Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has set his sights on launching sportsbooks in the state prior to the kickoff of the NFL season. This move comes after the state legislature passed a bill earlier this year that legalized sports betting in Kentucky.

The governor has been working with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to finalize regulations for sports betting. The commission is responsible for overseeing all forms of gambling in the state, including horse racing and now sports betting.

Beshear has stated that he wants to see sportsbooks up and running in time for the start of the NFL season, which is set to begin on September 9th. This would give sports fans in Kentucky the opportunity to place bets on their favorite teams and players throughout the season.

The governor has also emphasized the potential revenue that sports betting could bring to the state. He estimates that sports betting could generate up to $20 million in annual tax revenue for Kentucky.

In addition to the potential revenue, Beshear has also highlighted the job opportunities that could be created by the launch of sportsbooks. He believes that the industry could create hundreds of new jobs in the state, from bookmakers to security personnel.

However, there are still some hurdles that need to be overcome before sportsbooks can launch in Kentucky. The regulations for sports betting need to be finalized and approved by the commission, and potential operators will need to apply for licenses.

Despite these challenges, Governor Beshear remains optimistic about the future of sports betting in Kentucky. He sees it as a way to boost the state’s economy and provide new opportunities for its residents.

Overall, the launch of sportsbooks in Kentucky prior to the NFL season kickoff would be a significant milestone for the state. It would give sports fans a new way to engage with their favorite teams and players, while also providing a boost to the local economy. As such, it will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the coming months.