Seven Kentucky sports betting apps went live on Sept. 28, 2023, marking the long-awaited arrival of legal online sports wagering in the Bluegrass State. Circa Sports joined the fun in April 2024.
Nine retail locations opened their doors to KY bettors for in-person sports betting on Sept. 7, 2023. The long road to legal sports betting has been worthwhile for Bluegrass State bettors; in 2025, eight online Kentucky sportsbooks and 12 retail locations are accepting legal wagers.
Kentucky sports betting revenue
Kentucky sports betting went live in September 2023 and features both online and retail betting options.
Below is an outline of Kentucky's sports betting figures over the years:
Kentucky annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,695,303,478 | $295,393,400 | 11.1% |
| 2024 | $2,626,519,302 | $277,646,258 | 10.6% |
| 2023 | $886,130,170 | $110,199,075 | 12.4% |
Kentucky 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $277,120,574 | $33,638,951 | 12.1% |
| Feb | $224,733,399 | $29,873,955 | 13.3% |
| Mar | $293,176,264 | $20,161,752 | 6.9% |
| Apr | $219,760,439 | $23,711,149 | 10.8% |
| May | $209,561,145 | $26,211,737 | 12.5% |
| June | $174,823,576 | $22,702,306 | 13.0% |
| July | $161,423,832 | $17,685,240 | 11.0% |
| Aug | $193,089,076 | $22,579,550 | 11.7% |
| Sept | $287,594,263 | $25,890,217 | 9.0% |
| Oct | $329,580,318 | $27,339,232 | 8.2% |
| Nov | $324,440,592 | $45,599,311 | 14.0% |
Kentucky 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $245,604,391 | $35,967,753 | 14.6% |
| Feb | $199,449,413 | $19,491,638 | 9.8% |
| Mar | $256,246,090 | $22,107,012 | 8.6% |
| Apr | $187,319,033 | $23,237,278 | 12.4% |
| May | $181,351,571 | $21,603,056 | 11.9% |
| June | $150,313,713 | $15,766,953 | 10.5% |
| July | $129,270,003 | $15,431,178 | 11.9% |
| Aug | $151,409,422 | $12,143,829 | 8.0% |
| Sept | $255,863,415 | $33,881,493 | 13.2% |
| Oct | $274,928,953 | $21,140,572 | 7.7% |
| Nov | $301,740,758 | $36,629,990 | 12.1% |
| Dec | $293,022,540 | $20,245,506 | 6.9% |
Kentucky 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept | $45,862,901.92 | $2,560,455 | 5.6% |
| Oct | $294,950,219.16 | $54,037,982 | 18.3% |
| Nov | $281,455,256 | $21,580,783 | 7.7% |
| Dec | $263,861,793 | $32,019,855 | 12.1% |
Kentucky sports betting at a glance
- Launch date: September 2023
- Regulator: Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC)
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $5,562,010,964
- Lifetime revenue: $613,640,185
- Last updated: December 24, 2025
Note: Kentucky reports sports betting revenue on a monthly basis. Figures below reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About sports betting revenue in Kentucky
Kentucky legalized sports betting in March 2023, with retail wagering launching in September 2023 followed shortly by the rollout of online and mobile sportsbook platforms under a framework overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
The state’s model is built around Kentucky’s horse racing industry, with licensed racetracks serving as the primary sports betting operators and hosting both retail sportsbooks and affiliated online/mobile platforms. This structure ties sports wagering closely to existing racing facilities while allowing statewide mobile access.
Each month, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission publishes official sports wagering reports detailing statewide handle, gross wagering revenue, and tax collections. These reports combine results from both retail and online betting activity and provide the foundation for tracking market performance in Kentucky.
Because regulatory structures, tax rates, and reporting methodologies vary by jurisdiction, Kentucky’s sports betting figures are best evaluated within the context of its racetrack-centered regulatory model rather than through direct comparison with other states alone.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
Kentucky sports teams to bet on
Kentucky does not have any major professional sports teams. However, the Bluegrass State is home to two of the most popular teams in college basketball, which can be wagered on. The University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky have been perennial contenders for years. Both have formidable college football and baseball teams as well.
Fans of professional sports teams can make relatively short drives to Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee. Superfans can hop in an airplane to see games in Chicago, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
Regardless of college or pro fandom, sports bettors should research all sports before placing any wagers with Kentucky sports betting sites. Check out our how to bet guides to get started.
Although no upcoming fights are scheduled in the Bluegrass State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related sports betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Sports betting revenue tracker FAQ
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
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