Circa Sports expands Kentucky presence with temporary retail sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall

Sports betting company Circa Sports is expanding its footprint in Kentucky’s sports betting market with the launch of a temporary brick-and-mortar sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs. The Las Vegas-based operator is establishing a retail presence in the state as it plans to open a permanent sportsbook in 2025.

The temporary sportsbook in Franklin, Kentucky, opened Monday and includes three standard betting windows, one ADA-compliant window, five self-service kiosks, 10 televisions, four odds boards, and an additional kiosk at the Oasis Side Bar within The Mint Gaming Hall.

“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. 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,” Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports, said. 

Circa expanded its operations into Kentucky in May with the launch of its mobile betting app. The debut was facilitated through a licensing deal with ECL Corbin at its Cumberland Run harness track.

This launch marks the fifth state for Circa Sports, following its operations in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Nevada. The Circa Sports Kentucky app is available to residents and visitors aged 18 and over and can be funded remotely from anywhere within the state.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of sports, where every page tells a story of passion, victory, and determination,” The Mint Gaming Hall general manager Johan Mirkovic said.

"As we open the doors to our new sportsbook and great partnership with Circa’s amazing team, we invite you to immerse yourself in the thrill of the game and the beauty of competition. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of athleticism and the joy of sportsmanship – may this book be a testament to the timeless love for all things sports."

According to data from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the state’s eight sportsbooks reported a total handle of $150 million in June, a 17% decrease compared to the previous year. DraftKings led the online market with $56.6 million in accepted wagers and $5.2 million in adjusted gross revenue for the month.

Circa, still gaining market share in Kentucky, reported an online handle of $805,833 in June, ranking last among the state’s eight licensed operators. The company generated $10,901 in adjusted gross revenue and paid $1,553 in excise tax for the month.