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The Red Mile

On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about The Red Mile in Kentucky, including how to get in contact with them, if they offer sports betting and much more.

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One of the oldest harness racing tracks in the United States, The Red Mile in Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY, and is a must-stop for any horse racing or gaming enthusiast in the area. Featuring an iconic red clay track, The Red Mile is a cornerstone of American harness racing and has been for more than 100 years.

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about The Red Mile in Kentucky, and how we got to the racetrack and gaming facility we know today.

About The Red Mile in Kentucky

Located just outside of Lexington, KY, The Red Mile in Kentucky opened its doors in 1875, and today is one of the longest-running harness race tracks in the world. Featuring its distinctive red clay track, for which it has become well-known over the past 100+ years, The Red Mile in Kentucky now offers much more than harness racing.

In addition to the legendary harness racing track, The Red Mile now features more than 900 Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines, other electronic gaming, a simulcast betting facility, and most recently, a sportsbook. In recent years, The Red Mile has also added a host of dining options for visitors, including casual and more upscale dining.

In terms of Lexington’s overall economy, the Red Mile has consistently enhanced the entertainment landscape over the years, combining a rich history of horse racing with constantly evolving gaming. Regular visitors to The Red Mile in Kentucky are encouraged to sign up for the Winners’ Circle loyalty program, which offers promotions throughout the year and exclusive offers for their most loyal customers.

Despite the gaming options expanding at The Red Mile, the race track has stuck to its roots of horse racing, expanding from just harness racing to though-bred racing, as well. With Major Stakes held each year, The Red Mile is a great place to catch a random weeknight race, as well as take in some of the more iconic races held throughout the year in Kentucky.

Does The Red Mile offer sports betting?

Yes, The Red Mile offers sports betting via their recently opened Caesars Sportsbook, officially opening their doors on September 7, 2023. Plans began being made when KY sports betting was officially signed into legislation (via House Bill 551) in March 2023, with retail sportsbooks allowed to open nearly six months later.

Already offering a world class gaming experience with their horse race track, HHR gaming machines, and simulcast betting facility, the Caesars Sportsbook at The Red Mile rounds out what has turned into the premier gaming destination in Lexington Kentucky. Unlike other sportsbooks across the state, which only offer self-service sports betting kiosks, the Caesars Sportsbook at The Red Mile is full service sportsbook offering staffed betting counters, a lounge, and high-definition video wall.

The partnership between Caesars Sportsbook and The Red Mile

Long in the works but announced officially on September 7, 2023, Caesars Entertainment, Inc, in partnership with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing, inked a deal to become the exclusive sportsbook partner of The Red Mile. With a grand opening ceremony held that same day, the first bet at Caesars Sportsbook was made by Governor Andy Beshear with Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission by his side.

In total, the Caesars Sportsbook at The Red Mile spans more than 4,600-square-foot of space with self-service sports betting kiosks, staffed betting windows, a massive video board with dozens of high definition televisions, state-of-the-art sports betting technology, and a great atmosphere. Just like on the Caesars Sportsbook KY betting app, new customers at The Red Mile Sportsbook are eligible for a lucrative welcome offer. New customers who deposit and place an initial cash wager of $50 or more, will receive $250 in bonus bets whether the wager is a winner or loser. 

Open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to midnight and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to midnight, the Caesars Sportsbook at Red Mile is one of the most readily available retail sportsbooks in Kentucky. The Red Mile website even features a “How to Bet” section under their sportsbook page, which shows new bettors how to wager on everything from football, basketball, baseball, and more.

Are there other kinds of gambling at The Red Mile?

Since opening in 1875, The Red Mile has constantly been evolving their options when it comes to gaming. Let’s take a closer look at the kinds of gambling at The Red Mile today.

  • Harness Racing: Known for their iconic red clay track, live harness races have been held at The Red Mile since its opening nearly 150 years ago.
  • Historical Horse Racing (HHR) Machines: HHRs are electronic gaming machines that operate similar to slot machines, with the main difference being they use outcomes of previously run horse races to determine winners.
  • Simulcast Racing: Also known as off-track-betting (OTB), simulcast racing shows live broadcasts of horse races from around the country, allowing patrons to watch and bet on the races.
  • Sports Betting: Opened in September 2023, Caesars Sportsbook signed an exclusive partnership with The Red Mile to open a sportsbook on September 7, 2023. All of the most popular sports in the world are available for betting seven days a week, including football, basketball, baseball, MMA, soccer, hockey, and more.
  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): One of the oldest forms of gambling in Kentucky, DFS operators DraftKings and FanDuel have been live in the Bluegrass State since 2009.

Entertainment and cuisine at The Red Mile

Considered the premier gaming and entertainment destination of Lexington, KY, there is much more to do at The Red Mile than just gamble. Let’s take a closer look at the entertainment and cuisine options at The Red Mile available today.

  • Live Entertainment: Featuring local DJs Thursday-Sunday most weeks, The Red Mile is one of the best venues in the area to catch a live show.
  • Frankie’s Bar & Grill: Open every day from 11 AM to 2 AM, Frankie's Bar & Grill offers traditional American cuisine and is the primary restaurant at The Red Mile.
  • Center Bar: The Center Bar is a great place to watch a game or horse race, and offers a variety of specialty cocktails and craft beers. They are open everyday from 11 AM to 2 AM, as well.
  • Wager’s Burgers & Brews: One of the best burgers in town, Wager’s is located on the second floor of the simulcast betting area and offers beautiful views of The Red Mile racetrack. Wager’s is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
  • Red Bar: The newest addition to The Red Mile Kentucky property is the Red Bar, which is an upscale modern sports bar located in the Red Bar Lounge. Open seven days a week, hours vary by day with the Red Bar and Kitchen having differing hours.

Contact & opening hours


Address: 1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Website: www.redmileky.com
E-mail address: [email protected]
Phone number: (859) 255-0752