It’s official. Kentuckians will be able to wager on NFL games this fall.
During Monday afternoon’s Kentucky Horse Racing Commission special meeting, regulators said retail sportsbooks will launch on Sept. 7. Kentucky bettors can access online sportsbooks a few weeks later Sept. 28.
In other words, Gov. Andy Beshear got his wish. Kentucky sports betting will be live for the first week of the 2023 NFL season.
Emergency regulations got the job done
At Monday’s meeting, the KHRC passed both emergency and ordinary regulations.
The emergency regulations go into effect immediately. Then, the commission can take its time to pass finalized regulations with a public comment period. The ordinary regulations could differ slightly from the emergency ones as regulators could amend certain rules after reviewing public feedback.
Beshear signed HB 551 at the end of March, which legalized sports betting in the Commonwealth. The legislation forced the market to launch by the end of the year, but Beshear wanted to see betting by football season.
That only left about five months between legalization and launch.
As gaming attorney Jeff Ifrah predicted to PlayKentucky, the only way to have such a quick turnaround was with emergency regulations. Otherwise, the process would be too cumbersome to launch by the NFL’s first game.
Beshear signs regulations after the special meeting
Shortly after the KHRC adjourned their meeting, Beshear held a press conference.
“Just a few moments ago, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved emergency administrative regulations that are required to open sports wagering in Kentucky. And in just a few moments, I’m going to sign them,” Beshear said. “This action means that Kentuckians may make their first-ever sports bet in Kentucky 59 days from now.”
The Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs square off Thursday night in the NFL’s first game of the season on Sept. 7.
Sept. 10 is the first full Sunday of NFL action.
Kentucky bettors will be limited to in-person betting for the first three weeks of the NFL. Online sportsbooks will be available by Week 4. In addition to professional football, Kentuckians can wager on the final month of Major League Baseball’s regular season and will get most of the NCAA football season.
