Sportsbook firm Circra Gasps Prepares to Launch Kentucky's Biggest with Giant 80-Foot LED Display Screen
Circa Sports Kentucky Opens Doors to Sports Fans
Circa Sports Kentucky, a premier gameday spot for sports enthusiasts from Kentucky, Nashville, and beyond, officially opened its doors to the public on August 23, 2025. The sportsbook, located at Kentucky Downs, is part of the expansion of Circa Sports, a retail and online sportsbook company owned by Derek Stevens, the downtown Las Vegas visionary behind Circa, the D, and Golden Gate casinos.
The launch of Circa Sports Kentucky coincides with the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky, which took place in March 2023 when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551. This bill authorized both retail and online sportsbooks under the regulation of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Retail sportsbooks, including Circa Sports at Kentucky Downs, began operations on September 7, 2023, followed by online sportsbooks launching on September 28, 2023.
Kentucky Downs, the home of Circa Sports Kentucky, boasts the most HHR machines in the state, with about 1,000 terminals. Bowling Green has almost 500, and Williamsburg has 450. The sportsbook at Kentucky Downs is a significant development as Kentucky became the 37th U.S. state to legalize sports betting, enabling regulated wagering at racetracks like Kentucky Downs and through licensed online platforms.
Circa Sports Kentucky's space is designed to provide an immersive sports viewing experience. It includes an 80-foot-wide LED screen, a 31-foot-wide odds board, 113 stadium-style seats, recliners, and booths, and five staffed betting stations. When oddsmakers aren't present, bettors can make their bets via four self-service sportsbook kiosks. The sportsbook will be open from 9 am until 10 pm daily, and until 11 pm on the weekends. Hours will be extended for special late-night events.
In addition to its retail offerings, Circa Sports operates online in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, in addition to Kentucky. The company is also set to debut "VSiN By The Books" from its new home at Circa Sports Kentucky next month, just in time for the NFL and college football seasons. VSiN, the Vegas Stats & Information Network, will broadcast this live show from Circa Sports Kentucky.
Kentucky Racing Acquisition, a firm led by Kentucky businessmen Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone, owns the Mint Gaming Halls in Bowling Green, Williamsburg, and Corbin, in addition to Kentucky Downs. Ron Winchell, the owner of Winchell Thoroughbreds, a prominent racing and breeding operation in Lexington, is part of this venture. Marc Falcone, a gaming industry veteran who served as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer at Red Rock Resorts and Station Casinos, is also involved.
Since the launch of sports betting in Kentucky, the state has seen substantial activity, with over $4.7 billion wagered statewide by mid-2025, mostly through online/mobile platforms rather than at physical racetrack locations. This expansion represents Kentucky's strategic move to integrate sports betting into its existing horse racing and gaming industry infrastructure, leveraging iconic venues like Kentucky Downs.
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- Circa Sports, a company known for its retail and online sportsbooks, opened Circa Sports Kentucky at Kentucky Downs.
- The launch of Circa Sports Kentucky coincided with the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky in March 2023.
- Kentucky Downs, now home to Circa Sports Kentucky, is the state's leading location for historical horse racing.
- Circa Sports Kentucky offers an immersive sports viewing experience, complete with an 80-foot-wide LED screen and staffed betting stations.
- The company's online sports betting platform is available in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, and Kentucky.
- Kentucky Racing Acquisition, a venture involving Kentucky businessmen Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone, operates Kentucky Downs and Mint Gaming Halls in three locations.
- The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky has led to over $4.7 billion in wagered activity by mid-2025, primarily through online/mobile platforms.
- The launch of Circa Sports Kentucky, the opening of retail sportsbooks, and the launch of online sportsbooks are significant developments in Kentucky's sports-betting industry.
- As Circa Sports Kentucky opens its doors, the state continues to strategically integrate sports betting into its existing horse racing and gaming industry infrastructure.
