Caesars Entertainment on Tuesday announced agreements with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing, both in Lexington, Kentucky, to offer sports betting. The agreement grants Caesars market access to offer regulated mobile sports wagering in Kentucky and includes plans to open Central Kentucky’s only brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook locations, subject to regulatory approvals from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

“Keeneland and Red Mile are iconic horse racing venues with an important legacies in the state of Kentucky,” said Caesars Digital President Eric Hession in a statement. “Customers in the region have long enjoyed our world-class Caesars destinations and, most recently, our horse racing wagering app, Caesars Racebook. Working with these historic institutions provides an unmatched opportunity to reach sports and racing fans in the state, and we look forward to working with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as we prepare to launch later this year.”

Per the agreement, Caesars Sportsbook will become an official sports betting partner of Keeneland and Red Mile and offer on-track hospitality and VIP experiences at both racetracks to Caesars Rewards members.

Founded in 1936, Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark and hosts annual racing meets in April and October. The venue also hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020, and 2022, and is the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, conducting five auctions a year.

“Keeneland’s venture with Caesars Sportsbook holds exciting potential and furthers our mission to introduce new audiences to horse racing,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Caesars is a globally respected brand, and we value their commitment to racing and their expertise in sports wagering.”

Red Mile, which opened inn 1875, is the second-oldest harness racing track in the world. It features more than 950 historical horse racing machines.

“At Red Mile Gaming & Racing we are excited to continue introducing this historic harness track to new audiences,” said Red Mile Chief Operating Officer Shannon Cobb. “Opportunities with sports wagering on site, added to live racing, simulcasting, and HHR Games accomplish goals we have worked toward for several years. Our relationships with Keeneland and Caesars in this venture could not be more valued.”

The partnerships reinforce Caesars’ commitment to horse racing and the expansion of the Caesars Racebook app, enabled through a partnership with the New York Racing Association. Caesars is the presenting sponsor of the National Horseplayers Championship hosted annually at the rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas.

Caesars also has announced plans for a mile-long thoroughbred racetrack with a casino and sportsbook in Columbus, Nebraska, at Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino. The venue is scheduled to open in 2024.