Residents of Kentucky will be able to pre-register for online sports betting accounts with approved operators starting at 6 a.m. ET on Monday, August 28, according to an official announcement from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The pre-registration process is designed to alleviate potential strain on electronic systems that may arise from a surge in simultaneous registrations.
Though account deposits will be permitted beginning September 7, online sports wagering will not commence until September 28. Physical sports betting will be available at brick-and-mortar locations such as racetracks starting on the morning of September 7.
The state has opted for a tiered implementation strategy for legal sports betting, allowing for the testing of policies and procedures prior to a full rollout, which will include mobile applications. This approach has been successfully utilized in other states, according to the press release.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will release a list of authorized betting locations following its meeting on August 22. Prominent operators, including Churchill Downs and FanDuel, are expected to be part of the mix.
Governor Beshear emphasized that the state is three weeks away from introducing sports wagering. He stated that the implementation aims to provide the quality entertainment experience that Kentuckians have requested, while also generating revenue to support state pension funds and other budgetary needs.
