Lexington has always been known as Wildcat Country, but soon it will be home to Caesars Sportbook. Caesars Entertainment has announced its first market access agreement since Kentucky legalized sport betting in the Bluegrass State earlier this year. It will be working with both Lexington racetracks Keeneland, and the Red Mile to bring sports gambling to the Bluegrass State.
Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said, “Keeneland & Red Mile are iconic horse race venues in Kentucky with an important heritage.” Customers in the region enjoy our world-class Caesars locations and, more recently, Caesars Racebook, our horse betting app. We are excited to work with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to launch our app later this year.
The partnership will also include VIP and Hospitality at both properties. However, the retail sportsbook is located at Red Mile. This property includes a 950 machine Historical Horse Racing facility, in addition to the harness racing track. Keeneland offers two meets a year, each lasting a month, in the spring and fall.
Keeneland CEO Shannon Arvin said, “Keeneland’s venture with Caesars Sportsbook has exciting potential and advances our mission to introduce horse racing to new audiences.” “Caesars has a global reputation, and we appreciate their commitment to horse racing and their expertise with sports betting.”
Shannon Cobb , Chief Operating Officer of Red Mile Gaming & Racing, said: “We are thrilled to introduce this historic harness racetrack to new audiences.” “Sports wagering opportunities on site combined with live racing, simulation, and HHR games accomplishes goals we’ve worked towards for many years.” “Our relationships with Keeneland in this venture couldn’t be more valuable.”
Before the partnership can proceed, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission must license and approve Caesars’ entry into the state. The fall has been the most popular time for speculation about a possible launch date in Kentucky. However, this is an entirely new venture for the Commission. The law will not go into effect until the 28th of June this year. At that point, the commission can start publishing draft regulations.
