Share
Online gambling operator BetMGM announced a new partnership agreement with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY) to enter the Kentucky sports betting market.
The deal will allow BetMGM to bring its retail and online sports betting platform to The Bluegrass State once sports betting officially launches later this year.
Along with BetMGM, nine other online sports betting operators have registered as legal business entities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
BetMGM Sportsbook coming to Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Kentucky
The companies will also open a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming. BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said in a company press release:
“Kentucky has a rich history in sports and a passionate fan base. Revolutionary Racing is an ideal partner, enabling us to deliver an entertaining and responsible gaming experience while investing in the state through job creation and tax revenue.”
Per the agreement, BetMGM will offer online sports betting as soon as the regulated market commences, pending licensure and regulatory approval.
The $75 million retail sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming will be a 5,200 square-foot BetMGM Sportsbook expected to arrive this fall. In addition, 182 acres adjacent to Sandy’s will include Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack and equestrian center, which is currently under construction.
The first races are expected to begin in 2025.
“We promised to bring a world-class facility to Ashland and wanted a world-class partner for online sports wagering across the Commonwealth and at our sportsbook lounge,” said Revolutionary Racing CEO Prentice Salter. “We’ve got that with BetMGM.”
Nine other sports betting operators coming to Kentucky in September
Kentucky is heating up after finally passing a bill to legalize sports betting. Already, ten operators are gearing up to launch operations in September as the 2023 NFL season kicks off.
In addition to BetMGM, other notable operators include:
- Caesars
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- WynnBET
- Bet365
- PointsBet
- Betfair
- Circa
According to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s online business filings, paperwork does not specify if the companies will operate sports betting. However, the timing of the filings leads experts to believe they will.
On July 19, Jamie Eads, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), told the General Assembly’s interim budget committee that her agency spoke to FanDuel, DraftKings, Circa, WynnBet, and BetMGM specifically.
Per language in the bill, retail sports betting will launch at up to 14 racetracks and other gaming locations on Sept. 7.
Online sports betting in Kentucky will follow on Sept. 28 with as many as 27 mobile apps.
