Kentucky Officially Launches Mobile Sports Betting

Mobile sports betting went live in the Bluegrass State yesterday, adding themselves to a growing list of states legalizing the industry. Bettors 18 years or older were able to start wagering at 6 AM EST. Many could preregister with their sportsbook of choice, meaning they were ready to start betting as soon as the clock struck six. A total of five online sportsbooks are now available, with bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel launching yesterday. More are set to go live, with Circa, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics all approved to operate in the state.

The launch comes just a few weeks after retail sports betting went live on September 7. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) announced they have seen over $4.5 million in wagers since retail sports betting kicked off, but the online numbers will far surpass that number.

"We've seen numbers in other states, and we're looking 80 to 90 percent of tax revenues or gross revenues in mobile platform wagering," said Rep. Al Gentry, D-Louisville, who co-sponsored the bill to legalize sports gaming. "So yeah, we're not even touching what we're about ready to see."

Kentucky estimates they will see $22 million annually from online sports betting.

Kentucky Sets Sports Betting Minimum Age at 18 

The Bluegrass state surprised many people by allowing betters at least 18 years old to wager on sports. The majority of states have set their minimum age at 21, making Kentucky one of the country’s most unique markets. However, most online sportsbooks in the state have chosen to maintain their minimum age at 21. 

Currently, DraftKings and bet365 are the only live sportsbooks accepting bets from Kentucky bettors between 18-20 years old. Circa Sportsbook is set to join them once they go live, which won’t be for a few more weeks.