Circa Sports to open permanent Kentucky retail sportsbook on August 23

Following a soft launch last month, Circa Sports will officially open Kentucky’s largest retail sportsbook on Aug. 23 at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs in Franklin. The facility features an 80-foot-wide LED screen, a 31-foot-wide odds board, a live Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN) broadcast studio, and over 5,100 square feet of dedicated space for premium seating, staffed counters, and self-service kiosks.

The grand opening celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include promotions and events. A deposit match bonus of up to $250 will be available on the Circa Sports Kentucky mobile app and is available exclusively at the retail sportsbook counter at The Mint Gaming Hall from Aug. 20 to Aug. 24

All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a reserved sportsbook booth for every pro football Sunday of the 2025 season, totaling 18 games. The drawing will take place at 6 p.m. CST, and the winner must be present.

A college football watch party for the Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston season opener will be held at 6 p.m. CST on the venue’s 80-foot screen.

Facility features

The sportsbook includes 113 stadium-style seats, luxury recliners, and three tiers of booth-style seating. Bettors will have access to five staffed betting stations, including one ADA-accessible option, and four self-service kiosks, with three located throughout the casino. The VSiN studio will deliver daily live commentary, analysis, and gameday coverage, with programming distributed across broadcasts, podcasts, and digital platforms.

Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports, said: “Opening Circa Sports at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs marks a bold step in our mission to deliver top-tier sportsbook experiences outside of Nevada.

"From day one, our goal was to create a space that channels the energy of Las Vegas while celebrating the rich sports culture of Kentucky and the surrounding region. We’ve built a true sports destination that offers an unmatched viewing and betting experience and serves as a home base for fans – whether they’re placing a wager or just taking in the action.”

“Where passion meets precision – experience every moment on the massive 80-foot screen, indulge in premium comfort, and stay ahead with real-time updates. Here, the thrill of the game and the excitement of the bet come together in a state-of-the-art haven, inspiring champions both on and off the field,” said Johan Mirkovic, vice president and general manager of The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs.

Opening week schedule

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m., with remarks from Stevens, Circa Sports Vice President of Operations Mike Palm, and representatives from The Mint Gaming Hall. A meet-and-greet with On3 college football insider Brett McMurphy will take place Friday, Aug. 22, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Circa Sports also operates in Kentucky through its mobile app, offering straight bets, parlays, futures, live in-game wagering, and other options. The platform provides real-time updates, navigation features, and promotional offers. Founded in 2019 in Las Vegas, Circa Sports operates in Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky.