Kentucky News

“$68 million… That's the amount wagered from Thursday to Sunday from in-person and mobile sports betting in Kentucky,” Beshear tweeted. “The best news is those dollars are staying right here to help build a brighter future for all our families.”

Beshear was joined by local lawmakers and the Horse Racing Commission in his announcement that is sure to make sports bettors rejoice. Kentucky finalized the legislative adoption process on March 31 and has maintained a firm interest in having sportsbooks at operational status in time for football season.

Since football last kicked off a new season in September 2022, states such as North Carolina and Kentucky have made major legislative changes to legalize and expand their sports betting markets. States with existing markets are also feverishly preparing for what will be the busiest time of the year for sportsbooks.

Known as the venue of the legendary Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs has suspended all events so that it can review safety features and procedures. The remainder of the Spring Meet, which had been held at Churchill Downs and does not conclude until July 3, has been moved to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson.

Many thought this legalized sports betting bill was destined to fail after a similar bill went through the Kentucky House only for the Senate to kill it with a lack of support from the more traditional GOP caucus in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky has been grappling with the idea of creating a legal sports betting market ever since the 2018 PAPSA opened the door to gambling nationwide. 36 states and Washington D.C. have since made the change, but Kentucky has not been able to reach any agreements.

Three three figures in question are Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Somerset Mayor Alan Keck. All agreed that sports betting’s increasing popularity has led to the rise of illegal gambling markets that the state should take control over.