Kentucky Legal Sports Betting

Kentucky may be famous for its horse racing and bourbon, but the state is making strides in the sports betting world as well. Though it arrived later to the game than some others, Kentucky has gone all-in on sports gambling — and so have the players who’ve embraced it to the tune of billions of dollars wagered.

This page will be your one-stop guide to betting in Kentucky. We’re covering all the core essentials, including what’s legal, the best sportsbooks, and even things beyond just sports wagering. It’s the most comprehensive look at betting in the Bluegrass State so don’t go anywhere!

Is Sports Betting Legal In Kentucky?

At long last, it finally is. After many failed attempts, lawmakers got the issue into the end zone on March 23, 2023 with the signing of HB 551. Betting then launched in September, right in time to capitalize on NFL betting.

Sports betting in Kentucky is legal both at physical sportsbooks and online-based ones. Of course, the online options is where most of the action happens. As it stands, Kentucky has licenses to eight different betting apps. You may be thinking which one is the best to use.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Kentucky

Kentucky has legalized online sports betting, giving residents access to state-regulated platforms. However, while the market is growing, many sportsbooks are still in their early stages, with limited options and promotions compared to those in other states. For a more comprehensive experience, international sportsbooks continue to be a popular alternative, offering a broader range of betting opportunities, higher bonuses, and more favorable odds. Even though local sportsbooks are available, using the trusted offshore platforms we recommend can provide a superior betting experience.

In charge of approving (or revoking) licenses is the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. As it stands, these platforms are allowed to offer mobile betting across state lines:

Kentucky Online Sportsbook Comparison

We’re not going to give one a single Kentucky sportsbook suggestion. No, instead we’re offering up several different ones, based on different features that bettors care most about. Here are five picks for five categories:

Best sportsbook for bonuses: This can be tricky since sportsbooks are constantly updating their promotions. But for now, we’re picking with DraftKings. Many bookies add “fine print” to their deals, but not DraftKings. Take the sign-up bonus. It’s a straightforward offer: you wager at least $5, you get $250 in bonus bets — no questions asked. They’re even throwing in a free month of NFL+ premium right now too.

Best sportsbook for betting options: To start, it’s worth mentioning that most of these apps provide nearly identical bets and odds, making it hard to find much variance across platforms. However, FanDuel does create differation thanks to its frequent boosted odds promotions. They regularly take lines — for example, shifting odds from -120 to +105 — giving bettors a better payout opportunity. This helps them stand out in a copycat industry.

Best sportsbook for live betting: DraftKings gets the edge here too. They’ve mastered the art of keeping up with real-time action. Sure, there’s always a slight broadcast delay, but DraftKings’ live odds seem to adjust almost instantly with the flow of the game. The feature is good now, but it’s likely getting better soon with DraftKings’ acquisition of micro-betting company Simplebet. It’s obvious in-play betting is a big part of DraftKings' future, making them an obvious choice in this category.

Best sportsbook for rewards: Fanatics Rewards are hard to beat. For every bet placed, you earn FanCash.But here’s where Fanatics pulls ahead: that FanCash isn’t limited to just free bets inside the app. No, you can also redeem it for real, licensed gear at the Fanatics store, the top spot for team merchandise on the planet. This unique perk sets Fanatics apart from competitors, who typically only offer free bets or in-app rewards.

Best sportsbook for user experience: It’s tough to NOT like what Caesars is doing for its user base. If you like football, this platform is calling your name with this unique feature. On the Caesars app, bettors can stream live NFL games right then and there. The best part? It’s free — no need to sign in with a cable or streaming subscription. Caesars will livestream your local-area games, plus primetime games that week. It’s the optimal experience to be able to watch and bet on the same app and Caesars provides it.

Kentucky Quick Facts

What You Can’t Bet On In Kentucky?

For the most part, Kentucky lets sports bettors bet. Restrictions on that are very few and far between. Still, a few things are off-limits and it’s worth mentioning those:

College player props: Individual player prop bets on college athletes are strictly prohibited. This applies to all college sports, not just local teams like the Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals.

Casino: There are no casinos in Kentucky — physical or online ones. Players seeking casino-style games will need to visit casinos in nearby states like Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

Non-sports events: Like many other states, betting on non-sporting events in Kentucky is a no-go. This means no wagering on political outcomes, award shows, or entertainment events like TV or movie plot outcomes.

Want to bet on the above things? Try out an offshore sportsbook then. These sites don’t have to play by US or Kentucky rules since they’re located offshore, thus offering every betting market you can possibly imagine.

Who Can Legally Bet in Kentucky?

Enough about what you can’t do in Kentucky. Here’s what you can bet on freely:

Legal age: In Kentucky, the legal age for sports betting is 18, which is lower than many states that set the age at 21.

Mobile betting: Kentucky fully embraces mobile betting, allowing residents and visitors to place bets from anywhere within the state — at work, stuck in traffic, or at the gym. Nothing is off limits so long as you’re inside state borders.

Retail sportsbooks: Kentucky offers retail sportsbooks at its iconic horse racing tracks, such as Churchill Downs and Keeneland.

Remote registration: You can sign up for a sportsbook entirely online in Kentucky, eliminating the need to visit a physical location. This makes it easy to start betting in just a few minutes from your phone or computer.

Taxable winnings: Like most states, any gambling winnings in Kentucky are considered taxable income. While the Bluegrass State is one of few without an income tax, you still need to report your earnings to the federal government. Uncle Sam wants his cut too, and unfortunately for us, he always “covers the spread.”

Kentucky Racebooks

While there are no stand-alone casinos or sportsbooks in the state of Kentucky, they do have racebooks — some of which are racinos. Here's the full list of 'em:

• Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY
• Keeneland – Lexington, KY
• Ellis Park – Henderson, KY
• Turfway Park — Florence, KY
• Kentucky Downs – Franklin, KY
• Oak Grove Racing – Oak Grove, KY
• The Red Mile – Lexington, KY (Known for harness racing)

All of these have racinos except the two most famous ones — Churchill Downs and Keeneland.

Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline

Kentucky has had a fairly short history with sports betting over the years. We take a look back at what has happened below:

A Brief History of Betting In Kentucky

There have been many attempts to reverse the ban on commercial and tribal casinos in the state of Kentucky, with no luck. Even after the legalization of sports betting, Kentucky still prohibits the existence of conventional brick-and-mortar casinos where dealers operate table games.

Sports Betting Bill In 2023 and Beyond

With the recent legalization of sports betting in Kentucky through HB 551, Kentucky residents will be able to place bets both at sportsbooks and retail locations. The new law took effect later that year in time for the NFL betting season.

Latest Kentucky Betting News

Dec 9, 2024 06:13 AM

Professional Sports Gambler Offers Advice for Anyone New to Kentucky Sports Betting

Nov 15, 2024 06:19 AM

How Did Year 1 of Kentucky Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Oct 16, 2024 06:36 AM

Kentucky Sports Betting Handle Sees Yet Another Unexpected Increase

Sep 19, 2024 07:38 AM

Kentucky Sports Betting Handle Surpasses $2 Billion in Less Than One Year

Latest Kentucky Legal Betting Updates

Dec 17, 2024 09:05 AM

Kentucky lawmakers are showing renewed determination to advance sports betting legislation, aiming to make significant progress in 2025.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Kentucky Sports Betting

How to Bet on Sports in Kentucky

Kentucky was also known for its betting habits thanks to the Kentucky Debry race. But don’t pigeonhole the state to just that — they love their sports in all shapes and sizes. That’s why betting markets for a wide variety of sports will be easy to find at Kentucky apps. These markets tend to be the biggest in-state:

How to Bet on Football in Kentucky

Let’s be real: Kentuckians love their football. Whether it’s the NFL or NCAA, it’s the ultimate betting draw here. But the betting landscape in Kentucky has its nuances. Unlike some states, where NFL dominates, college football is just as fierce locally. The Wildcats and Cardinals have legions of loyal fans, and when rivalry games come around, the stakes couldn’t be higher — for both the players and the bettors. Kentucky sportsbooks will offer all the football you’ll ever need.

How to Bet on Basketball in Kentucky

There’s nothing quite like basketball season in Kentucky. College hoops are practically a religion. Here again, it’s a battle of state supremacy between three Wildcats and Cardinals. This spills over into the March Madness tournament, which is behind only the Super Bowl in betting interest. You want to be sure you have your betting bankroll ready for March cause opportunities will be abound that time of year.

How to Bet on Baseball in Kentucky

Baseball might be more of a national pastime than a local obsession in Kentucky, but it’s still a lucrative sport for savvy bettors. The MLB season is long — offering daily betting opportunities for six months straight. If there’s one sport to really, really master as a bettor, it’s this one cause it can pay big time.

How to Bet on Fighting in Kentucky

There is a fight card to bet on almost every weekend whether it’s UFC, PFL, Bellator, or boxing. Most bettors only pay attention to the headline fights, and they’re great, don’t get us wrong. All we’re saying is don’t sleep on the undercards. That’s where sharp bettors can find great value by doing their homework on lesser-known fighters.

Betting on Kentucky Teams

Kentucky doesn’t have any professional sports teams, but that doesn’t mean locals aren’t passionate about their sports. For many fans, the closest pro teams are just across state lines, so there’s strong followings for the Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, and even the Indianapolis Colts. Still, there’s two teams that bring the Bluegrass State together and against each other at the same time as we explain next.

Betting on Kentucky NCAA Teams

Two teams run the state — the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals. The rivalry between these two schools, especially in basketball, is one of the fiercest in the nation. Any time they meet, you’re doing a disservice by not throwing some money on it to up the intensity levels even more.

Kentucky Betting Revenue Statistics

Kentucky sports betting numbers have  "outperformed expectations" according to Governor Andy Beshear. From September 2023 — when it first launched — until the end of July, the total amount bet on sports hit a whopping $2.23 billion. Surely it’ll come close or slightly surpass $3 billion when the first full calendar year comes to a close.

Of all the money bet, $260 million has become profit for the sportsbooks. Kentucky, based on its relatively low tax rate, has cashed in just under $37 million for its state budget.

Other Types of Betting in Kentucky

Is there a state more associated with horse racing than Kentucky? The derby, of course, but also the crazy outfits and A-list celebrities? It’s truly a spectacle and remains the backbone of the state’s culture.

So yes, horse-race betting is fully allowed in the state. Bets can be made at local tracks (if you can get a ticket), but also simulcasts from other racetracks too. It’s also been expanded to online betting now.

Let’s keep talking about tracks though because Kentucky has turned several of them into “racinos” — hybrid racetracks and casinos. Slot machines are available at these but with a twist. Called historical horse racing (HHR) machines, these games simulate slot machines based on previously run horse races. It’s an autnehtic experience, one you can’t even get in Vegas.

In addition to horse racing, Kentucky offers the Kentucky Lottery, which includes big multi-state games like the Power Ball or Mega Millions, as well as local favorites such as Pick 3, Pick 4, and a few others. Nothing out of the ordinary here as the majority of states offer near identical lotteries.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Looking to place bets outside of Kentucky? We’ve got you covered. Choose any state, and you’ll get a complete breakdown of its sports betting regulations so you can bet confidently and legally no matter where you are.

Responsible Gaming in Kentucky

Sports betting in Kentucky can be a fun, exciting way to engage with your favorite teams or horses. But like any form of gambling, there are risks if things get out of control. It’s crucial to keep your betting in check so it remains a fun (sometimes profitable) hobby rather than a source of stress.

It’s easy for betting to go from fun to overwhelming — especially when losses pile up, and you feel tempted to win it all back. If you find yourself chasing losses or betting more than you can afford to lose, these are massive signs that it may be time to push pause.

Taking a break is sometimes the best decision you can make. A short pause can help you regain focus and control. If stepping away feels difficult, Kentucky offers several resources to help you maintain control of your gambling habits. Check out these local options:

Kentucky Problem Gambling Resource (https://www.kycpg.org/)

This organization offers a variety of services to help individuals struggling with problem gambling. They provide education, counseling, and a helpline that offers confidential support around the clock.

Kentucky Lotter Self-Exclusion (https://www.kylottery.com/apps/funclub/content/responsible_gaming.html)

The Kentucky state lottery allows you to exclude yourself from being able to participate.

KY Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER)

Available 24/7, this helpline offers confidential assistance for those dealing with gambling-related issues. Whether you need immediate support or referrals to local services, this is a great resource.

National resources are available too, such as these:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.