Churchill Downs prepares to open six retail race and sportsbooks in Kentucky
The retail venues have been announced ahead of 7 September, when Kentucky will launch legalised sports betting.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has received the necessary licences to open six retail sports and racing wagering locations in Kentucky on 7 September.
The CDI-licensed race and sportsbooks will include large screens that will show both professional and collegiate sports live to bettors.
A ‘Bet & Jet’ feature will also be implemented, which gives guests access to designated short-term car parking spaces at the facility.
These 15-minute spaces will allow guests to park up at CDI venues and place bets in person, should they wish to.
The race and sportsbooks will be located at six venues across Kentucky, including Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Derby City Gaming & Hotel in Louisville, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, Newport Racing & Gaming in Newport, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Oak Grove and Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson.
Each of these properties will host grand opening events on or around 7 September, which will include themed food and drink offerings.
Bill Carstanjen, CDI CEO, said: “CDI is excited to bring our experience operating retail sports wagering experiences to Kentucky with many thanks to the Kentucky General Assembly, Governor Beshear, the KHRC and the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet for their efforts in making this a reality.
“Sports betting as a tourism and economic development opportunity will further strengthen the state’s signature equine industry by bringing new guests into our live and historical racing venues.”
Although CDI has prepared six retail venues for its race and sports books, the company has also received the licences necessary for an online sports betting service.
This has led to three sports betting platforms partnering with CDI racetracks, FanDuel, Fanatics and Penn Sports Interactive, all of which will be able to accept wagers from 28 September.
Sports betting companies across the state are preparing for the launch of legalised wagering, including the deal that saw DraftKings sign a deal with ECL Corbin for access to the Kentucky markets.
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