Kentucky has now signed up with the states with legal sports betting, so gamblers can bet on far more than simply the ponies.
Brick-and-mortar racing and video gaming centers in the Bluegrass State began accepting action on baseball, football, and a variety of other offerings on Thursday.
The second stage, the legal launch of online sports wagering sites, is scheduled for September 28, although Kentuckians who have actually pre-registered with operators are allowed to start transferring as of Thursday also.
In the meantime, homeowners of the Bluegrass State will have to take a trip to physical areas such as the well-known Churchill Downs in Louisville, where Gov. Andy Beshear made Kentucky's ritualistic very first bet at the center's new sportsbook at around 10 a.m. ET.
Here's where you can find Kentucky's brand-new retail sportsbooks, courtesy of the state horse racing commission: https://t.co/utmzkgvHgD pic.twitter.com/Gmok2SIG8E
Kentucky managed to release retail sports wagering with college football in complete swing and in time for the start of the NFL's regular season. And, for the opening act, Beshear, a longtime supporter of legislating sports betting in Kentucky who has been cheering on its application amidst his re-election bid, chose to go with a parlay.
The guv wagered $20 on the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals college football groups winning more than 7.5 games this year and the Duke Blue Devils winning fewer than 7.5 at chances of +750, which could net him $150. The parlay is an unique that Churchill Downs is offering customers on the very first day of legal sports betting in the state.
" It has taken several years to get here, however sports wagering is lastly a truth in Kentucky," Beshear said in a news release. "This is a win-win for Kentuckians, who can delight in a quality entertainment experience and take advantage of funds staying right here in our state to assist us construct a better Kentucky."
BREAKING MUST CREDIT @Covers: The parlay Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear selected as the state's first (non-horse racing) sports bet is a * ~ unique ~ * at Churchill Downs, with chances of +750, according to the book's bet home builder. And only readily available till 7:30 p.m. ET today, it appears. pic.twitter.com/sLFvTOFliQ
The locations authorized for retail sportsbooks in Kentucky so far include:
- Churchill Downs in Louisville
- Ellis Park in Henderson
- The Red Mile in Lexington
- Derby City Gaming in Louisville
- The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run in Corbin
- Newport Racing and Gaming in
- Oak Grove Gaming and Racing in Oak Grove
- Turfway Park in Florence
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has likewise authorized short-lived licenses for several online sportsbooks, putting them in a position to accept pre-registrations now and then wagers on Sept. 28. They are:
bet365. BetMGM. Caesars Sportsbook. Circa. DraftKings. Fanatics. FanDuel. Barstool Sportsbook/ESPN Bet
" The KHRC is committed to wagering stability, and while we are commemorating today's launch, our work continues," said Jonathan Rabinowitz, chairman of the commission, in the release.