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Kentucky Sportsbooks Eye Further Growth
In an emblematic move, Governor Andy Beshear made his first $20 back in September. This act officialized the launch of Kentucky betting apps.
With high expectations to meet projected growth and expansion, betting in Kentucky has not failed nor disappointed over the last few months with Kentucky sportsbook promos continuing to roll out.
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The Latest on Kentucky Betting
Kentucky has now witnessed a substantial sports betting handle, totaling nearly $250 million and more than many experts had predicted. The state initiated retail wagering on September 7, with online betting launching three weeks later.
Within this period, approximately 500,000 betting accounts have been established across the eight licensed sports betting operators in Kentucky. Yet, these numbers have continued to increase.
Prominent online sportsbooks operating in the state include BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel and Fanatics, among others. With top brands in the industry, providers are looking not only to grow their business but to gradually increase their offers.
Since September 28, Kentucky’s sports betting sites have accumulated over $230 million in bets, complemented by a reported betting handle of more than $15.7 million from brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state.
Governor Beshear conveyed his contentment, emphasizing that the realization of sports wagering has been a culmination of many years of effort.
Beshear highlighted the positive aspects, emphasizing that it is a mutually beneficial situation for Kentuckians, offering them a high-quality entertainment experience and contributing funds to enhance the state’s development.
ESPN BET Approved for KY Launch
Despite the opening of online sports betting in Kentucky in late September, there are still requirements and checks all providers must meet to be included in the state. ESPN BET has recently joined the privileged group of providers with a green flag to operate in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Sports Wagering Advisory Council approved the transition of Penn Entertainment to the ESPN BET brand. The council also gave the green light for the inclusion of multiple new sports in the Kentucky sports betting catalog.
The KHRC Executive Director, Jamie Eads, initially granted temporary approval for Penn to rebrand its sportsbook as ESPN BET. This change occurred on November 14, when Penn transitioned its platform branding from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN BET.
Bettors should now be able to legally find and engage with ESPN BET as one of the newest joiners in the Kentucky gaming scene.
Other KY Sportsbooks We May See Soon
Currently, there are eight licensed sportsbooks in Kentucky, with seven of them already in operation. According to experts, the state might see dozens of betting apps established within the next few years.
The legislation also outlines that nine horse racing tracks will have the opportunity to launch both retail sportsbooks and mobile Kentucky sports betting apps. Additionally, each track will be permitted to form partnerships with up to three operators.
Brands like Circa Sportsbook could soon join the list. It already has a license to operate in Kentucky, but hasn’t yet launched. Betway and Hard Rock Bet might be among the brands that keep glancing at the state for a chance to expand.
While some of the top brands are now offering their services in the US, experts predict that other international providers will soon undertake the task of pursuing an expansion in the bluegrass state.
Andy is our resident NFL expert, but his knowledge extends to all corners of the sports betting industry. Andy is always tracking betting trends and keeping you up to date on all the relevant news in your home state.