Keeneland announces deal with Caesars Sportsbook to be sports gambling platform
Keeneland announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Caesars Sportsbook to be the sports wagering platform for the track, as well as Red Mile, when legalized sports gambling goes into effect in Kentucky later this year.
According to Keeneland, the agreement 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 legacy in the state of Kentucky,” said Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital. “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.”
“Keeneland’s venture with Caesars Sportsbook holds exciting potential and furthers our mission to introduce new audiences to horse racing,” said Shannon Arvin, Keeneland’s president and CEO. “Caesars is a globally respected brand, and we value their commitment to racing and their expertise in sports wagering.”
“At Red Mile Gaming & Racing we are excited to continue introducing this historic harness track to new audiences,” Red Mile Chief Operating Officer Shannon Cobb commented. “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 Caesars Racebook app is facilitated through a partnership with the New York Racing Association. The company also recently announced plans for a mile-long Thoroughbred racetrack with a casino and sportsbook in Columbus, Nebraska, at Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino, coming in 2024.
As part of this relationship, Caesars Sportsbook will be an official sports betting partner of Keeneland and Red Mile and offer on-track hospitality and VIP experiences at both racetracks. In addition, Caesars Sportsbook will operate an on-premise retail sportsbook at Red Mile, subject to regulatory approvals, “so guests can enjoy the excitement of sports betting, gaming, and simulcasting all under one roof,” according to Keeneland’s press release.
The Kentucky legislature passed a bill legalizing sports gambling in the state earlier this year. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is in charge of guidelines and implementation of the program.
Caesars recently adopted an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that limits Caesars Rewards accounts to individuals over 21 and, where allowed by law, limits all domestic gaming, pari-mutuel, sports, and iGaming options to those 21 and older. The Kentucky law allows ages 18 and older to place bets, but Caesars’ 21 and older policy will apply to all sports wagering operations conducted by Caesars Sportsbook in Kentucky.
Asked if the Caesar’s Sportsbook app would change the Keeneland Select app, Keeneland Director of Communications Amy Gregory responded, “Will be in addition to the Keeneland Select app for now. There is potential for growth in handle on horse racing as technology evolves and we are able to offer wagering on horse racing from the same wallet and menu on sports betting and racing apps.”
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