Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has opened the Derby City Gaming Downtown to the public.
The Kentucky Derby-themed gaming facility features 500 Historical Racing Machines (HRMs), a race and sportsbook, and a Kentucky Derby Gift Shop.
This venue will be the sixth from CDI in Kentucky to host HRMs in this capacity and will also have the state’s first naked-eye 3D wrap-around video board on the outside of the building.
Bill Carstanjen, CDI CEO, said: "This project is one of which I'm particularly proud because in addition to its impact of the Kentucky horse industry, it's going to bring new energy to our downtown and stimulate investments like it.
“Derby City Gaming Downtown will give locals, bourbon tourists, convention attendees and all our visitors, another much-needed entertainment facility in this region.
“Investing in downtown Louisville was more than a financial decision. It is an investment in the spirit and the culture and the future of our city.”
Derby City Gaming Downtown has provided over 150 permanent jobs for the local economy.
Andy Beshear, Kentucky Governor, said: “As you all know, racing is a key part of our history and our culture.
“Churchill Downs brings folks from across the state and across our world together.”
The grand opening ceremony included a ribbon-cutting speech and a $40,000 charitable donation to Norton Healthcare Foundation and The Hope Buss.
Retail sports betting launched in Kentucky on 7 September 2023, with mobile betting delayed until 28 September.
The venue in Kentucky opened quite recently after Churchill Downs opened a similar one in Virginia with Rosie's Gaming Emporium.
