The Bluegrass State is prepping for the debut of legalized sports wagering! Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has received approval to unveil six physical sportsbooks and equine betting venues throughout Kentucky. Prepare to lay down your wagers beginning September 7th at these spots: Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Derby City Gaming in Louisville, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, Newport Racing & Gaming in Newport, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Oak Grove, and Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson. Each site is organizing a grand opening celebration with themed cuisine and beverages, along with numerous large screens to view all the professional and collegiate sports action. And for those short on time, CDI is simplifying things further with “bet and go” temporary parking spaces so you can pull in, make your wagers, and be on your way!
Bill Carstanjen, the top dog at CDI, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, expressing immense joy in bringing their premier retail sports wagering experience to the Bluegrass State. He extended gratitude to all parties involved, from legislators to the Governor, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and the Public Protection Cabinet for their instrumental roles. He highlighted the potential of sports betting to revolutionize tourism and the economy, attracting new visitors to their storied racetracks and bolstering the state’s celebrated equine industry.
CDI has already secured six venues for in-person betting, but their ambitions don’t end there. They also obtained a license to operate digital platforms and have partnered with industry giants: FanDuel, Fanatics, and Penn Sports Interactive. All platforms are primed to accept wagers starting September 28th.
Anticipation continues to mount as other prominent players in the field are also making their mark. DraftKings, for instance, recently joined forces with ECL Corbin to secure a stake in the burgeoning Kentucky market. It’s evident that Kentucky is poised to become a significant force in the realm of legalized sports betting.
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