Sports fans in Kentucky made their way to Churchill Downs for the opening weekend of legalized sports betting in the commonwealth hoping to win big.
Governor Andy Beshear made his first bet on Thursday at Churchill Downs and other Kentuckians have followed suit for an industry that is expected to explode.
Usually at Churchill Downs, you see horse bettors fill the halls but now that sports betting is legalized, sports fans of all kinds are joining the scene.
In fact, starting at 11:30 a.m. mutuel clerks said long lines were building to make bets ahead of the 1:00 p.m. kickoffs.
The turnout showcased the excitement fans have for Kentucky’s new legalized industry.
One of Churchill Down’s Mutuel Managers said they saw more than 3,500 sports bettors for opening weekend.
The chance to cash a winning ticket while betting on sports like football has even enticed some of the most avid horse bettors as well.
Governor Beshear said he expects sports betting to generate more than $23 million a year and now that people don’t have to cross the bridge to make their bets, it will all stay in the Commonwealth.
You are not just limited to sports betting at Churchill Downs, you can also do so at Derby City Gaming, Ellis Park in Henderson and Red Mile in Lexington, which are all approved locations for sports betting in Kentucky.
Online sports betting in the Commonwealth will begin on September 28.
Source: WAVE
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