Kentucky Sports Betting: Up to $5,950 in Promos & All KY Sportsbooks Reviewed

Online sports betting is officially live in Kentucky.

Prospective sports bettors across the state can now take advantage of new user sportsbook bonuses via signup offers such as the BetMGM Kentucky promo code, Bet365 Kentucky promo code, FanDuel Kentucky promo code, Caesars Kentucky promo code and DraftKings Kentucky promo code.

Rank

Sportsbooks

Bonus

Features

Play

1

Up to $1,500

In Bonus Bets

BetMGM Sportsbook Review

• Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*

• *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

• Use Bonus Code: LINEUPS

Play Now

2

Up to $1,000

In Bonus Bets

Bet365 Sportsbook Review

• Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
• OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
• 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
• T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
• Use Bonus Code: LINEUPSBET

Play Now

3

Bet $5
Get $200

In Bonus Bets

FanDuel Sportsbook Review

• Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
• Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
• Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
• To Claim: Click Play Now

Play Now

4

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings

On Next 10 Wagers

Caesars Sportsbook Review

• Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
• 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• Use Promo Code: LINEUPSDYW

Play Now

5

Up to $1,000

In No Sweat Bets

Fanatics Sportsbook Review

• Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
• 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• To Claim: Click Play Now

PLAY NOW

6

Up to $1,250 Bonus

New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.

DraftKings Sportsbook Review

• Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + Score a No Sweat Parlay Every Day

• PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit

• PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus

• Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Play Now

Kentucky Sports Betting News & Legal Updates

• Jan. 3, 2024: Through October, FanDuel had the highest revenue and handle in the state of Kentucky.
• Dec. 13, 2023: Churchill Downs opens Derby City Gaming Downtown, a new casino in Louisville.
• Nov. 22, 2023: New sporting events are added to the Kentucky betting menu following approval from the KHRC Sports Wagering Advisory Council.
• Nov. 2, 2023: Barstool Sportsbook will officially become ESPN Bet on Nov. 14 in Kentucky.
• Oct. 24, 2023: Gov. Andy Beshear announces nearly $250 million has been wagered on sports in Kentucky since the initial launch.
• Oct. 16, 2023: It’s reported that over 2 million geolocation checks were made throughout the initial 24 hours of legal Kentucky sports betting.
• Oct. 11, 2023: From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the Kentucky sports betting handle reportedly exceeded $68 million.
• Sept. 28, 2023: Online sports betting goes live at 6 a.m. EST

Kentucky Sports Betting is Now Live

Since its initial launch, eight Kentucky sports betting apps have launched! Popular mobile sportsbooks include BetMGM Sportsbook KY, FanDuel Sportsbook KY, Caesars Sportsbook KY, DraftKings Sportsbook KY, and Bet365 Sportsbook KY. Keep in mind that the legal betting age varies from sportsbook to sportsbook. While users need to be 21 and up to sign up for BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars, they’ll need to be 18 or older to sign up for DraftKings and Bet365.

The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the top teams in college basketball. Other popular college teams in the state are the Louisville Cardinals, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Murray State Racers.

Kentucky sports betting launched thanks to House Bill 551, which was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023. The Bluegrass State rolled out retail spots betting on Sept. 7, 2023 and online sports wagering on Sept. 28, 2023.

This betting guide has the best promo codes available in the state of Kentucky.

Online Sportsbooks Available In Kentucky

While Kentucky state law allows for 30 online sportsbooks to operate in the state, the following are the only ones with a license as of today:

• Bet365 (Sandy’s Racing & Gaming)
• BetMGM (Revolutionary Racing Kentucky)
• Caesars (Red Mile Gaming & Racing/Keeneland Race Course)
• Circa (The Mint Hall Gaming Cumberland Run)
• DraftKings (Corbin Racetrack)
• FanDuel (Churchill Downs)
• Fanatics (Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel)
• Penn Sports Interactive (Ellis Park)

Kambi was also approved as a service provider for retail operations but will not have a mobile application. Racetracks that are partnered with Kambi will have their own branded retail sportsbook. 

Legal Betting Age For Kentucky Sportsbooks

Retail Sportsbook Locations In Kentucky

The following Kentucky racetracks are approved to open a retail sportsbook on Sept. 7. Each track will be partnered with at least one sportsbook or service provider and can be partnered with up to 3:

• Churchill Downs – Kambi
• Derby City Gaming – Kambi
• Ellis Park Henderson – Kambi, Penn*
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run – DraftKings*, Circa Sports*
• The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland – DraftKings*, Circa Sports*
• Newport Racing and Gaming – FanDuel*
• Oak Grove Gaming and Racing – Fanatics*
• The Red Mile – Caesars*
• Turfway Park – Kambi
• Derby City Gaming Downtown Louisville – Kambi (retail coming soon)
• Ellis Park Owensboro – Penn* (retail coming soon)
• Sandy’s Gaming and Racing – BetMGM*, Bet365* (retail coming soon)

*Online sportsbook is available

Best Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses & Promo Codes

All major online sports betting operators offer some form of a new user bonus. Nearly all of these offers require some form of a deposit to be claimed and vary in amount.

A handful of mobile sportsbooks are also offer pre-live bonuses leading into the Kentucky wagering launch. Check out the table below for all the top pre-launch offers:

Top Kentucky Sportsbooks

The following sportsbooks are the preeminent players for Kentucky’s online sports betting market.

BetMGM Sportsbook

MGM Resorts International now offers its well-regarded betting site BetMGM Sportsbook in the state of Kentucky, which is great news for sports fans in the area. BetMGM Sportsbook has completely redesigned its mobile app, which is not now just faster but easier to navigate. BetMGM Sportsbook also has competitive odds on different sporting events, so bettors looking to get the best value will want to consider the platform.

BetMGM also allows bettors to enter the MGM Rewards program, allowing them to exchange points for bonus bets, dining and entertainment at MGM Resorts properties, and much more. The BetMGM Bonus Code “LINEUPS” is live in the area, which gives new users a $1,500 first bet offer. Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet does not win. *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. To give the platform market access in the area, BetMGM Sportsbook and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky have made a deal. BetMGM will also open a retail sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming.

Bet365 Sportsbook

U.K.-based Bet365 Sportsbook is expanding into more U.S. markets, and that’s continued with the online betting app’s Kentucky launch. Bet365 has a wide selection of sports to wager on, meaning bettors interested in international events and more obscure sports will be able to get in on the action.

Bet365 Kentucky Sportsbook also has one of the best welcome bonuses for new users, giving them up to a $1,000 bonus when they wager $5 after signing up with the Bet365 KY Bonus Code LINEUPSBET OR a bet $5, get $150 deal on their first bet, win or lose. There are plenty of great promos available to sports fans after signing up as well, such as the 70% Multi-Sport Parlay boost. Bet365 Kentucky Sportsbook inked a deal with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming on Aug. 22, 2023, and the platform should be one of the first available in the Kentucky betting industry.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Kentucky offers bettors one of the best mobile apps in the industry. Not only is the DraftKings app fast and east to use, it’s ideal for new users that are placing parlays and same-game parlays for the first time. The speed of the sports betting app is also beneficial to live sports bettors looking to lock in an in-game number.

Plus, DraftKings Kentucky Sportsbook is one of the best mobile sports betting apps when it comes to promotions. The current DraftKings Promo Code starts out new users with a large amount of bonus bets, while existing users get access to sportsbook promos like profit boosts on the MLB, NFL, college football, UFC and much more. On Aug. 22, 2023, DraftKings and Corbin Racetrack announced a partnership that will allow the mobile sportsbook to launch in the Bluegrass State.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Entertainment is another major brand expanding into the Kentucky sports betting market with Caesars Sportsbook Online launching in the state. The platform has seen numerous changes since Caesars acquired William Hill in 2021, and the most recent redesign of the mobile betting app has improved the usability and aesthetics of the sportsbook. The Caesars Rewards program is also one of the best in the industry, allowing bettors to accumulate Tier Credits and Reward Credits with every wager.

Caesars Sportsbook will open up two brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Kentucky at Keeneland Race Course and Red Mile Gaming & Racing. These partnerships officially give Caesars a license to operate in the new betting market. Caesars Sportsbook will continue to offer its top-tier promotions like the Caesars Promo Code welcome bonus and parlay profit boosts after it expands to Kentucky.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Like DraftKings, FanDuel Sportsbook expanded from the daily fantasy sports world to become a leader in online sports betting. FanDuel Kentucky Sportsbook has partnered with the historic racetrack Churchill Downs for its sports betting license, leading to its full online launch on Sept. 28, 2023. The horse racing connection hardly ends there for FanDuel, as the platform has fully implemented FanDuel Racing into its mobile sportsbook, allowing users to quickly jump from wagering on sporting events to betting on races throughout the day.

FanDuel Kentucky Sportsbook also gives new users a Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets. FanDuel is also consistent with its promotions throughout the year, giving bettors profit boosts and even a unique NFL futures promotion that gives them bonus bets based on how many regular season games their team wins.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook, the popular mobile sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive, has rolled out in Kentucky! The online sports betting site has improved its offerings over the years, redesigning its formerly outdated mobile app into one of the fastest in the betting space. Unlike some other sports betting sites, BetRivers even allows users to live stream certain events directly from the sportsbook app.

BetRivers Sportsbook also offers its second chance bet for new users across the U.S., and the mobile sportsbook should expand that promotion into the Kentucky market. Plus, the mobile sportsbook has plenty of promotions to take advantage of throughout the week, such as its MLB Parlay Insurance and Countdown To Kickoff boosts. BetRivers hasn’t announced any Kentucky partnerships yet.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook is the latest addition to the Kentucky sports betting market. Best known for its sports apparel and memorabilia franchises, Fanatics Sportsbook offers customers FanCash, a virtual currency, on every bet you make. FanCash can be swapped for bonus bets or cash at the Fanatics Store.

New users at Fanatics receive up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets. That can provide some momentum to begin your betting journey. The app is slick, quick and easy to navigate.

New Kentucky Sportsbooks

Plenty of other online betting sites could launch in the Bluegrass State in the future as well. Here’s a quick list of mobile sportsbooks that are expected to roll out in the state some time in the future:

• ESPN Bet (rebranding from Barstool Sportsbook)
• Betr Sportsbook
• Hard Rock Bet
• WynnBET Sportsbook

How To Choose A Kentucky Sports Betting App

With KY betting live and a potential 30 Kentucky sports betting apps becoming available in the future, bettors in the Bluegrass State will want to know what to look for before signing up for a new platform. Here’s what to look for when signing up for a new online sportsbook:

• Well-Designed Mobile App: With the majority of online bets placed with smartphones, a top-tier mobile app is a necessity in sports betting. Look for speed and an easy-to-use interface when looking for a new sportsbook.
• Welcome Bonus: The most common new user promotions include first bet offers, deposit match bonuses, and bet and get promos. Take a look at the promo codes on this page to find the best signup bonus available.
• Competitive Odds: Each mobile sportsbook offers unique odds for different events, so it’s important to see which platform has the best odds. The LINEUPS odds comparison tool is an excellent way to compare the numbers provided by different sports betting operators.
• Existing User Promotions: While it’s important to sign up with the best promo code for a big bonus, sportsbooks also offer promotions for existing users such as odds boosts, no sweat bets and parlay bonuses.
• Withdrawal Speed: Each sports betting app on the market offers different speeds when it comes to withdrawing, so knowing the fastest paying sportsbooks is ideal before signing up.
• Customer Service: If a bettor ever runs into an issue, they should expect top-notch customer service. Finding a mobile betting app with live chat, a phone number, and an email option should be a priority.

How To Bet On Sports In Kentucky

The exact steps on how to place a bet will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, but for the most part, major sportsbooks have the same requirements in place to get you ready to place your first bet.

1. Pick A Sportsbook

Kentucky sports betting is live, and there are plenty of sportsbook options available to choose from. If you need help choosing, we recommend DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars and you can check out our reviews of those sportsbooks on our page. Otherwise, things to look for when choosing a sportsbook are promotional offers, sports offered, best odds, type of wagers, and deposit methods.

• DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky: Best Daily Promotions
• Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky: Best Rewards System
• BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky: Best New Mobile App
• BetRivers Sportsbook Kentucky: Best Customer Service
• Bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky: Best Sports Variety
• FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky: Best For Brand New Bettors
• Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky: Best For App Speed

2. Create An Account

Creating an account with any of the major sportsbooks follows the same standard procedures. The information you will need is your email, address, date of birth, full name, and Social Security number. These are standard requirements to confirm that you are old enough and eligible to place a wager. The operator will also use geolocation technology to ensure you are physically located in the state of Kentucky when you create an account, otherwise it will not work. Residency in the state is not a requirement.

3. Deposit Money Into Your Account

When you create your account, a ‘deposit’ button will be available to click on. While it’s not required to deposit money right away, many of the promotions available are contingent on a deposit requirement between $5 and $10.

Deposit methods will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook but across the board, most sportsbooks offer credit/debit card deposits and PayPal.

4. Create A Bet Slip & Place Bet

Sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars and FanDuel make it easy to scour the hundreds of wagering options and odds. Familiarize yourself with the platform and explore wagers that you’d be interested in placing. Once you find a bet you’d like to wager on, click on it, and the bet will appear on your bet slip. There, you can input the amount you’d like to wager and it will return the payout associated with that wager. You can modify this as you see fit.

You can place a single bet, or create a parlay and these are both options you will see in your bet slip. Once you are satisfied with the bet, the wager amount and the payout, lock in your bet.

Sports To Bet On In Kentucky

For the first time in Kentucky sports betting history, bettors will be able to wager on a wide range of sporting events from their smart devices. However, that doesn’t mean that all types of wagers will be allowed. While NFL games, NBA games, and college sports are all fair game, entertainment awards and certain soccer leagues are prohibited.

Here are the most popular types of sports that people can bet on in Kentucky:

• College Sports
• Football
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Baseball
• Most Soccer Events
• Combat Sports
• Esports
• Golf
• Motorsports
• Tennis
• Darts
• Rugby

Meanwhile, here are the types of events that wagering is prohibited on:

• Politics
• Academy Awards
• United Soccer League
• The Emmys
• National Women’s Soccer League
• Major League Soccer

Types of Bets Available In Kentucky

With online betting apps available in the Bluegrass State, there are a wide range of bets available. Although each mobile sportsbook is different, they all offer these basic types of wagers:

• Moneyline: A bet on which team (or individual in some sports) will win an event.
• Point spread: Wagering on which team will cover a certain number determined by the sportsbook (-3, +7.5, etc.).
• Totals: Betting on whether the final score will be over or under a pre-determined number.
• Team Props: Bets on team performance not directly related to the final outcome of the game.
• Player Props: Different bets on player stats, such as the number of points scored, home runs hit and rebounds.
• Parlay Bets: A combination of different bets into one larger individual bet, with multipliers determining the final odds.
• In-game Bets: Live betting on games that have already started, giving updated odds based on the pace of the event.

Kentucky Sports Betting Deposit/Withdrawal Options

Between the online sportsbooks that have expanded into Kentucky, the deposit and withdrawal options are universal. PayPal is the preferred method of many, as it serves as an online wallet to be able to make transfers in and transfers out. Banking transfers and debit card transactions are often the quickest way to withdraw your money.

• PayPal
• ACH (E-Check)
• Visa/Mastercard credit and debit cards
• Online Banking Transer
• Play+ Cards
• PayNearMe
• Casino Cage (Where Applicable)
• Wire Transfer
• Venmo

Kentucky Retail Sportsbooks

Kentucky retail sports betting launched on Sept. 7, 2023, coinciding with the kickoff of the first game of the NFL season between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are opening up at each of the state’s nine race tracks, allowing anyone of legal gambling age to place in person bets. The very first sports betting operator to partner up with Kentucky race tracks was Caesars Sportsbook, which plans to open physical sportsbooks at Red Mile Gaming & Racing and Keeneland Race Course. Here’s a full list of Kentucky retail locations for sports wagering:

Kentucky Sports Teams To Bet On

There are no NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL teams in Kentucky. However, there are still a few KY professional sports teams like Louisville City FC, Racing Louisville FC, the Louisville Bats, and the Bowling Green Hot Rods. People in the state can also wager on pro teams in other areas, like neighboring Ohio, Indiana or Tennessee. College basketball is king with schools like the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville at the center of the sports fans’ minds in the state. Luckily for them, college sports betting is allowed in Kentucky.

University of Kentucky

The Kentucky men’s basketball team, a member of the SEC, is considered the most successful NCAA Division 1 basketball program in history in terms of all-time winning percentage (76.5%). They have the second-most all-time wins. They also have more NCAA March Madness tournament appearances than any other school, with 60 since their first bid in 1942. The Wildcats have found themselves in 12 NCAA Championships (tied for first) and have won eight of them (second-most). Their last appearance came in 2014 and their last win came in 2012.

University of Louisville

The University of Louisville men’s basketball program is also acclaimed, having won several titles from 43 tournament appearances. Though they have not made a tournament appearance since the 2019 season, they are still one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country. There is little doubt that people in the state will bet on the Cardinals when sports betting launches in Kentucky.

NFL Teams To Bet On In Kentucky

With the Kentucky sports betting industry launching just in time for the kickoff of the 2023 NFL season, sports fans in the state will be eager to begin wagering on different pro football matchups. The state of Kentucky might not have an NFL team of its own, but there are plenty of pro football teams that residents cheer on. These are some of the NFL teams across the U.S. that Kentuckians will look to wager on.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bring home the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. QB Joe Burrow is firmly in the MVP conversation, and the young passer will get help from weapons like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are widely known as America’s Team, and the team could also be seen as Kentucky’s team. The Cowboys have some definite talent on both sides of the ball, with some of the main stars being QB Dak Prescott, RB Tony Pollard, WR CeeDee Lamb, LB Micah Parsons and CB Trevon Diggs. Fans of the team have been waiting for a Super Bowl championship since 1996, and hopes are high that this is the year the team brings a title back to Dallas.

Indianapolis Colts

Another popular team in the state of Kentucky, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping that their QB situation is settled with Anthony Richardson healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their second straight Super Bowl championship, and it’s tough to doubt this team. It all starts with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a duo who has turned the Chiefs into one of the most dominant professional sports teams in the league. The team has OTHER top players like TE Travis Kelce.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are rebuilding and seeking a postseason return. It all starts with RB Derrick Henry, a bulldozing force out of the backfield.

Pros & Cons of Kentucky Sports Betting

Bettors in Kentucky can wager on their favorite teams like the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals in-person and online. With such a monumental change, sports fans are curious about the pros and cons of Kentucky sports betting finally launching.

Pros:

• Retail and sports betting allowed
• Legal college sports betting
• Growing list of sports betting operators
• Major signup bonuses available

Cons:

• KY betting launch took over five years after Supreme Court overturned PASPA
• Online sports betting goes live at excellent time on sports calendar

Kentucky Sports Betting History

Although betting in the state of Kentucky has long been associated with horse racing, that us no longer the totality of legal betting in the state. Starting Sept. 7, individuals across Kentucky have been able to enjoy some form of sports betting. It’s been quite a journey to see Kentucky sports betting go live, with the state’s early wagering history including the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 and the Kentucky Lottery Group being established in 1988.

Then came May 14, 2018, when the Supreme Court officially overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to develop their own sports betting markets. Lawmakers in Kentucky began doing early research on the potential of launching sports betting that year. Plenty of sports betting bills failed in the coming years, although Gov. Andy Beshear expressed his support of launching sports betting in the state. In 2022, HB 606 was passed by the House, but failed to pass after gaining plenty of momentum.

However, 2023 saw Kentucky Rep. Michael Meredith’s sports betting bill HB 551 passed by the Senate, giving up to three online skins to the state’s nine horse racing tracks. On March 31, 2023, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed the sports betting bill into law.

On June 28, 2023, the legislation went into effect, with the state required to roll out sports betting within six months. Less than two weeks later on July 10, it was announced that retail locations would be opening on Sept. 7, 2023 with mobile betting apps rolling out on Sept. 28, 2023.

Kentucky Horse Racing

With the popularity of the Kentucky Derby, the first race in the Triple Crown taking place at Churchill Downs each year, horse racing is a major part of history in the Bluegrass State. The very first official Kentucky horse racing track began hosting events in 1828 when the Lexington Association Track opened its doors.

The Kentucky Derby, meanwhile, ran its first race back in May of 1875 at the historic Churchill Downs. The popular event has continued its prominence into 2023, with the Gustavo Delgado-trained Mage emerging as the winner of the 149th Running of the Roses.

Decades later in 1936, the still-popular Keeneland Race Course got its start, with the venue hosting the Blue Grass Stakes (a Kentucky Derby prep race) every year. Keeneland is notable as the largest auction house for thoroughbreds worldwide, hosting five auctions each year.

Nowadays, the state is home to thoroughbred and harness tracks alike, and the area’s horse racing betting industry continues to be popular ahead of the launch of sports betting in the state. In addition to its retail betting spots, horse racing fans can wager online with betting apps like FanDuel Racebook, TwinSpires, DK Horse, XPressbet and TVG.

Kentucky Horse Tracks

Kentucky is most famous for its prestigious horse tracks, specifically Churchill Downs, which hosts the Kentucky Derby. Here are some of the most popular horse tracks that will likely get a sports betting license in the state.

• Churchill Downs – 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
• Keeneland Association Inc. – 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510
• The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs – 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42134
• Turfway Park Racing & Gaming – Turfway Park 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, KY 41042
• Ellis Park Gaming & Racing – 3300 Highway 41 N, Henderson, KY 42420
• Red Mile Racing – 1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504
• Oak Grove Racing & Gaming – 777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262

Neighboring States With Legal Sports Betting

Kentucky is one of the last to legalize online sports betting within the area as Ohio launched in 2023 and Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee were early in the sports betting gold rush.

Illinois and Pennsylvania both lead within the area in overall handle since launch, followed by Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio and West Virginia. Ohio leads all states in overall hold percentage.

Unregulated Sportsbooks In Kentucky

Offshore sportsbooks have been the way around sports betting bans within each state but come with heavy risks to use. The biggest is that consumer protections are not enforced on offshore books, meaning your guaranteed money is not actually guaranteed compared to U.S. books like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and BetRivers. Lineups encourages users to not use unregulated books.

Kentucky Responsible Gaming

Based off the Kentucky Lottery regulations put in place, responsible gaming will apply to online sportsbooks. If you need help or support you can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the Kentucky Gambling Help website to get more information or speak to a counselor.

Fastest Paying Kentucky Sportsbooks

Bettors will want to know the fastest paying sportsbooks out there before they decide which platform to sign up for. Each online betting app has its own payout speed, so bettors should be aware of which sportsbook pays the quickest if that’s important to them. There are a number of different withdrawal methods, such as check, PayPal, debit card and through online banking. Check out the table below for an updated list of the different withdrawal speeds for Kentucky sportsbooks:

Kentucky Legal Betting Age

Generally, the legal betting age in the state of Kentucky is 18 and up. However, this age can vary with different sports betting apps. For example, it was announced that bettors will need to be 21 and up to place bets with Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Circa Sports and Caesars Sportsbook. As it stands right now, bettors will just need to be 18 and up to place bets with Bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky and DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky online. Check out the table below for the updated legal gambling age for each Kentucky sports betting app.

Kentucky Sports Betting Legal Details

Sports betting is now legal in Kentucky via HB 551.

The House passed HB 551 by a vote of 63-34, sending it to the Senate who passed it on a 25-12 vote. The sports betting legislation was signed into law on March 31, 2023, when Gov. Andy Beshear put pen to paper and signed HB 551.

Betting on both professional and collegiate sports is allowed at in-person and online sportsbooks in Kentucky. The horse racing tracks will be eligible to receive up to three online skins per track, meaning as many as 27 Kentucky sportsbooks could launch. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will regulate the market and award these licenses.

In-person betting revenue will be taxed at 9.25% and online revenue will be subject to a 14.25% tax. This tax rate is expected to generate $23 million in annual revenue for the state.

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ

• Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
• What is the legal betting age in Kentucky?
• What is the top Kentucky sportsbook?
• Is college sports betting legal in Kentucky?
• Do you need to live in Kentucky to place bets?
• Who regulates sports betting in Kentucky?
• When will Kentucky online sports betting be available?
• Where can someone place in-person sports bets in Kentucky?
• Have online casinos launched in Kentucky?
• Are Kentucky sports betting wins taxed?

DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky Review

Name: DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky

Description: DraftKings Sportsbook is well-regarded for its excellent design on both the mobile app and desktop site. Additionally, it has some of the best promotions in the industry, with the DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code providing users with an excellent starting bonus. DraftKings Sportsbook also has plenty of different types of bets available, plus a great same-game parlay builder.

Operating System: iOS, Android

Application Category: Game

Author: Anthony Elio

• Mobile App
• New User Bonus
• Customer Support
• Same Game Parlays

4.5

Summary

DraftKings sportsbook starts new users with the DraftKings Promo Code, plus plenty of other promotions for existing users such as parlay profit boosts and no sweat bets. There’s a wide range of different sports to bet on with the platform, giving bettors plenty of betting options. The mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS devices, boasts an easy-to-use design that’s ideal for anyone placing their first bet. While Kentucky sports betting should have plenty of different mobile sports betting sites, DraftKings Sportsbook stands out as one of the best.

Well Done

• Mobile app
• Welcome bonus
• Available sports
• Existing user promotions

Needs Help

• Inconsistent maximum wager amounts on promos
• No in-app horse racing bets