Kentucky recorded US$216.5 million in sports betting handle in July 2026, an increase of approximately 34% year-on-year, driven almost entirely by the digital channel, according to the monthly market report overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRG).
Of the total amount wagered, US$213.5 million came from online platforms, up nearly 35% from July 2025, while retail locations processed around US$3 million, only 2% higher year-on-year. As a result, online betting accounted for approximately 98.6% of the statewide handle, compared with just 1.4% for retail. July volume was slightly below the US$222.7 million wagered in June 2026, representing a month-on-month decline of around 2.8%. However, the year-on-year performance still points to substantial expansion during a traditionally slower period before the start of the NFL regular season.
KHRG compiles data submitted by licensed operators and publishes its Sports Wagering Market Reports. As of September 2026, the corporation is led by Jamie Eads, President & CEO, while Jonathan Rabinowitz serves as Board Chairman and Hannah Simms holds the position of Director of Sports Wagering. Kentucky legalized sports betting through House Bill 551. Retail wagering launched on September 7, 2023, while mobile sports betting went live on September 28, 2023.
Major digital operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, Circa Sports and other authorized providers linked to state racetracks such as Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Kentucky Downs, The Red Mile and Oak Grove Gaming and Racing.
The state taxes Adjusted Gross Sports Wagering Revenue, rather than total handle, at 14.25% for online operations and 9.75% for retail. Since July 2026, the market has also operated under changes introduced by the Wagering Consumer Protection Act, which raised the minimum sports betting age from 18 to 21 and strengthened compliance, fraud prevention, self-exclusion and consumer protection controls.
