Churchill Downs Incorporated has confirmed it will offer retail sports betting from six of its Kentucky locations after receiving approval from the Horse Racing Commission.
From September 7, when sports betting will legally commence in the Bluegrass State, the race track operator will begin accepting in-person wagers at its facilities in Louisville, Florence, Newport, Oak Grove, and Henderson.
The first bet on CDI property will be from Governor Andy Beshear, who will place a ceremonial bet at 10 am on September 7 at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The sportsbooks are set to be branded for each specific location and the operations will be courtesy of the Kambi sportsbook platform.
“CDI is excited to bring our experience operating retail sports wagering experiences to Kentucky with many thanks to the Kentucky General Assembly, Governor Beshear, the KHRC and the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet for their efforts in making this a reality,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI.
“Sports betting as a tourism and economic development opportunity will further strengthen the state’s signature equine industry by bringing new guests into our live and historical racing venues.”
Across the six venues, CDI will have an array of bar and simulcast areas in which patrons can place bets, with most of the locations also boasting large television screens to watch racing, collegiate and professional sports.
Moreover, each of the venues will play host to opening ceremonies where a ribbon-cutting event followed by themed food and drink as well as promotional offers will take place.
Whilst retail sports betting can begin in Kentucky from September 7, operators must wait an additional two weeks before they can offer online and mobile wagering.
CDI was approved by the KHRC to conduct online sports betting and it has outsourced this to three different skin holders, those being FanDuel, Fanatics, and Penn Sports Interactive – which will operate the ESPN BET brand from this fall.
Earlier today, SBC Americas reported the makeup of the KHRC, which will be charged with regulatory oversight of the US’ newest sports betting market.
