Keeneland, Red Mile partner with Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting

It’s been a month and a half since the sports betting bill was passed and signed into law, and today, we got one step closer to being able to legally bet on sports in the state of Kentucky.

This morning, Caesars Sportsbook announced agreements with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington to offer in-person and mobile sports betting. The agreement includes plans to open brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook locations, subject to regulatory approvals from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Plans are already in place and space is set aside for a sportsbook at Red Mile, where “guests can enjoy the excitement of sports betting, gaming, and simulcasting all under one roof,” according to a press release from Keeneland.

“Keeneland and Red Mile are iconic horse racing venues with an important legacy in the state of Kentucky,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Customers in the region have long enjoyed our world-class Caesars destinations and, most recently, our horse racing wagering app, Caesars Racebook. Working with these historic institutions provides an unmatched opportunity to reach sports and racing fans in the state, and we look forward to working with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as we prepare to launch later this year.”

“Keeneland’s venture with Caesars Sportsbook holds exciting potential and furthers our mission to introduce new audiences to horse racing,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Caesars is a globally respected brand, and we value their commitment to racing and their expertise in sports wagering.”     

“At Red Mile Gaming & Racing we are excited to continue introducing this historic harness track to new audiences,” commented Red Mile Chief Operating Officer Shannon Cobb. “Opportunities with sports wagering on site, added to live racing, simulcasting, and HHR Games accomplish goals we have worked toward for several years. Our relationships with Keeneland and Caesars in this venture could not be more valued.”

So, when will it happen? The sports betting bill goes into effect 90 days after being signed into law, so June 28. From there, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has six months to figure out the regulations to make it work. When the bill passed in March, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer told KSR it may happen as soon as football season.

“I think there’s going to be an incentive to move as quickly as possible and get the brick and mortar and the online up as fast as possible because I think this is going to be driven by the market. I think people are really going to want to be able to do this by football season.”