Sports wagering is now in the books in Kentucky. The Kentucky Racing Commission has six months to set up the regulatory framework. Jim Goodman is the director of wagering development at Keeneland. He said there are some similarities between those who bet on the ponies and those watching the over and under on basketball games.
“General horseplayers who are challenged by the mathematics about horse racing, about looking at the numbers, about looking at the past performances, and that’s a mental challenge for them. They do migrate to sports wagering quite a bit,” said Goodman.
Still, Goodman doesn’t think there are studies to suggest a decrease in horse racing handles, but that sports wagering is supplemental to track betting. He added Keeneland has a strong product as well.
Goodman noted the historical racing facility at Lexington’s Red Mile is well suited for a sports wagering area. Goodman added Keeneland is not a sure bet.
“Keeneland of course, we’re a racetrack and if we decided to have it over there there’s some areas that would be adaptable to sports wagering as well. But, that has not been decided as to whether there will be one or two facilities in Lexington,” said Goodman.
Goodman said there will be two licenses in Lexington, one at Keeneland and one at the Red Mile. The wagering director at Keeneland noted the earliest legal sports wagering could officially begin is June 28th.
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