MGM Inks Sports Betting Market Access Deal For Kentucky
A sports betting product from Las Vegas-based MGM will soon hit its 27th market.
BetMGM and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky announced a new market access agreement allowing BetMGM to bring its online and retail sports betting platform to Kentucky once legalized sports betting launches.
The companies also will open a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming.
“Kentucky has a rich history in sports and a passionate fan base,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Revolutionary Racing is an ideal partner, enabling us to deliver an entertaining and responsible gaming experience while investing in the state through job creation and tax revenue.”
BetMGM will offer online sports betting as soon as Kentucky’s regulated market commences and pending licensure and regulatory approval.
Additionally, plans are underway to open a 5,200 square-foot retail BetMGM Sportsbook this fall with RRKY at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, a $75 million gaming and entertainment facility in Ashland.
Construction of Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack and equestrian center will follow on 182 acres adjacent to Sandy’s, with the first races launching in 2025.
“We promised to bring a world-class facility to Ashland and wanted a world-class partner for online sports wagering across the Commonwealth and at our sportsbook lounge,” said Revolutionary Racing CEO Prentice Salter. “We’ve got that with BetMGM.”
In July, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined the state Horse Racing Commission and lawmakers to announce that Kentuckians can make their first-ever sports bets starting in the fall.
The announcement followed the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meeting, where members unanimously approved emergency administrative sports betting regulations.
Retail locations are set to open on Sept. 7, 2023, just in time for the NFL kick-off, tailgating and the college football season, followed by mobile applications on Sept. 28.
There have also been efforts to legalize online poker in the Bluegrass state, but legislation has fallen short over the past several years.
