BetMGM to be 21+ Only in KY, Company Prepares for September 28 Launch of Legal Betting in State

BetMGM Sportsbook is ready to make waves in Kentucky. With mobile wagering set to launch in the bluegrass state on Sept. 28, the sportsbook is anticipating hundreds of thousands of downloads in the coming week.

Just ahead of BetMGM’s full launch in Kentucky, Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost spoke with LINEUPS.com about what bettors can expect from the mobile sportsbook, the planned brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, the economic impact for the state, and how the sports betting operator is focusing on responsible gaming in the area.

Advice For First-Time BetMGM Sportsbook Users

Matt Prevost: I would recommend to someone who just signed up for BetMGM in Kentucky to explore all that the app has to offer. The BetMGM app has a lot of new functionalities to get in the action whether it is Same Game Parlays, promotions or various contests we will be running throughout the year.

Also, be sure to take advantage of the first bet offers. New users can either place up to $1,500 on their first bet and have it paid back in bonus bets if it loses, or wager $10 on any football game and instantly receive $200 in bonus bets.

BetMGM Tools For First-Time Bettors

Matt Prevost: First time bettors can go on the BetMGM GameSense website that offers a variety of tools and information to explain how sports betting works. The GameSense program removes the mystery of the lines and odds, and provides a guide on how to wager responsibly.

Most Popular Events For BetMGM Kentucky Bettors

Matt Prevost: Football is definitely king of the sports betting world in the U.S. In Kentucky, we expect to see increased activity for college football compared to some of our other markets.

However, nothing compares to an NFL Sunday. Also given the passion for college hoops across Kentucky, we anticipate a lot of excitement surrounding the college basketball markets once the season tips off.

What To Expect From The BetMGM Kentucky Retail Sportsbook

Matt Prevost: The retail space we are building with our partner Revolutionary Racing Kentucky at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming will deliver everything fans expect from a destination sportsbook experience. The 5,200-square-foot venue in Ashland will immerse guests with premium screens to catch all the games, convenient self-service BetMGM kiosks as well as in-person betting windows.

It will be a true gaming and entertainment venue bringing the BetMGM experience to Kentucky. Additionally, plans are underway to eventually build a racetrack 182 acres adjacent to the sportsbook, which will begin hosting races in 2025.

Sandy’s will be a 21+ gaming location. In addition to the sportsbook and wagering lounge, there will also be two stages for live entertainment and more than 700 slot machines for guests to enjoy.

BetMGM’s Decision To Require 21+ Bettors In Kentucky

Matt Prevost: We remain committed to operating responsibly in every market and 21+ makes the most sense for our business in Kentucky.

BetMGM’s Responsible Gaming Efforts With GameSense

Matt Prevost: GameSense is an industry-leading program developed focusing on positive, transparent, and proactive conversations with players about how to gamble responsibly.

BetMGM integrated GameSense into our digital platforms, providing customers tools for setting spending limits, while dispelling common gambling misconceptions. GameSense offers easily accessible resources for customers and their families to connect with highly trained GameSense Advisors.

Other Responsible Gaming Efforts By BetMGM

Matt Prevost: In addition to the GameSense program mentioned above, BetMGM made a new pledge to feature responsible gaming messages in its marketing and advertising campaigns. Responsible gaming messaging is now featured within BetMGM’s mobile app and within BetMGM advertisements ranging from billboard marketing to television, print and radio ads across the U.S.

We are committed to leading the industry in promoting responsible gaming, which is why we pursued this effort to use our advertising as a platform to promote responsible gaming.

Kentucky Sports Betting’s Economic Impact

Matt Prevost: The economic impact for Kentucky will be significant both from tax revenue received from the legal industry, as well as the additional employment opportunities that come with the growth of the sports betting industry.

Bengals, Titans Projected to Get Most Bets

Matt Prevost: Kentucky will be an interesting market as we think the bets will be split between the regions. The new enhancements in the app allow fans to travel between Kentucky and surrounding states where online sports betting is already available (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee) with a seamless BetMGM account login and balance.

So we think that could offer an interesting division within Kentucky from Bengals fans in the north, Steelers fans in the east and Titans fans in the south. Of course, we project a lot of futures bets statewide on the University of Kentucky once basketball season starts.

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Anthony Elio is the Lead Writer for LINEUPS.com, focusing on sports betting, online casino gaming, and horse racing. He covers state betting handles, sportsbook partnerships, operator news, and NHL picks. Outside of his work with LINEUPS, Elio has also written for Daily Fantasy Cafe, Innovation & Tech Today, Krazy Coupon Lady, and Residential Tech Today.

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