Legislation allowing Kentuckians to bet on sports is currently going through the governmental pipeline.
Whether Kentucky sports betting is legalized before the legislative session ends is still in the air. However, data from the information architecture experts at GeoComply show that plenty of Kentucky residents want to wager.
GeoComply data showed more than 1.28 million geolocation checks in Kentucky during the NCAA Tournament. A geolocation check can happen at several points in the sports betting process, including signing up and attempting to place a bet.
Those 1.28 million geolocation checks came from 62,000 player accounts from March 1-28.
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee — which all border Kentucky — have online sportsbooks.
Kentucky bettors were viewing Ohio and Indiana sportsbooks
GeoComply created a time-lapse map to illustrate the data. The 1.28 million Kentucky checks came mostly from sportsbooks located in Ohio and Indiana.
The data showed 41% of the checks came from Ohio online operators. On the other hand, Indiana sportsbooks recorded 38.6% of them.
Most of the 62,000 player accounts accounts were in Northern Kentucky.
“People in Kentucky want to be able to place a sports bet legally,” said John Pappas, Senior Vice-President of Government & Public Affairs for GeoComply.
Ohio launched its sports betting market in January. Within the first few weeks of its new industry, GeoComply compiled enough anonymous data on activity in that neighboring state to see patterns emerge that relate to Kentucky.
Officials from GeoComply’s legislative affairs team are expected to share key data points with Kentucky lawmakers later this month. They are scheduled to meet with legislators working on passing House Bill 551, which would allow online and retail sports betting in the Bluegrass State.
More specifically, they plan to meet with the bill’s main sponsor, Rep. Michael Meredith, and Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer.
In addition to the March Madness data, GeoComply officials plan to share data that revealed how many Kentuckians wanted to bet with sportsbooks on the Super Bowl.
For more on betting on March Madness games, latest Super Bowl odds, or expected Sportsbook Promos in KY post-launch, check our dedicated pages.
Future is bright for Kentucky sports betting if bill passes the legislature
If GeoComply representatives can help convince lawmakers to advance it through the Senate, it’s a mortal lock to become law.
Gov. Andy Beshear is an advocate of gambling expansion in Kentucky. Part of his 2019 campaign promises included Kentucky sports betting and casinos.
If passed, the state’s nine horse racetracks and the Kentucky Speedway would be eligible to operate a retail sportsbook. Those properties could also have up to three partnerships with online sports betting companies for an online operation.
