The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission reported a combined sports wagering handle of $340.8 million for September and October, as mobile operators jockeyed for a foothold in a state more known for horse racing.
September was a month primarily for retail wagering, with the state launching brick-and-mortar operations Sept. 7 and its seven mobile betting app operators entering three weeks later. Kentucky bettors may have had some beginner’s luck, as operators totaled just $2.7 million in gross revenue from nearly $45.9 million handle, limiting the house to a 5.9% hold.
Operators regrouped in emphatic fashion in October, however, routing the public with a staggering 18.5% win rate to claim $54.5 million in gross revenue off $295 million worth of accepted wagers. Kentucky currently ranks 13th nationally for October handle, but Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois will push it down the pecking order when those respective reports are released.
