Which Sportsbooks Are Already Confirmed For Kentucky Sports Betting?

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Written By Giovanni Shorter | Last Updated
Online sports betting Kentucky

Kentucky residents are just weeks away from the launch of online sports betting apps. So far, only two sportsbooks have partnered with local racetracks for market access. These operators are FanDuel and Caesars. Up to 30 Kentucky sports betting sites are allowed to go live once the market launches on Sept. 28. Retail locations for Kentucky sportsbooks can open Sept. 7.

Let’s take a look at the potential operators that could curate deals and launch operations in time for the mobile betting launch in Kentucky. Throughout the process, TheLines.com will be reviewing which operators are launching to help new users identify the best Kentucky sports betting apps.

Sportsbooks With Kentucky Partnerships

FanDuel has partnered with Churchill Downs for market access in Kentucky. This will see the FanDuel Sportsbook mobile app live in the Bluegrass State beginning in September. Churchill Downs and FanDuel had reportedly been in talks with one another for months, even before sports betting legislation.

“We have entered into contracts to provide certain online wagering platforms, including FanDuel, access to the Kentucky market in connection with which we receive a revenue stream,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs CEO.

Caesars Sportsbook entered into an agreement with Keeneland and Red Mile for market access. This partnership will also see a retail Caesars Sportsbook launch at the venue. Retail operations go live on Sept. 7.

“Keeneland and Red Mile are iconic horse racing venues with an important legacy in the state of Kentucky,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Customers in the region have long enjoyed our world-class Caesars destinations and, most recently, our horse racing wagering app, Caesars Racebook. Working with these historic institutions provides an unmatched opportunity to reach sports and racing fans in the state, and we look forward to working with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as we prepare to launch later this year.”

Potential Sportsbooks Incoming

Sports betting bill HB 551 allows local racetracks up to three online sports betting skins in Kentucky. This means that even as Churchill Downs and Keeneland and Red Mile have preexisting partnerships, they can still partner with other operators. In total 30 sportsbooks can be live in Kentucky.

There are no other confirmed sportsbook partnerships at this time. However, fans can expect major players such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook (which purchased PointsBet) to make a move for Kentucky.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has confirmed to have spoken with representatives from all three of these operators. Additionally, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt included Kentucky in its future plans during the quarterly earnings call.

Fans can expect several partnership announcements between some of the best sports betting sites and local racetracks in the coming weeks as the launch of online sports betting in Kentucky approaches.

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