- Launch Timeline and Approval for Sports Betting in Kentucky for September 6th
- The US Supreme Court’s overturning of the PASPA federal ban in 2018 granted states the authority to legalize online sports betting.
- Notable sportsbooks likely to be available include BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and WynnBET.
The countdown begins as Kentucky gears up to debut its online sports betting scene on September 28, following the green light from state regulators. This move comes after a legislative journey marked by persistence and increasing support for legalizing sports betting in the state.
Kentucky Getting Ready To Launch In House and Online Betting
Kentucky’s sports betting landscape is set for a transformative shift as the launch date for online sports betting approaches. State regulators have laid out a definitive timetable, granting the go-ahead for online sports betting to commence at 6 a.m. on September 28. Enthusiastic bettors will have the opportunity to preregister starting August 28, and the ability to make deposits will coincide with the inauguration of retail betting in Kentucky on September 7 at 6 a.m. The journey toward this milestone dates back to the official enforcement of the Kentucky sports betting legislation on June 28, 2023.
Under the directive of the legislation, the approval process for the first sportsbooks was accelerated, responding to the urgency posed by the impending NFL betting season. The legislative push for timely implementation was notably driven by the intention to roll out Kentucky’s first online sports betting platforms and mobile apps in sync with the upcoming fall football season. With the imminent launch, the stage is set for an initial rollout in brick-and-mortar retail sportsbooks, followed by the introduction of Kentucky sports betting apps three weeks later.
The history of sports betting in the state reflects a persistent pursuit of legalization. The turning point arrived in 2018, when the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal ban known as PASPA granted individual states the authority to legalize online sports betting. Representative Adam Koenig became a central figure in Kentucky’s efforts, introducing sports betting bills year after year, each gaining incremental support. Notable progress came in 2022 with the approval of HB 606 by the House, though it faltered in the Senate due to insufficient backing.
The torch of legislative determination was carried into 2023 by Representative Michael Meredith. His introduction of HB 551 marked a defining moment as the House rallied behind it with a resounding 63-34 vote on March 13. Despite intense debate, the Senate ultimately passed the bill with a 25-12 vote on March 31, the closing day of the legislative session. This triumph culminated in Governor Beshear’s signature, cementing the legal framework for Kentucky’s forthcoming online sports betting scene.
As the launch date approaches, attention shifts to the potential players in Kentucky’s competitive sports betting market. State law permits up to 30 betting apps and websites to join the fray, promising a dynamic and open landscape. Notable names, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and WynnBET, are poised to be among the key players in this emerging field.
With the countdown now underway, Kentucky’s journey from legislative aspiration to the cusp of an online sports betting revolution underscores the resilience of those advocating for change and the state’s commitment to embracing a new era of gaming and entertainment.
While the official launch isn’t until September 28th, registration began on August 28th, allowing residents to sign up and be immediately ready for when sports betting begins.
Some sportsbooks, including DraftKings and BetMGM, have pre-registration promotions when you sign up before the official launch
Betting Implications
This adds another state that will add sports betting. As more and more states begin to adapt to the times, there will be a time when it will be normal throughout the country.
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