Churchill Downs closes its sportsbook. Can you still bet in person? Here's what to know

Churchill Downs closes its sportsbook. Can you still bet in person? Here’s what to know

Posted by author February 14, 2025 Horse Racing

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Bettors will no longer be able to place bets in person on various sporting events as Churchill Downs racetrack closes its sportsbook.

“With 98% of sports betting made on mobile platforms such as FanDuel, there simply isn’t a profitable path forward for us to sustain profitability as a retail operator,” said Churchill Downs racetrack spokesman Darren Rogers in a statement. “We’re going to focus our time and resources elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, simulcast and live race wagering continues at Churchill Downs, as it did before the opening of the sportsbook at Churchill Downs in September 2023 after Kentucky’s legalization of sports betting.

The 2025 Spring Meet, which includes the Kentucky Derby, begins this year on Saturday, April 26. Race-goers will still be able to walk up to mutuel-clerk windows or use self-service betting machines to place a bet on a horse race. Fans can also skip any lines by using mobile wagering.

While sportsbook betting at the track ended Feb. 9, bettors can continue to cash in winning tickets at the racetrack until Feb. 16, according to signage at the racetrack. After that date, tickets can be cashed via mail.

The betting venue on the second floor of the racetrack’s clubhouse offered 15 sports betting kiosks, a 168-square-foot video screen and 20 televisions, according to a news release from the company announcing the new offering.

Kentuckians bet $3.5 billion from September 2023 to December 2024, with only $124.7 million of that total, about 3.5%, coming from in-person wagers, according to data from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

Here’s what to know about sports betting in Kentucky:

What is a sportsbook?

A sportsbook is a venue where a sports fan can wager on various sporting competitions. Bets can be placed on everything from yearly major sporting events to regular season games, on sports such as golf, football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, horse racing, greyhound racing, boxing and more.

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky. Kentucky in-person sports betting launched on Sept. 7, 2023, at retail locations and online on Sept. 28 of that year. Kentucky legalized sports betting when Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law in March 2023.

Approved online sports betting providers in Kentucky include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn Sports Interactive, which is ESPN BET, USA Today previously reported.

Where can I place a sports bet in person in Louisville?

In-person sports wagering continues at other Churchill Downs Inc. properties in Jefferson County, including Derby City Gaming Downtown, 401 W. Market St., and Derby City Gaming and Hotel, 4520 Poplar Level Road, in the Newburg neighborhood.

Simulcast wagering will continue at Churchill Downs.

Sports betting is also available in person at locations across the state, including at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson, Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Oak Grove, Red Mile in Lexington, Sandy’s Gaming and Racing in Ashland, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, Cumberland Run in Corbin and Owensboro Racing and Gaming.

Can I place a bet in person at the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, you can place a bet in person during live horse racing events at Churchill Downs, including the Kentucky Derby.

With money in hand as you approach the mutuel teller, state the race you’re betting on, the amount of money you want to wager, and the type of bet you are placing. Finally, give the horse’s (or horses’) program numbers. It should sound something like “Churchill Downs, Race 11, $2 to win #4.”

Be sure to take your ticket from the tell and keep it safe. If you’re a winner, you’ll need that ticket to collect the winnings.

Who can bet on sports in Kentucky?

You need to be 18 or older to take part in Kentucky legal sports betting, but most operators will require you to be 21, as most states have imposed that as the minimum age for sports betting.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Gamblers are liable to pay taxes on winnings if they make an overall profit from gambling activities over the course of a calendar year. Keep records of wins and losses, as you’ll only need to pay if you end the year in the black.

Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000. Reporters Killian Baarlaer and Jason Frakes contributed to this report.