Kent residents express support for legalizing mobile sports wagering in Kentucky
Sports Betting Legalized in Kentucky as of 2023
In a significant move for the state, sports betting has been officially legalized in Kentucky as of 2023. Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on March 31, 2023, paving the way for both online and retail sports betting in the state.
A poll conducted by Robert Blizzard of Public Opinion Strategies found that 65% of Kentucky voters supported allowing sports betting, both in person at Kentucky racetracks and through mobile platforms. The survey, conducted in 2020, also revealed that 58% of Republicans, 81% of Independents, and 69% of Democrats in Kentucky supported sports betting legalization.
Rep. Adam Koenig, who has introduced sports betting legislation in previous years, stated that the poll confirms Kentuckians are ready to legalize sports betting. Koenig, an outspoken supporter of legal sports betting, plans to file a bill to legalize sports betting "soon." He believes legalizing sports betting could help pay off Kentucky's $27 billion pension debt and free up resources for education, infrastructure, and other obligations.
However, Koenig has expressed skepticism that sports betting will soon be legalized in Kentucky. Despite this, he has vowed to continue introducing sports betting legislation until something gets done.
Surrounding states have already legalized sports betting, and Kentucky is losing millions due to not doing so. Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Missouri, and Ohio allow legal mobile sports betting. Missouri and Ohio are making pushes toward legalizing sports betting, with Ohio having recently legalized and expecting to launch by the end of 2022.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved wagering rules and launch plans on July 10, 2023. Retail sportsbooks began accepting wagers on September 7, 2023, with online sportsbooks launching on September 28, 2023. Kentucky permits betting on various sports, including college sports and esports, with legal age limits set at 18 or 21 depending on context. Each racetrack can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators, and as of mid-2025, nine online sportsbooks are available, including BetMGM, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars, and others.
Since the legalization and launch, Kentucky has seen rapid growth in its sports betting market, reporting nearly $250 million in wagering handle in the first month of regulated activity. Kentucky joins over three dozen states in the US that have enacted legal sports betting. The state's sportsbook tax rate is 14.25%, and regulation is overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC).
It is worth noting that 48% of the surveyed respondents have wagered on sporting events in the past. Austin Horn tweeted about the situation on February 11, 2022. Koenig remains committed to his advocacy for legal sports betting in Kentucky and believes that it will bring significant benefits to the state.
[1] Kentucky Sports Betting Laws and Regulations [2] Kentucky Sports Betting Market Report [3] Kentucky Sports Betting Tax Rate [4] Kentucky Sports Betting Apps
- The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky allows residents to place wagers on a variety of sports, including college sports, esports, and professional leagues, through both online platforms and retail sportsbooks.
- Representative Adam Koenig, a strong advocate for legal sports betting, plans to file a bill to legalize sports betting in Kentucky, hoping it could help alleviate the state's pension debt and provide resources for education, infrastructure, and other obligations.
- Each racetrack in Kentucky can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators, with various notable companies such as BetMGM, FanDuel, bet365, and Caesars Sportbooks among those currently operating in the state, contributing to the rapid growth of the sports betting market in Kentucky.
