BetMGM and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY) are joining forces in Kentucky to bring online and retail sports betting to the state. On Monday, the pair of companies announced a new market access agreement allowing BetMGM to launch its online and retail betting platform in Kentucky when sports betting launches later this fall.
The partnership will also open a retail BETMGM Sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, a joint venture between RRKY and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
BetMGM is jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain, another giant in the global gaming market.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt addressed the deal in a press release announcing the collaboration.
Kentucky has a rich history in sports and a passionate fan base. Revolutionary Racing is an ideal partner, enabling us to deliver an entertaining and responsible gaming experience while investing in the state through job creation and tax revenue.
BetMGM’s move into Kentucky will mark the 27th market for the online casino and sports betting leader.
Deal Includes BetMGM Retail Sportsbook in Ashland
Pending licensure and regulatory approval, BetMGM plans to launch sports betting in Kentucky in tandem with the legal market opening.
Retail-wise, BETMGM’s Sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming will take up 5,200 square feet of the $75 million gaming and entertainment complex in Ashland.
The construction of Kentucky’s first equestrian center and quarter-horse racetrack will follow on 182 acres of land just next door.
The track’s first races will hit the event calendar sometime in 2025.
RRKY CEO Prentice Slater also addressed the deal in the release.
We promised to bring a world-class facility to Ashland and wanted a world-class partner for online sports wagering across the Commonwealth and at our sportsbook lounge. We’ve got that with BetMGM.
Legal Age in Kentucky is 18, but Sportbooks Honor 21+
Notably, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) unanimously approved emergency Kentucky sports betting regulations on July 10.
Mere moments later, Gov. Andy Beshar signed off on the proposed rules, and the KHRC filed all 22 regulations (“emergency” and “ordinary”) with the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) that same day.
However, the regulations must face public comment before they become official.
Beshar signed HB551, Kentucky’s esports and sports betting bill, into law on March 31.
At the time, he said he wanted the market up and running in time for the kickoff of the NFL season on Sept. 7.
However, July’s approval only sees retail sportsbooks operating in time for that deadline. Kentucky’s online sportsbooks have to wait until Sept. 28 to welcome players.
It’s also worth noting that, despite Kentucky setting the legal sports betting age at 18, numerous operators have said only players 21 and up will be allowed to participate.
For instance, in May, Caesars Sportsbook announced it would adhere to its corporate policy, which only allows gamblers 21+ to bet. Other Kentucky sportsbooks are following suit, too. So far, Bet365 Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel are all listed as 21-plus.
According to a rep, BetMGM will join the club, only allowing players over 21 to register for its Kentucky online sports betting app.
Despite that, the state expects $23 million in annual tax revenue once sportsbooks go live.
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