Caesars joins Kentucky sports betting launch with new sportsbook at Lexington's Red Mile Gaming and Racing

Caesars Entertainment, in partnership with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing, celebrated the grand opening of Caesars Sportsbook at Lexington's Red Mile on Thursday, coinciding with the much-anticipated statewide debut of Kentucky retail sports betting.

The more than 4,600-square-foot sportsbook in Lexington is the only retail sportsbook in Central Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear placed the ceremonial first bet alongside Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Caesars, Keeneland, and Red Mile representatives.

“Caesars Sportsbook at Red Mile brings a premier in-person sportsbook to an iconic Kentucky destination,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “We’re proud to partner with Keeneland and Red Mile to bring in-person sports wagering to life in a way that honors the important legacy they hold in the Bluegrass State. Sports fans and horse racing fans should expect an experience that treats them like royalty, similar to what they’ve enjoyed at our world-class destinations in the region.”

“Red Mile and Keeneland have prepared a premium space dedicated to sports wagering,” said Red Mile Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Shannon Cobb. “We believe Caesars will provide excitement with their sports wagering product that exceeds expectations, and we are excited to invite the public out for the full experience. We hope guests will also take a moment to experience live harness racing, gaming, and great food and beverage while they are with us.”

Meanwhile in Kentucky, @RedMileKY just opened up their very own Caesars Sportsbook! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/xklj37HynE

— Caesars Sportsbook & Casino (@CaesarsSports) September 7, 2023

Open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to midnight, Caesars describes the sportsbook at Red Mile as a "state-of-the-art Vegas-style sportsbook" featuring five betting windows and an elevated bar area complete with wall-to-wall flatscreen televisions on the first floor and 14 self-service betting kiosks throughout the gaming floor and simulcasting areas.

The second level of the venue includes an elevated atmosphere with a variety of comfortable seating arrangements for larger sporting events, views of the racetrack, and full food & beverage service throughout the space.

Caesars said its partnership with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing also reinforces the company’s commitment to horse racing and the expansion of the Caesars Racebook app, which is live in 17 states, including Kentucky.

“Keeneland is excited to team with Caesars and Red Mile, both of whom share our commitment to providing a quality fan experience,” added Keeneland President and Chief Executive Officer, Shannon Arvin. “Sports wagering offers great potential for horse racing to reach new audiences, and we value Caesar's demonstrated support of the sport nationwide.”

Mobile sports wagering is launching in Kentucky next on September 28th, and Caesars is set to debut its online product on that date. Dan Shapiro, Chief Development Officer with Caesars Sportsbook, said while it won’t be usable until then, patrons can still download the app and make a deposit ahead of time.