses were:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Penn Sports Interactive (ESPN Bet)
Most of those sportsbooks should be ready to go live on September 28. Penn, however, plans to launch its ESPN Bet in October following its decision to leave Barstool Sportsbook behind.
