Churchill Downs launches sports betting in Mississippi

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has cited “great opportunity” for growth in Mississippi after launching sports betting at its two casino properties in the state.

Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa in Greenville and the Riverwalk Casino Hotel in Vicksburg will both offer wagering services across various sporting events, including US collegiate sports.

CDI will launch the sportsbook under the ‘BetAmerica’ brand and plans to also roll out this service in other states where sports betting is legal.

BetAmerica sportsbook areas at the two casinos will feature big screen displays, offering more than 100 channels of sporting events and information.

Bill Carstanjen, chief executive of CDI, said: “The legalisation of sports wagering in Mississippi is a great opportunity for Churchill Downs to deliver an innovative, state-of-the-art product that we believe will exceed our customers’ expectations.

“We are excited to get started and will take everything we learn from this experience to improve our offering in Mississippi and other markets over time.”

In May, CDI announced that it had agreed a deal with SBTech to jointly work on its sports betting service offering in the US. The partnership initially focused on entrance into the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets.

Last week, SBTech, along with William Hill USA, were awarded licences to both manufacture and distribute sports betting platforms in Mississippi.

Jay McDaniel, deputy director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, revealed to iGamingBusiness.com that the companies will be able to provide odds and risk-management services in the state, with casinos operating the sportsbooks.

McDaniel also said he understood that William Hill USA is supporting the launch of sportsbooks at five casinos operated by Penn National Gaming in the state.

Image: Michael Jester