Where can I bet on sports in Northern Kentucky

Legal sports betting in the Bluegrass State gets underway Thursday morning at nine brick and mortar locations throughout the state, just in time for the NFL's season-opening game.

In Northern Kentucky, sports bettors can place their wagers in person at Newport Racing & Gaming and in Florence, where Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman will be placing the first best at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. Betting at both locations begins at 10:15 a.m. Thursday and will be available during regular business hours at both facilities, which varies by day.

Lawmakers voted to legalize sports gambling in March after not getting enough votes to do so in 2020 and in 2021. The state's budgeting office estimates tax revenue from sports gambling will bring in $23 million per year. That money is slated to support Kentucky's permanent pension fund, help those with gambling problems, and support the administrative costs associated with sports gambling. 

Here's what you need to know about placing legal sports betting in Kentucky:

Where are all the places I can place bets?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which oversees sports gambling, said a total of 12 temporary sports betting licenses have been issued, though only nine will be open for betting Thursday morning. 

The Courier Journal rounded up the following locations horse racing facilities that are licensed to accept bets:

• Churchill Downs (700 Central Ave., Louisville)
• Derby City Gaming (4520 Poplar Level Road, Louisville)
• Ellis Park (3300 US Hwy 41 N, Henderson)
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland (244 Penny Lane, Williamsburg)
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run (777 Winners Lane, Corbin)
• Newport Racing & Gaming (1723 Monmouth St., Newport)
• Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (777 Winners Way, Oak Grove)
• The Red Mile (1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington)
• Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (7500 Turfway Road, Florence)

Can I place bets online?

Not yet. Online sports betting begins Sept. 28.

Nine service providers have received temporary licenses in the state and eight have mobile apps. That includes Bet365, BetMGM , Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn Sports Interactive.

Kambi, a sports betting platform provider, is the ninth service provider, which will serve retail operators and not have a mobile app. 

Can anyone place bets?

Most Kentuckians 18 or older can legally place sports bets, though some apps may only accept bets from people 21 years old and up. 

Both Northern Kentucky locations for sports gambling requires people to be at least 21 years old to place bets.

There are some additional restrictions for athletes, coaches, and other people with jobs in athletics.

What can I bet on?

According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the following are legal to bet on:

• Professional sports
• Sanctioned college sports
• Amateur and international sport events like the Olympics, World Cup, and e-sports

Sports where the majority of participants are under 18 years old and horse racing are excluded from sports betting.