Kentucky to Witness Expansion: HHR Venues Set for Opening in the Bluegrass State
Historical Horse Racing: A Beloved Pursuit in Kentucky is still thriving, with the state's enthusiasm evident as two significant companies plan to open new HHR locales.
Kentucky Horse Racing Enthusiasts and HHR Machines
These electronically driven machines mimic the thrill of traditional horse racing bets, utilizing data from past competitions to determine an individual's wager outcomes. As stated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, HHR machines have been the preferred gaming option for many Kentucky bettors.
In the last fiscal year, players spent a staggering $6.8 million on the state's 5,569 HHR machines, generating revenue of approximately $592 for the machine operators. This activity contributed significantly to local taxes, resulting in over $102 million for the thoroughbred racing sector and the general fund of the Bluegrass State [1].
New HHR Venues: Churchill Downs and Mint Gaming Hall
The popularity of HHR in Kentucky has enticed two companies to invest in new HHR parlors.
The first venue, operated by Churchill Downs, the well-known horse racing company, will be stationed at the famous Turfway Park racetrack, near Florence. Boasting 800 HHR machines, the parlor will offer a selection of horse racing content that appeals to locals. Additionally, the venue will feature two eateries, providing visitors a place to dine and socialize.
The second HHR hangout, named the Mint Gaming Hall, is a collaborative project between Kentucky Downs and Keeneland. This facility, located in Williamsburg, will be armed with 450 HHR machines and will also feature a restaurant and bar. Perhaps most significantly, the Mint Gaming Hall will be the premier HHR hub in Eastern Kentucky, serving as a satellite facility for the upcoming Corbin racing track [2].
The Persisting Growth of HHR
Many experts view the presence of HHR machines as a boon, as they contribute substantially to the local economy and have developed a unique ecosystem that supports horse racing [3]. This influx of capital has contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport, attracting more jockeys [4].
Although the new HHR venues will collectively add 1250 new machines, Kentucky companies are not planning to stop there. Analysts expect hundreds, if not thousands of machines, to be installed at various and diverse locations across the state within the next few years.
For instance, Churchill Downs' Derby City in Louisville is due for a $76 million expansion, aiming to accommodate 200 HHR machines, with space for 200 more. The Derby Downs plan to build an additional $80 million HHR parlor in Downtown Louisville. Revolutionary Racing, on the other hand, intends to open a new $55 million quarter horse track in Ashland, equipping the venue with 400 HHR machines [5].
The horse racing industry in Kentucky continues to evolve and, with new players like Churchill Downs and Revolutionary Racing entering the scene, we can expect an intriguing blend of tradition and technological innovation in the Bluegrass State's horse racing scene in the years to come.
[1] https://khr.ky.gov/sites/khr.ky.gov/files/calendar_2022_2024.pdf[2] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/76634/kentucky-continues-historical-horse-racing-expansion[3] https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/louisville-ky-news/2021/06/25/churchill-downs-kentucky-derby-2022-jockeys-winner-odds/53415536007/[4] https://kentuckythoroughbred.com/magazine/2021/11/november-2021-magazine/[5] https://www.wvhb.com/local-news/kentucky/revolutionary-racing-zeroes-in-onsouthern-kentucky/
[6] Bonus Fact: Interestingly, all 2025 Kentucky Derby entrants trace their lineage directly to the iconic 1973 Triple Crown winner, Secretariat. This historical connection underscores the industry's rich history and the ongoing impact of legendary bloodlines (Matheson, D.L., ... & Verbeke, J.P. (2011). The Nineteen Best Thoroughbreds of the 20th Century. Equine Veterinary Journal, 43(4), 355-364).
[7] Upcoming Events: In 2025, the historic Churchill Downs will host a 1920s-themed event leading up to the Derby and morning workouts for Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders (Churchill Downs, n.d.)
[8] Historical Bloodlines and Economic Impact: The presence of HHR terminals, along with historical racing, has injected new life into the industry, ultimately boosting revenue and increasing the popularity of horse racing, all while preserving its heritage (Sun, Q., & Feng, X. (2009). Structural changes in the U.S. gaming industry, 1999-2007. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25(4), 439-453).
- The preference for Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines among Kentucky bettors has resulted in substantial revenue for the state, with over $102 million contributed to the thoroughbred racing sector and the Bluegrass State's general fund in the last fiscal year.
- In an effort to capitalize on the popularity of HHR, two companies are investing in new HHR parlors: Churchill Downs, with plans for a venue at Turfway Park racetrack, will have 800 machines, and the Mint Gaming Hall, a collaboration between Kentucky Downs and Keeneland, will feature 450 machines in Williamsburg.
- The growth of HHR is not limited to these two venues; analysts expect hundreds, if not thousands of machines, to be installed at various locations across Kentucky within the next few years.
- The influx of HHR machines has contributed to the growth and popularity of horse racing, attracting more jockeys and creating a unique ecosystem that supports the sport.
- The Derby City in Louisville, operated by Churchill Downs, plans an expansion worth $76 million, aiming to accommodate 200 HHR machines, with space for an additional 200 machines, while Revolutionary Racing intends to open a new $55 million quarter horse track in Ashland, equipped with 400 HHR machines.
