The state of Kentucky's much-anticipated sports betting launch will take place in September.
Governor Andy Beshear announced that the introduction of sports betting in retail locations will begin on 7 September, while mobile betting will not be available until 28 September.
Beshear had been pushing for the legalisation of sports betting for a significant period and signed House Bill 551 on 31 March.
Sports betting is now legal in the majority of states in America, with Missouri being the only state that borders Kentucky to have not yet legalised it.
Beshear said: “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.”
Kentucky’s licensed horseracing facilities can apply for a retail sportsbook at their main location or at a licensed satellite location starting 11 July. Licensed horseracing facilities will be allowed to partner with up to three marketing platforms for mobile wagering.
This year, Churchill Downs released record wagering figures for the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby Day program hit a record amount of $288.7m (£233.9m) this year, beating last year's amount of $273.8m.
Newport Racing and Gaming in Newport and Turfway Park in Florence are among some of the facilities that can apply to be sports betting locations in Kentucky.
