Circa Sports is continuing to broaden its reach in Kentucky’s sports betting market.
The Las Vegas-based sports betting operator has announced the opening of a temporary brick-and-mortar sportsbook on Aug 12. at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs pending regulatory approvals. Circa is solidifying a retail presence in the Bluegrass State as it prepares to build a permanent brick-and-mortar sportsbook that will open in 2025.
“Launching a sportsbook in a new state is a significant milestone for any operator, and we couldn’t think of a better venue than The Mint Gaming Hall,” said Circa CEO Derek Stevens. “Kentucky’s passion for sports makes it an ideal location, and we’re excited to offer customers a unique betting experience, combining some of the best odds in the industry with top-tier service.”
Circa’s temporary retail sportsbook in Franklin, Kentucky will feature three standard betting windows and one ADA window. It will also house five self-service kiosks, 10 TVs, four odds boards, and a kiosk located at the Oasis Side Bar inside The Mint Gaming Hall.
Circa made its debut in the Bluegrass State in May through a licensing agreement with ECL Corbin’s Cumberland Run harness track. Kentucky became Circa’s fifth licensed sports betting market with its app available to residents and visitors ages 18 and over. Circa is also live with online and retail operations in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada.
Circa in a competitive betting market
According to data provided by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the state’s eight sportsbooks reported a $150.3 million total handle in June, down 17% year-over-year.
DraftKings emerged as the state’s top operator for online handle in June with $56.6 million in accepted wagers. It posted $5.2 million in adjusted gross revenue for the month.
June marked the eighth consecutive month with DraftKings having Kentucky’s highest online handle. For the same month, its excise tax in Kentucky closed at $747,412.
Circa is steadily gaining market share in the Bluegrass State. In June, the operator saw its online handle close at $805,833 ranking last out of the state’s eight licensed operators.
It generated $10,901 in adjusted gross revenue during the month and $1,553 in excise tax.
