The Bluegrass State is prepping for the debut of lawful sports wagering on September 7th, with Churchill Downs Incorporated at the forefront. They’ve received the go-ahead to unveil six brick-and-mortar sportsbooks within their existing Kentucky establishments.
These Churchill Downs locations are pulling out all the stops, promising an engaging atmosphere with giant viewing displays where gamblers can witness all the excitement from professional and collegiate matchups.
And here’s the kicker – they’re even introducing a “Bet & Jet” option, providing designated short-stay parking directly at the venues. Picture this: you can drop in, place your wagers personally, and be on your way – talk about efficiency!
These 15-minute parking slots will be revolutionary, particularly for those swift in-and-out bets.
The six venues are dispersed throughout Kentucky and encompass legendary destinations such as 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.
To commemorate the grand opening, each location is organizing a massive celebration around September 7th, featuring themed cuisine and beverages. Prepare to toast to legal sports betting in Kentucky!
CDIs Chief Executive, Bill Carstanjen, conveyed the company’s enthusiasm for introducing their proficiency in retail sports wagering to Kentucky. He extended his gratitude to the Kentucky lawmakers, Governor Beshear, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), and the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet for their instrumental roles in realizing this endeavor.
Carstanjen underscored the potential of sports wagering to significantly enhance tourism and economic progress within the state. This holds particularly true considering its association with Kentucky’s renowned horse racing heritage, as it is poised to draw new patrons to the state’s storied racetracks.
Although CDI has already designated six venues for retail sportsbooks at its racetracks, they have also obtained a license to provide online sports wagering. This has culminated in collaborations with three prominent entities in the online sports betting realm: FanDuel, Fanatics, and Penn Sports Interactive. All three platforms are scheduled to commence accepting wagers on September 28th.
Anticipation continues to mount as additional operators gear up to enter the Kentucky market. DraftKings, as an illustration, has already established a partnership with ECL Corbin, indicating a fiercely competitive landscape for lawful sports wagering within the state.