Feeling Lucky in Kentucky?
Long-awaited sports wagering launches state-wide Sept. 7 with two options in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 5, 2023) – September 7 is a lucky day in Kentucky with new state laws allowing the start of sports wagering. Louisville will have two options for in-person sports wagering - both at Churchill Downs Racetrack and Derby City Gaming & Hotel.
Churchill Downs will incorporate sports betting kiosks among existing bar and simulcast areas for guests to place wagers. Most locations will offer large format video screens or various televisions to watch live racing as well as collegiate and professional sports. Each of Churchill Downs’ venues will implement 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.
“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,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc.
Churchill Downs Racetrack will feature 15 sports betting kiosks, a 168 sq. ft. video screen and 20 large format televisions while Derby City Gaming & Hotel will host 15 sports betting kiosks a 300 sq. ft. video screen and 12 large format televisions.
Churchill Downs Inc. properties across Kentucky will host grand opening events featuring ribbon-cutting celebrations, themed food and beverage offerings and discounts as well as sports wagering promotions. To commemorate the opening day of retail sports betting, Governor Beshear will place the first ceremonial sports wager in the state of Kentucky at Churchill Downs Racetrack at 10 a.m. EDT.
In addition to retail sports betting, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission also approved temporary licenses for three online sports wagering service providers that will operate in partnership with CDI’s racetracks: FanDuel, Penn Sports Interactive and Fanatics. Approved service providers can begin accepting online wagers on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Make it a sports-filled weekend with visits to the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center. Guests can use Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots and bourbon distilleries. Travelers also can get attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.