Gov. Andy Beshear reflects on first year of legal sports betting in Kentucky

Sunday, September 8, 2024 2:10 PM
Photo:  Office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
  • Josh Shortt, WDKY-TV

September 7 [marked] the first anniversary of legalized sports betting in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear spoke on what the move has meant for Kentucky’s economy.

It’s a safe bet to say Kentuckians have been enjoying legalized sports betting, with tax revenue being a huge buff to Kentucky’s economy as the first-anniversary approaches.

“The first year of sports betting was hugely successful and it exceeded all expectations,” Beshear said. The governor addressed the economic boost from sports betting at his Thursday Team Kentucky update, running the numbers of what it brought to the state.

“For fiscal year 2024, sports wagering beat all odds by bringing in $37.2 million in revenue from sports wagering, taxes, and licensing fees…” Beshear said.