It’s temporary. But it won’t be for long.
Las Vegas-based sports betting operator, Circa Sports, is making its mark in Kentucky’s sports betting market. The company recently opened a temporary brick-and-mortar sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs, pending regulatory approvals.
Circa Sports is the eighth sportsbook to expand into the Kentucky sports betting market.
“Launching a sportsbook in a new state is a significant milestone for any operator, and we couldn’t think of a better venue than The Mint Gaming Hall,” said Circa CEO Derek Stevens. “Kentucky’s passion for sports makes it an ideal location, and we’re excited to offer customers a unique betting experience, combining some of the best odds in the industry with top-tier service.”
This move is part of Circa’s broader strategy to establish a retail presence in the Bluegrass State. Plans are also underway for a permanent brick-and-mortar sportsbook to open in 2025.
What Does The New Sportsbook Offer?
The temporary retail sportsbook in Franklin, Kentucky will offer three standard betting windows, one ADA window, five self-service kiosks, 10 TVs, four odds boards, and a kiosk at the Oasis Side Bar inside The Mint Gaming Hall.
The Mint Gaming Hall is in Franklin, KY, and will be the nearest in-person sportsbook to Nashville, TN. While Tennessee’s sports betting is exclusively online and lacks casino gambling, Nashville remains a crucial market for the Mint. The appeal lies in providing a more traditional experience—watching games on big screens without relying solely on phones for betting.
Kentucky became Circa Sports’ fifth market when it began accepting bets there in May. During its first six weeks, the Circa Sports app generated $53,200 in revenue from a $1.6 million sports betting handle in Kentucky.
Sports Betting in Kentucky Surges in a Short Time
Nearly a year ago, in-person Kentucky sportsbooks kicked off during the NFL season, followed shortly by KY sports betting apps. Retail operations, such as the one at Red Mile Gaming and Racing in Lexington, strategically timed their launch for football season. By June, the total Kentucky sports betting handle had surged to more than $2.1 billion, including $79 million from in-person bets.
Circa To Face Stiff Competition in Kentucky
Circa Sports faces fierce competition in Kentucky’s sports betting market. Established giants like DraftKings and FanDuel already hold a significant share. Other prominent Kentucky sportsbook apps include:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
Despite this challenging landscape, there’s optimism for Circa Sports’ success in Kentucky. Why? It has a strong reputation.
Known for competitive pricing, a wide range of betting options, and generous limits, Circa Sports is transforming a successful retail presence into an expanded premium online sports betting platform. Additionally, the company provides unique sports wagering options, including future bets in parlay and two-sided yes/no betting.
In short, you’ll get a taste of the Las Vegas experience in The Bluegrass State, which is why these are exciting times for sports betting enthusiasts in Kentucky!
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