Sandy’s Racing and Gaming Opening Very Soon in Kentucky

Article ByDavid Weir

October 24, 2023

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Posted in: Uncategorized, Kentucky Gambling News, US Casino News, US Gambling News, US Sports Betting News

Later this week, Eastern Kentucky is set to witness the grand opening of Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, a $75 million project by Revolutionary Racing.

The latest addition to the list of Kentucky casino venues, Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, located at 10699 U.S. 60 in Ashland, is scheduled to open its doors to the public at 7 p.m. on October 26.

Governor Andy Beshear (D), who recently announced the first few weeks’ numbers for Kentucky online sports betting, said he hopes to be in attendance for the opening.

The venue has a cool 75,000 feet of space, including an expansive gaming floor, horse race betting, locally inspired dining options, multiple entertainment stages with nightly performances, and 700 slot-like historical horse racing machines.

Fans of Kentucky retail sportsbooks will also find a BetMGM sportsbook on location, ready to go when the casino venue opens. The Las Vegas-based operator announced its partnership with Revolutionary Racing shortly before September’s Kentucky sports betting launch, meaning it missed out on the opening few weeks.

However, MGM will be hoping that launching a full-service sportsbook from the get-go in a brand new casino venue will bring customers in.

“With a world-class gaming floor, locally sourced dining options, multiple entertainment stages, and an unbelievable BetMGM sportsbook lounge, Sandy’s will be the area’s premier entertainment destination. There is nothing else like Sandy’s, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it, said Sandy’s Racing & Gaming President John Marshall.

Supporting the Area with New Opportunity

300 local union workers were employed throughout the project, with 90% of all materials and supplies sourced from the U.S. Once operational, Sandy’s will employ nearly 250 additional locals in full-time positions.

The BetMGM sportsbook will be 5,000 square feet, featuring seating for dozens of patrons and three huge cinema-sized screens for live sports feeds.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of the Tri-State community, and even more proud to support the area with new jobs and new tax revenues,” said Larry Lucas, chairman of Revolutionary Racing

Sandy’s Racing & Gaming is not just about gaming. It also has plans to feature Kentucky’s first quarter combined horse racetrack, equestrian center, and gaming facility. Construction on Sandy Ridge, a 182-acre track just behind the casino venue, is set to begin in early 2024, with the first races anticipated to happen in 2025.

Related: The best online in casinos in Kentucky, rated and reviewed

Kentucky Numbers

The opening of Sandy’s comes at a time when sports betting is showing successful numbers in Kentucky.

Governor Beshear recently announced preliminary figures, with nearly $68 million wagered in the opening three days of the online market. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks pulled in $4.8 million in handle over the opening weekend in September.

The BetMGM sportsbook at Sandy’s will be the 10^th retail book in Kentucky, alongside nine online betting platforms. Each online operator has to partner with an existing or upcoming horse racing track in the state. As well as BetMGM, Sandy’s is partnered with British operator Bet365 for online operations.

By some estimates, the total Kentucky sports betting market could see more than $2 billion in annual handle by market maturity, which would mean around $30 million in taxes annually.