# Caesars Just Went Big on Sports Betting—Here's What You Need to Know

Caesars Entertainment (CZR) just dropped its retail sportsbook at Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, and honestly? It's a pretty solid move. We're talking a 4,600 sq ft Vegas-style operation with five betting windows, a massive bar setup, and 14 self-service kiosks spread across the gaming floor. Second floor's got comfortable seating overlooking the racetrack—basically built for big sporting events.

But here's the thing: the real play is online. Caesars Sportsbook goes live on September 28, and early birds (who sign up between Sep 7-27) are getting special deposit bonuses. You can bet on everything through their app, including live same-game parlays and marquee event livestreams. Plus, Caesars Rewards loyalty program applies to both online and offline users, so you're stacking benefits either way.

**Why This Matters**

Caesars is doubling down on horse racing too. Their Caesars Racebook app is already live in 17 states, and they're expanding the partnership with NYRA Bets to bring more racing content. They're even building Harrah's Columbus Racing & Casino in Nebraska with a full racetrack—opening in 2024. This is a serious long-term bet on the racing ecosystem.

**The Stock Angle**

CZR's up 28.3% year-to-date, beating the Leisure and Recreation Services industry by almost 10 points. The expansion into Kentucky is part of a bigger push to capture the sports betting wave across multiple states. Currently holding a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but the momentum from these retail + online launches could be worth watching.

Bottom line: Caesars isn't just opening sportsbooks—they're building an entire sports and racing betting platform. Whether you're into traditional sports or horse racing, they're laying down the infrastructure to keep you coming back.