Churchill Downs Incorporated has rolled-out a multi-faceted sports betting approach to be taken within Kentucky as numerous retail grand openings are set to take place next month.
Following the $250m purchase of Exacta Systems earlier in the month, the casino and entertainment operator has received a slew of approvals from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
This has seen the regulatory green-light be issued for six of the company’s properties to begin accepting in-person sports wagers on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Each will host grand opening events featuring ribbon-cutting celebrations and relevant promotions, in addition to housing a ‘Bet & Jet’ feature that offers guests designated parking spaces for 15 minutes in order to quickly and easily place their in-person sports wager.
Governor Andy Beshear will place the first ceremonial sports wager in the state at 10am EDT at Churchill Downs Racetrack, which will gain 15 sports betting kiosks, a 168 square foot video screen and 20 large format televisions.
A 300 square foot video screen will be gained by each of Derby City Gaming & Hotel, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.
The former pair will also feature 15 sports betting kiosks, compared to the latter’s 20, in addition to 12, 16 and eight television screens, respectively.
Elsewhere, Newport Racing & Gaming’s sportsbook space will comprise 10 kiosks and 20 televisions, while Ellis Park Racing & Gaming will gain five sports betting kiosks.
Alongside this, the Kentucky regulatory has also approved temporary licences for three online sports wagering service providers that will operate in partnership with the group’s racetracks.
This will see FanDuel, Penn Sports Interactive and Fanatics be cleared to begin accepting online wagers when the region’s digital marketplace opens on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
“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.”
