Seven major operators have applied for Kentucky horse racing digital licenses

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission previously pointed to Sept. 7, the first day of the NFL season, for retail sportsbooks to launch, and Sept. 28 for digital platforms.

The KHRC plans to vote on license applications at its Aug. 22 meeting. Under the state’s new wagering law, nine tracks are eligible to apply for a license. Each may have an on-site retail sportsbook, brick-and-mortar books at satellite locations, and up to three digital partners.

The KHRC reported it has received applications for digital wagering from seven major digital betting operators.

One of them, Penn Sports Interactive, part of PENN Entertainment, is currently preparing its transition from Barstool Sportsbook with plans to launch its new ESPN BET platform in November. It’s unclear if the company will launch in September under the Barstool banner or delay until ESPN BET goes live.

FanDuel previously announced a deal with Churchill Downs Inc. for digital market access, and the track has an existing horse-racing deal with DraftKings. It appears from comments during CDI’s second-quarter earnings call that it will have a CDI-branded sportsbook at the track.

Sandy’s and The Red Mile, along with Churchill Downs, Cumberland Run, Ellis Park, Oak Grove Gaming and  Racing, and Turfway Park all submitted applications.

“The countdown is on. Kentuckians can plan to place their first sports wagers, at a retail location, in just 28 days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said via press release.

“Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads and high-speed internet.”

By Jill R. Dorson