More than three years after sports betting began in Kentucky, state figures show the industry has generated more tax revenue than expected, with most wagers placed online and a smaller share made at retail sportsbooks.
In-person betting and online wagering both began in Sept. 2023. Since then, $8.4 billion has been wagered in Kentucky as of Oct. 12, according to figures from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
The state estimated sports betting would generate $23 million annually in taxes. As of October, Kentucky has generated $128.2 million in total tax revenue from sports wagering.
