Sports Betting Begins in Kentucky Industry

Legal Sports Betting Begins in Kentucky

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 18 September 2023

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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Kentucky has become the latest state to offer legal sports betting. On Thursday September 7, Gov. Andy Beshear, who has been a vocal supporter of the push for legal sports betting in the state, placed the first legal bet – a three-way parlay worth $20. This bet that the universities of Kentucky and Louisville would both score over their projected wins this season, and that Duke would score under.

This first bet was placed at Churchill Downs in Louisville. But Beshear wasn’t finished after placing his bet, as he then travelled to the Red Mile in Lexington, where he placed another wager. Speaking about the start of sports betting in Kentucky, he said the day was a day to celebrate, and that:

It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky. This is a win-win for Kentuckians, who can enjoy a quality entertainment experience and benefit from funds staying right here in our state to help us build a better Kentucky.

The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky is one of many achievements Beshear can point to during his time in office. He has also overseen the legalization of medical marijuana and expanded broadband access, among other things.

Sports Betting Finally Launched in Kentucky

Sports betting has finally arrived after a prolonged political fight, with supporters on both sides of the argument. While the legislature and governor both supported legal sports betting, The Family Foundation opposed the move, calling it a “lose-lose for Kentuckians” and especially for the vulnerable and children.

Despite some opposition, the Legislature finished all work necessary to legalize and then regulate sports betting in March. Gov. Beshear then signed quickly. This legalized both offline and online betting. It was offline betting that went live on September 8 – online betting is scheduled to begin on September 28.

Several major online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, have been granted permission to offer online sports betting in Kentucky. The law allows there to be up to 30 legal sports betting apps in the state.

Election Season Coming

This introduction of legal sports betting comes just before this year’s election, where Beshear will face off against the Republican AG Daniel Cameron. While Beshear supported sports betting throughout the legalization efforts, Cameron said he “didn’t think much” of sports betting. But he also said he’d support it, providing the correct regulatory framework was introduced.

Beshear has found himself under attack from his Republican rival, as you’d expect in the lead-up to an election. A spokesman for Cameron has attempted to minimize Beshear’s involvement in the successful introduction of betting, instead praising the Legislature. Beshear has brushed off these criticisms, stating we shouldn’t “play politics” on a day people should be celebrating.