Sports betting became legal in Kentucky in March 2023. Lawmakers passed HB 551 on the last day of the legislative session, and Gov. Andy Beshear immediately signed the bill into law.
The law stipulates sports betting must launch within six months of the bill’s effective date, which is June 28, 2023. That means sports betting almost certainly should arrive before the year’s end. However, Beshear said he would like to see sports betting available for the start of the 2023 NFL season. Retail sportsbooks could open for the start of the season and online sportsbooks launch soon after.
The law allows the state’s racetracks to open in-person sportsbooks. Each location is also allowed three online skins. Regulators and operators are already at work establishing sports betting rules and guidelines, and the approaching deadline should light a fire under everyone involved.