Governor Andy Beshear officially placed the first legal sports wager in Kentucky on Thursday at Churchill Downs by supporting the home teams.
He placed a $20 parlay bet for the “over” on wins for the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky football teams, and the “under” on Duke University’s football team.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman also placed a wager at an opening event at Turfway Park in northern Kentucky. She bet $20 on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl.
For supporters of sports betting, it was a moment to celebrate.
Indiana opened sports betting in 2019. Bettors tired of crossing the Ohio River appreciated the convenience of placing bets close to home.
The abundance of betting machines installed at Churchill Downs made selections simple. No line, no waiting and apparently no confusion.
In-person betting is only available right now. Betting with mobile apps will begin in Kentucky on September 28.
Beshear pushed for sports betting in his first race for Governor. Sports betting is expected to bring in $23 million a year in tax revenues. It joins parimutuel betting, Historic Horse Racing gaming and the lottery as gambling options in Kentucky.
Beshear said he hopes there could be even more in the future as he is still in favor full casino gaming.
Source: WAVE
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