A Franklin County Circuit Judge upheld a Kentucky law that bans “gray machines,” slots-like devices that pay out money. The ruling was announced on June 28 and gave state officials a boost in their effort to rid convenience stores, gas stations and bars across Kentucky of the machines.

Judge Grants Summary Judgment in Favor of Kentucky’s ‘Gray Machine’ Ban

In his decision, Judge Phillip Shepherd granted Attorney General Russell Coleman’s request for summary judgment, meaning he decided the case without going to trial. Coleman praised the ruling, noting the vital role of the Legislature in protecting public interests, as reported by the Associated Press. He commended lawmakers for their bipartisan action against machines often alleged to have tenuous legal status.

The so-called gray machines triggered considerable controversy during this year’s legislative session. They were installed at various locations statewide and drew support as well as opposition. Advocates described them as valid “skill games” and put forward alternate legislative proposals to regulate and tax them as such. Critics warned they would enable the biggest expansion of gambling in Kentucky history.

ARKK Properties led the legal challenge along with other stakeholders including Pace-O-Matic, maker of the popular Burning Barrel machine. The lawsuit raised several arguments against the ban. ARKK Properties together with the other stakeholders claimed the ban violated free speech rights, was arbitrary, and impaired contracts, among other points. 

Judge Shepherd dismissed all these arguments, stating that expecting immunity from regulation for machines operating on the fringes of legality was unreasonable given Kentucky’s history of stringent gambling laws.

Court Decision Brings Closure to Contentious ‘Gray Machine’ Debate in Kentucky

House Bill 594, which initiated the ban, had a tumultuous journey through the legislative process before becoming law. Despite intense lobbying on both sides, it cleared both chambers with overwhelming support and Gov. Andy Beshear signed it. House Speaker David Osborne said he supported Shepherd’s ruling because it reaffirms that these games are illegal and cannot be operated without proper oversight. Regarding the next steps, J.Guthrie True, attorney for plaintiffs indicated an appeal may be coming.

In recent years, Kentucky has passed other significant gambling legislation, including measures that secured the legal status of historical racing machines at horse tracks. These machines, which allow betting on past horse races, have become a substantial revenue source for the tracks, helping to enhance the state’s horse racing industry.

The fight over gray machines has been costly and continued, taking place both in courtrooms as well as in political arenas. This issue involved more than just legal disputes – there were significant political moves made and heavy lobbying done around this subject, which points to how serious people take gambling regulation in Kentucky.

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His years of arguing in favor of legalizing gambling have finally resulted in tangible proof that the Bluegrass State is all the better off for choosing to go down a path that regulates sports wagering.

Beating All Expectations and Then Some

According to the governor and the state regulator, the first two months of sports gambling operation have yielded $8 million in tax revenue for the state. This is a promising number that outlines a brighter future for the industry and one that will most likely beat initial expectations.

According to Gov. Beshear, the initial projections for $23 million in annual revenue may have been underestimated, with the government now looking to rake in far more from sports gambling in terms of tax.

No specific number was cited as there are lull periods throughout the sports betting year, which would mean smaller revenue for the state in certain quarters. Although the industry is fairly new, it came at the right time, as its September launch was just in time for the NFL regular season, the College Football Season, and several other prominent leagues and sports.

According to Gov. Beshear, a total of $656 million had been wagered on sports, with only $26.8 million of this amount going through in-person wagers, and the remainder routed through mobile options. The amounts indicate what was previously a black market that deprived the state of the opportunity to prop up its public purse through a business that was already ongoing.

Of course, a part of this revenue was driven not least because people have become aware that sports gambling exists. In other words, not everyone who has been betting in the past two months has been aware of the offshore gambling market and many have indeed avoided it. Sports gambling was not an easy push in the Bluegrass State either.

Sports Gambling Doing Well, What about Further Expansion

Gov. Beshear has been fighting the good fight for many years, and he has equally tried to introduce online poker, seeing it as another important part of the state’s gambling expansion, and a valuable source of revenue.

Although the current results are encouraging, neither sports gambling nor poker are particularly big drivers of state revenue compared to online casinos, but this is a topic that has not been broached locally.

Of course, there are still issues to address in the market, specifically the lack of sufficient therapists who can help address issues in the market when they arise. Problem gambling will see an increase over the next months, as will Kentucky’s sports gambling revenues. Both are worth paying close attention to.

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Early in September, Kentucky introduced retail and mobile sports betting. Nearly two dozen mobile and land-based sports betting operators licensed in the state started offering their services to bettors and sports fans alike. The move of lawmakers to legalize sports betting comes as no surprise, considering the growing popularity of the activity across the United States and the tax revenue it brings. Besides taxes, the state also benefits from license fees as well as renewal fees, payable by operators in the state.

After September and October had passed, the regulator in charge of sports betting, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, is yet to release detailed reports regarding the proceeds for operators and the state from sports betting. Yet, during a meeting earlier this week, the Commission’s director of sports wagering, Hans Stokke, released details regarding the performance of licensed betting operators.

As announced by Covers, an estimate of more than $300 million has been wagered via mobile and retail betting operators since the launch of the legal market in Kentucky early in September. Approximately $325 million is expected to be the final figure for the period, with the Commission yet to confirm the final number upon releasing their report.

According to Stokke, Kentucky already benefitted from some $4.25 million in license fees payable by the betting operators. Additionally, he said that an estimate of $1 million is expected to come as proceeds from annual renewal fees that would be paid next year. Stokke explained: “The KHRC is pleased to deliver a sports wagering experience to Kentuckians on time, as promised, in a regulated and responsible context.”

Latest Figures Coincide with Kentucky Governor Numbers

The recent announcement comes after late last month, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared similar numbers about the money wagered on sports betting since its launch. At the time, he said that approximately $250 million was wagered via licensed mobile and retail betting providers across the state. Moreover, Beshear said that some half a million accounts were created since the launch of legal sports betting in the state.

Upon announcing the expected results, Gov. Beshear said that an estimated $15.7 million was bet via retail sportsbooks. Not unexpectedly, he said that the majority of the bets were placed via mobile sportsbooks, an estimated $232.3 million.

Currently, Kentucky is one of 35 states, along with D.C., where sports betting is legal. In seven states, the legalization of sports betting has halted, while a handful are expecting to launch their legal betting markets.

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Kentucky officially embraced in-person sports bets on September 7, followed by the much-anticipated launch of an interactive platform for mobile and online wagers three weeks later, on September 28, a date that coincided with FanDuel’s launch of its mobile sports betting app. 

Ever since, sports betting in the Bluegrass State Sports has generated millions in state taxes while coinciding with an increase in the number of people asking for professional gambling addiction help.

While a portion of the wagered money is used to support the public pension deficit in Kentucky, among others, some will also reach the special fund that the state has dedicated to problem gaming. 

According to the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling’s president, Dr. RonSonlyn Clark, the respective money will be actively used to serve their purpose, in the context of the new problems rising in the state. 

Limited Number of Certified Counselors 

Clark spoke about the need to adjust to the ongoing technology advent that has been adopted by the gambling industry in the past years, which now allows gambling “from the comfort of your home in your pajamas 24/7, every day of the year.”

The president also raised the problem of the limited number of certified compulsive gambling counselors. At the moment, Kentucky only hosts five such certified counselors. 

In the context of a potentially large influx of fresh sports bettors brought in by the legalization of the activity, it is safe to assume that there will also be an increase in the number of players seeking problem gambling support. 

Quoting statistics, Clark spoke about the fact that up to 2% of gamblers will require “some treatment”. The council’s president strengthened this idea by mentioning the rise in the number of calls to the 1-800 hotline for gamblers while anticipating an exacerbation in the future.  

Also commenting on the current systems built to assist people with problem gaming, Clark said that while “some infrastructure” is currently available, she would like to see it get stronger. 

In this context, the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling has announced its intent to perform blitz training at the head of 2024 as a means of getting people who want to become gambling counselors the necessary.

Gambling Addiction Leads to High Rates of Suicide 

Another important issue raised by Clark regarded the high rate of suicide recorded among those affected by gambling addiction or disordered gambling. 

As explained by the therapist, “20% of people will attempt or complete suicide” once they are faced with gambling-related problems caused by financial issues, shame, secrecy, guilt, and the involvement of their families.

Clark further mentioned the “addictive quality” that goes hand in hand with gambling, mentioning substance and alcohol use as well as a variety of other types of behavioral addictions. While some of these are tied to genetics, others are triggered by people’s lifestyles, the things individuals are exposed to, or as a way of developing new coping mechanisms to escape daily problems. 

Accordingly, Clark expressed her desire to see a rehab center built to assist with recovery. Such a center would incur between $2 and  $3 million dollars in yearly costs.

The council, whose vision is to “be the focal point for problem gambling issues in the Commonwealth of Kentucky”, was set up almost three decades ago in an effort to promote prevention activities, raise awareness, and educate gamblers and individuals confronted with disorder gambling issues.

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Global online sports betting operator bet365 continues to make strides in North America and is now officially live in the state of Kentucky. The sportsbook is celebrating its launch with a variety of tempting offers for fans.

Bet365’s launch in the Bluegrass State was made possible by its partnership with Sandy’s Gaming and Racing, a local gaming company. This launch will further expand bet365’s US presence, allowing it to establish a foothold in a sixth state. For reference, bet365 currently offers betting in Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Iowa and Colorado.

Bet365 started accepting registrations and deposits from local consumers 30 days ago, allowing them to prepare for the operator’s eventual launch. Starting today, Kentuckian players can finally log into their accounts, commencing their sports betting journey with the operator.

Meanwhile, new customers of legal age can register to benefit from the operator’s tempting new customer offer: Bet $1 Get $365 in Bonus Bets. As the title suggests, the promotion allows punters to earn $365 in bonus bets if they wager at least $1 with the operator.

Kentuckians Will See What the Fuss Is About

In addition to the exciting welcome promotion, consumers can expect unparalleled gaming experiences. As announced by bet365, its betting site comes packed with fantastic features, such as Same Game Parlay, Cash Out and Edit Bet.

In addition to that, the company offers Bet Boosts and Super Boosts on a wide selection of sporting disciplines, as well as Same Game Parlay Profit Boosts.

Players can also find great offers on a wide range of popular sports and can benefit from Early Payouts when betting on leagues, such as the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and the NCAAB.

Bet365 also streams a whopping 780,000 events, allowing sports aficionados to never miss a major development and remain tuned. Finally, the company offers an extensive range of pre-match and in-game props on all major sporting events, further elevating customer engagement.

A bet365 spokesperson commented on the launch, expressing his team’s excitement about making a foray into such a great state. The representative added that his company’s functionalities will allow Kentuckians to step up their betting game.

Now Kentuckians can take advantage of our epic Bet Boosts, the fastest Live In-Game product and best Same Game Parlay experience and see first-hand why the bet365 experience is Never Ordinary.

Bet365 spokesperson

Speaking of bet365, the company recently secured Slingo games from Gaming Realms.

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Kentucky, the well-known American state, has finally announced the opening of its online sports betting market a few weeks after the state also launched its regulated retail wagering market.

Both online and retail betting were legalized through House Bill 551, which was signed into law by Andy Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky, in April 2023. The state authorities decided to open the retail market on 7 September, while the online betting market opened on 28 September.

The law stipulates that each of the racetracks located in Kentucky can form partnerships with up to three online sports betting operators and also offer retail betting. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has already prepared for this by issuing sports betting licenses for several operators in August.

For now there are eight different operators that have secured a service provider license for online betting in Kentucky: Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn Sports Interactive and Fanatics. Kambi also received a service provider license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, but only for retail operations.

BetMGM will offer both retail and online wagering after having secured a partnership with Sandy’s Racing and Gaming. The same racetrack also signed a partnership with Bet365.

Caesars is also offering both retail and online betting in partnership with The Red Mile, while Penn Sports Interactive has teamed up with Ellis Park to offer mobile betting. Circa and DraftKings have signed partnerships with Cumberland Run, while Kambi is providing retail-only betting services for Churchill Downs’ Ellis Park, Turfway Park and Oak Grove.

An Exciting Time

Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America, declared himself “thrilled” to have launched his company’s services in Kentucky, the 24th jurisdiction where the well-known brand is now live. “It’s an exciting time of year with the NFL and college football seasons currently underway,” Matt Kalish added.

Scot McClintic, Chief Product Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, announced that his brand will be launching in Kentucky with a jersey drop promotion, allowing each customer that signs up to receive a brand new jersey from any team in any sport.

In July 2023, when the state authorities first announced the launch dates for the Kentucky betting market, Governor Beshear described the moment as “a historic day for our commonwealth.” The Governor also added that along with the entertainment value that the betting market brings to people in Kentucky, the industry will also bring “money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky.”

Source: “Kentucky opens legal online sports betting market“. iGaming Business. September 28, 2023.

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The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council has published a Wagering Catalog outlining all the sports upon which wagers may be conducted. The publication follows a meeting of the council and comes ahead of the launch of sports betting in the state.

Recommended by Hans Stokke, the director of sports betting at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the list includes a large number of events although some were still left out.

For example, Kentucky bettors will be able to wager on all of the biggest sports leagues in the USA, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA and OGA. Wagers on a number of collegiate sports are also allowed.

In addition to that, sports punters will get to place bets on a variety of other events, such as tennis, cornhole, darts, billiards, snooker, chess and cycling. The Olympics are also on the list.

Interestingly, players will be able to wager on motorsports such as NASCAR, NHRA and IndyCar races, among others, but not on international Formula 1 events.

Many Events Made It on the List, Some Did Not

In the meantime, operators will also be allowed to accept wagers on combat sports such as boxing and the UFC. However, slap fighting and other combat sports failed to make it on the list because of their inherent brutality. Stokke in particular was reluctant to approve disciplines that “result in mayhem.”

LIV Golf, the controversial golf tour backed by Saudi Arabia, also made it to the list. However, its addition may be reevaluated if it merges with the PGA Tour.

Fans of video gaming also have a reason to rejoice as Kentucky is set to greenlight betting on eight of the biggest esports titles. These include the Call of Duty League, CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2, the NBA 2K League, the Overwatch League, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and VALORANT.

Unfortunately, fans of pickleball aren’t as lucky as the sport failed to make it to the list. However, Stokke reassured proponents of the discipline that it may get added in the future once his team is “more comfortable with the governing bodies that pickleball is subject to.”

Speaking of which, the list is likely to grow in time as more disciplines and women’s leagues are likely to be added in the future. However, the state plans to only include events that are overseen by a governing body that ensures their integrity.

Kentucky sports betting launches in a week. Starting September 7, retail sportsbooks will be able to accept wagers. A mobile launch will follow on September 28, although players can register in advance.

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Ahead of the planned opening of its $75 million horse racetrack and entertainment venue in Ashland, Kentucky, Sandy’s Racing & Gaming has announced a new collaboration with the globally recognized betting and gaming company, bet365. Known as a joint venture between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, Sandy’s Racing & Gaming anticipates opening the doors of its venue at some point this autumn.

Under the terms of the new agreement, bet365 will expand its footprint in the United States. Per the new deal, the betting and gaming company is expected to bring exciting offers and promotions for customers in Kentucky. Similar to its other betting operations, the sportsbook is expected to offer live betting, same-game parlay bets, as well as options for streaming different events.

Through the partnership with Sandy’s Gaming & Racing, bet365’s Kentucky operations will mark the sixth state where the company offers its services. The multi-year partnership comes after recently, the state’s regulator, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), greenlighted bet365’s temporary sports betting license. Along with the leading betting company, other betting behemoths such as DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM also secured licenses ahead of the launch of legal sports betting in Kentucky.

The Partnership Brings Excitement to the Duo

A spokesperson for bet365 revealed that the company is delighted to team up with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming. The spokesperson highlighted the company’s dedication to offering supreme betting experiences and praised the speed of its product. Finally, the spokesperson revealed that bet365 is looking forward to delivering its supreme services to customers in Kentucky.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming,“

explained a spokesperson for bet365

Prentice Salter, Revolutionary Racing’s CEO, revealed that it is currently an exciting time for sports fans in the state. He spoke about the strong position bet365 holds within the betting and gaming market, acknowledging its trusted, safe and fun services. Finally, Salter said that the company is delighted to forge this deal and bring new betting experiences for customers in Kentucky.

“This is an incredibly exciting time to be a sports fan in Kentucky.“

Prentice Salter, CEO of Revolutionary Racing

Kentucky legalized sports betting earlier this year, in March. The launch of the legal retail sports betting market in the state is expected on September 7, followed by an online launch near the end of the month, on September 28, 2023.

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Kentucky has ignited a legal battle against Bovada’s gambling operations, alleging significant violations of state law. Plaintiff Billi Jo Woods spearheads the class action lawsuit, asserting that Bovada ran an illicit gambling service within the state, causing substantial financial losses for users.

The lawsuit casts a wide net, targeting not only Bovada but also Morris Mohawk Gaming Group, Alywin Morris, Calvin Ayre, and Harp Media BV. Renowned for its offshore sports betting and live online casino offerings, Bovada faces allegations of breaching federal law by conducting gambling services within the US.

Filed in the Eastern District of Kentucky, the lawsuit seeks class certification and aims to recoup damages exceeding $5 million. Central to the plaintiff’s case is a Kentucky gambling loss recovery statute from the 1800s, which enables individuals who suffered gambling losses to pursue compensation. In certain circumstances, Kentucky law permits the trebling of damages.

The complaint hinges on the assertion that Bovada transgressed Kentucky law and exploited thousands of bettors. The plaintiffs are not only seeking reimbursement for individual losses but also for the legal expenses incurred during the case. Leveraging federal diversity jurisdiction, the lawsuit can be resolved within federal courts despite its foundation in state law.

Kentucky resident Billi Jo Woods claims to have lost substantial sums gambling on Bovada’s platforms. Additionally, Morris Mohawk Gaming Group, based in Quebec’s Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, is accused of reaping significant profits from various internet domains linked to Bovada.

Bovada, a subsidiary of Bodog, a prominent offshore gambling entity, comes under scrutiny in this lawsuit. Calvin Ayre, a defendant in the case, founded the company, although he purportedly left the gambling sphere in 2009.

This lawsuit mirrors the prior settlement between Kentucky and PokerStars, which also invoked a loss recovery statute. The outcome of this case could reverberate across the accountability and legality landscape of offshore gambling operators, garnering substantial attention.

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The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) recently revealed that seven horse tracks and seven online gambling operators have submitted applications for licenses, setting the stage for the highly anticipated sports betting launch.

September 7 Marks Retail Launch, Online Platforms Follow on September 28

The countdown is on, with the KHRC targeting September 7, coinciding with the kick-off of the NFL season, for retail sportsbooks to commence operations. Online platforms are expected to follow suit on September 28, providing a comprehensive betting experience for Kentuckians.

Gov. Andy Beshear expressed his enthusiasm in a recent press conference, stating: “Bringing sports wagering to the state not only gives Kentuckians a much-anticipated new form of entertainment, but also brings money to the state to support pensions, freeing up money that can be used to build a better Kentucky through the funding of education, economic development, disaster recovery, and other necessary projects, like providing cleaner water, building roads, and high-speed internet.”

The KHRC will convene on August 22 to review the license applications, considering both retail and digital options. The new state wagering law permits up to three digital partners for each of the nine eligible tracks. 

Kentucky’s License Applications Draw Leading Online Operators

Among the prominent online operators that applied for licenses are Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Penn Sports Interactive. This landscape showcases some of the biggest players in the industry, each vying to establish a foothold in the Kentucky market.

While Penn Sports Interactive aims to launch its new ESPN Bet platform in November, some uncertainty remains about whether it will debut under the Barstool banner in September or wait until the ESPN BET platform goes live.

Seven of the nine licensed racetracks in Kentucky have submitted applications to open retail sportsbooks at satellite locations, expanding the accessibility of sports betting to more Kentuckians. The KHRC’s diligent process aims to ensure wagering integrity and protect bettors throughout the state.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting, Kentucky’s legal process for the sports betting launch in the state was completed in April, allowing operators and suppliers to establish strategic partnerships ahead of the launch. 

The decision to coincide with the NFL season aims to maximize public interest, and the industry is expected to create jobs and contribute significantly to the state’s economy, with an anticipated annual tax revenue of $23 million. Responsible gambling measures are also being implemented to ensure safe participation.

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