The move into Kentucky comes through a partnership with ECL Corbin’s Cumberland Run harness track, making Circa Sports KY the eighth sportsbook to launch in the Bluegrass State. This expansion is part of Circa Sports’ broader strategy to build its mobile and retail brand across various U.S. states, following successful launches in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada.
Circa’s Entry Amidst Strong Competition
The Kentucky sports betting market, which legalized wagering in September 2023, has seen a rapid uptake. In the months following the launch, the state reported a sports betting handle of $1.4 billion. In-person betting kicked off on September 7, followed by mobile betting on September 28, highlighting Kentucky’s readiness to embrace legalized sports wagering.
With big names like DraftKings and FanDuel dominating the market, holding approximately 75% of the market share, Circa Sports faces significant competition from established brands, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Despite entering a crowded field, Circa Sports is confident in its ability to carve out a niche in Kentucky. Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports, expressed optimism about the brand’s future in Kentucky, stating,
“We’ve always had our sights set here as we know it is a major hub for college sports, horse racing, and more. We are looking forward to providing Kentucky bettors with some of the best odds and expertise out there.”
Temporary Retail Sportsbook at Mint Gaming Hall
To capitalize on the excitement surrounding sports betting in Kentucky, Circa Sports has announced the opening of a temporary retail sportsbook at the Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs.
The sportsbook, opened on August 12, was strategically timed to align with the start of the college football and NFL seasons. The temporary facility features multiple betting windows and Kentucky sports betting kiosks, providing an interactive and traditional sports betting experience for customers.
John Wholihan, marketing director for Mint Gaming Hall, emphasized the importance of this timing, noting,
“It got done on time, and that’s not a guarantee for every property to have their brick-and-mortar running before football season. We were able to, and it works out for everyone.”
The temporary sportsbook aims to attract sports fans who prefer a more traditional betting atmosphere, away from the convenience of mobile betting apps.
Future Prospects and Unique Offerings
Circa Sports is not just focusing on the temporary setup; a more permanent addition to Kentucky online sportsbooks is planned for the summer of 2025. The sportsbook aims to distinguish itself with unique offerings such as higher betting limits, a wide range of betting options, and specialized wagering formats, including future bets in parlay and two-sided, yes/no future betting. Known for its competitive pricing and customer service, Circa Sports is poised to attract a loyal customer base in Kentucky.
The introduction of Circa Sports into Kentucky reflects the state’s growing sports betting landscape, driven by both in-person and mobile betting. With Circa Sports entering the fray, Kentucky sports bettors now have access to one of the industry’s most respected brands, further enriching the state’s vibrant betting market.
As Circa Sports continues to expand and enhance its offerings, Kentucky is set to become a pivotal battleground for sportsbooks competing for market share in the U.S. legal sports betting industry.
