Kentuckians will be able to start making sports bets in less than 60 days.
Governor Andy Beshear, lawmakers, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joined together in making the announcement on Monday.
Members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously in support of regulations that will govern sports betting, which were signed at the news conference by the governor.
Retail locations are set to open on September 7 and mobile applications will become available on September 28.
“This is a historic day for our commonwealth – sports wagering will open for the first time in Kentucky in less than 60 days. Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads and high-speed internet,” said Beshear.
Beshear signed House Bill 551, bipartisan legislation legalizing sports betting in Kentucky, back in March.
“Our wagering compliance team is experienced and well-suited to lead this new area of wagering. Our next step is to open licensing and start reviewing applications,” said Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Executive Director Jamie Eads.
Kentucky’s licensed horseracing facilities can apply for a retail sportsbook at their main location or at a satellite location starting July 11.
