Kentucky Betting Sites

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s highly anticipated September 2023 legal sports betting launch has been a resounding success, but lawmakers in the Bluegrass State had to work hard to make it happen. Despite significant overtures by Governor Andy Beshear as far back as 2020, several bills to legalize sports betting failed to make a breakthrough. 

Although the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has overseen legal horse racing betting for more than a century, widening the mandate beyond this proved more difficult than many analysts expected. Home of the iconic Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, the Bluegrass State had a more tolerant approach to gambling than many other locations in the South. 

Frustration grew as neighboring West Virginia, Tennessee, and Indiana established legal online sports betting industries soon after the Senate overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Kentucky sports betting legislation still couldn’t get off the ground, despite Governor Beshear’s wholehearted endorsement of HB 137 in his 2020 State of the Commonwealth address. 

Representative Adam Koenig proposed a Kentucky sports betting bill for the fourth year running in 2022. HB 606 was a significant step forward, finally passing through the House with a 58-30 vote. Despite the encouragement, HB 606 couldn’t get through the Senate, with Majority Leader Damon Thayer citing a lack of support.

Several states pushed legal sports betting legislation through with minimal fuss, but Kentucky is testimony to grinding out an eventual victory. The new Representative Michael Meredith launched HB 551 in 2023, which finally managed to clear the House and the Senate. Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law on June 28, and, fittingly due to his long-term support, placed the first legal sports wager on September 7. Seven Kentucky online sportsbooks launched a few weeks after on September 28: 

• bet365 Sportsbook (Sandy’s Racing & Gaming) 
• BetMGM (Sandy’s Racing & Gaming) 
• Caesars Sportsbook (Red Mile Racing) 
• DraftKings (Cumberland Run) 
• Fanatics Sportsbook (Oak Grove Racing) 
• FanDuel Sportsbook (Churchill Downs) 
• ESPN Bet (Ellis Park Racing & Gaming) 

The Bluegrass State has taken strongly to legal online sports betting, with Kentucky sportsbooks taking more than $656 million in wagers during the first three months. This has already translated to over $10 million in tax revenue, putting the state on course to exceed the $23 million projected figure when legislation was being discussed. 

Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline

The journey towards legal sports betting in Kentucky involves several false starts and failed bids. Here is a rundown of the key dates: 

• December 2023 – Kentucky sports betting handle hits $656 million 
• September 2023 – In-person sports betting goes live on September 7, with online sportsbooks following on September 28. 
• June 2023 – Governor Andy Beshear signs HB 551 into law, authorizing Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks to offer sports betting and work with three online sportsbooks each. 
• March 2023 – Representative Michael Meredith successfully launches HB 551. The Kentucky sports betting bill passes the House and Senate at the end of March. 
• April 2022 – The Senate adjourns before a vote on HB 606, consigning it to failure. 
• January 2022 – Representative Adam Koenig launches Kentucky sports betting bill HB 606. 
• April 2021 – Three proposed bills fail at the first stage. 
• January 2021 – Governor Andy Beshear throws his weight behind legal sports betting in his “First Year Reflections”. 
• April 2020 – Representative Adam Koenig launched a new Kentucky sports betting bill – HB 137 – but it doesn’t get through the House. 
• March 2019 – Four proposed Kentucky sports betting bills ultimately fail. Representative Adam Koenig’s HB 175 gains the most support, generating optimism despite the setback. 
• June 2018 – Governor Matt Bevin announces a nine-member panel to survey sports betting regulation ahead of potential implementation. 
• May 2018 – The US Supreme Court revokes PASPA, allowing individual states to pass their own gambling legislation. 

Best Sports Betting Sites in Kentucky

Kentucky bettors have seven excellent online sportsbooks to choose from, each with their own advantages and selling points. Our experts have spent considerable time getting to know each platform, using first-hand experience and in-depth checklists to give you the most accurate assessments possible. Check below for our pick of the best KY sports betting sites: 

Bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky

bet365 is already a household name over the Atlantic, but the UK-based sports betting juggernaut is rapidly increasing its reputation across the US. Kentucky bettors can access one of the industry’s best welcome bonuses, granting a first bet safety net up to $2,000 or a bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets promotion. It’s not often you get a choice between two such generous promos, immediately putting the operator ahead of the competition. 

And the welcome bonus is just the beginning. bet365 Sportsbook also has the most abundant ongoing KY sports betting promos, with everything from its trademark “Bet Boost” odds enhancements to unique options like early payout on NFL, NBA, NCAAB, hockey, and soccer fixtures. The 70% parlay boost is one of our all-time favorites, especially in tandem with the intuitive same-game parlay builder. 

bet365 Sportsbook is also notable for its “Edit Bet” feature, giving bettors unprecedented flexibility over their wagers. The straightforward betslip enables you to alter parlays, change your stake, take an early cash out or completely swap a prediction. It’s unlike anything else currently available on the Kentucky sports betting market, illustrating the sportsbook’s determination to stay fresh and innovate. Read our bet365 Sportsbook review for a full-spectrum review covering everything you need to know. 

FanDuel Kentucky

FanDuel started life as a Daily Fantasy Sports channel before growing into the largest online sportsbook in the US. The platform offers the most comprehensive selection of sports and betting markets alongside DraftKings, with over 20 sports available packed with hundreds of potential wagering options. Fortunately for such a powerful sportsbook, the interface is also spot on, allowing you to navigate the abundant choices with slick menus and search filters. 

The advantageous user experience is best illustrated by the same-game parlay builder. FanDuel is an industry leader here, providing an almost bottomless array of potential selections on NFL and NBA games in particular. Same-game parlays are extremely easy to build to your specifications, and the software instantly calculates your potential payout. As an example of the extreme possibilities, we could choose from well over 100 individual selections for the Milwaukee Bucks @ Memphis Grizzlies. 

Don’t worry if creating your own same-game parlays is overwhelming, as FanDuel also has a useful “Parlay Hub” section where you can choose from readymade SGPs. Elsewhere, the operator has one of the best Kentucky sports betting apps, with the streamlined interface translating perfectly onto smaller smartphone screens. A 4.8 out of 5 rating on the App Store after 1,300,000+ reviews is all the proof you need. Our FanDuel Sportsbook review contains more comprehensive info. 

DraftKings Kentucky

DraftKings is another Kentucky sports betting platform that began as a Daily Fantasy Sports channel. It comes just behind FanDuel regarding overall US market share but offers the same top-quality online sports betting experience. Sports bettors get a better selection of ongoing promotions and can also claim one of the most generous welcome bonuses. New customers enjoy a $1,000 in bonus bets first bet safety net – a particularly appealing offer for beginners. 

bet365 Sportbooks is the only platform that can match DraftKing’s extensive regular bonuses, although the latter takes the crown for most impactful offers. Our favorites include the 50% all-sport profit boost and 100% boost on NHL same-game parlays. The operator also throws in daily odds boost tokens, enabling bettors to score multiple bonuses every day of the week. 

Aside from the comprehensive bonuses, DraftKings also beats other Kentucky sportsbooks for social fun. The DraftKings Social platform is a one-of-a-kind area where you can meet new friends and discuss predictions on teams like the Louisville Cardinals. Paired with the high-rated mobile app (4.8 out of 5 on the App Store after 670,000+ reviews), it brings a welcome communal element to the online sports betting experience. Check our DraftKings Sportsbook review for more information. 

Best Sportsbook Promo in Kentucky

Choosing the best sports betting in Kentucky's welcome bonus is essential to getting the most initial value from your sportsbook. While there are several inviting promos available, we cannot look past the bet365 Sportsbook promo code offer at the moment. The world-famous betting brand is making a concerted push into the US market spearheaded by a choice between $150 in guaranteed bonus bets or a $2,000 first bet safety net. We’ll explore both below: 

Bet365 Kentucky $1,000 First Bet Safety Net Welcome Bonus 

The bet365 Sportsbook $2,000 first bet safety net welcome bonus is best suited to more experienced bettors, especially those who enjoy taking a risk and have relatively large initial bankrolls. Place a qualifying wager up to $2,000 and you’ll receive your stake back as bonus bets if it loses. 

This is head and shoulders above most other risk-free welcome bonuses, and the terms and conditions are also very favorable. bet365 Sportsbooks allows you to split the bonus bets into as many wagers as you want. It even enables you to mix bonus funds with normal bankroll on the intuitive betslip. Here are the main guidelines to consider: 

• $10 minimum deposit 
• Maximum $2,000 in refunded bonus bets 
• First wager must lose to activate offer 
• Bonus bets available for 90 days  

Bet365 Kentucky Bet $5 Get $150 Welcome Bonus 

Beginners or Kentucky sports bettors looking for a guaranteed welcome bonus will prefer the bet $5 and get $200 bet365 Sportsbook welcome bonus. This is similar to other promos at sites like FanDuel and ESPN Bet, but there are a few notable differences in the terms and conditions. 

Our favorite aspect is the flexible nature of the bonus bets. Other online sportsbooks split these into predetermined amounts, while bet365 Sportsbook allows you to wager with bonus funds in the same way as normal money. Check below for the main terms and conditions: 

• $10 minimum deposit 
• $5 qualifying wager 
• Minimum -500 odds on qualifying bet 
• Bonus bets expire after 90 days   

Requirements to Play at Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky has some of the least restrictive sports betting requirements in the US. Check below for the main points to consider: 

• 18+ legal age 
• Must have geolocation and be within Kentucky state boundaries 
• Must have a verified Kentucky sports betting account 
• Cannot be on any gambling exclusion lists 

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Kentucky

Despite lacking any men’s major league professional sports teams, Kentucky is surrounded by viable alternatives like the Indiana Pacers and Tennessee Titans. The Bluegrass State also has a rich college sports selection, with the Louisville Cardinals being particularly popular. And then there’s horse racing, with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs being the most prestigious race in the US by some distance. We’ll explore the main leagues and teams for Kentucky sports gambling below: 

Kentucky Sport Leagues

The NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are naturally the most popular sports betting leagues in the Bluegrass State. However, if you’re looking for something closer to home, here are the most significant local and college sports leagues: 

Kentucky Teams to Bet On

Racing Louisville FC is arguably the most prestigious Kentucky sports team, a professional women’s soccer franchise competing in the NWSL. Elsewhere, the Louisville Cardinals college sports teams are frequently tipped as one of the best in the ACC. Here is a complete list of Kentucky teams to bet on: 

What You Can't Bet On In Kentucky

Sports betting in Kentucky is relatively flexible, allowing college sports betting, unlike some states like Vermont. Nevertheless, bettors cannot access odds on certain things. For example: 

• Politics – As with most other states, political betting is strictly off the table. 
• Cultural Events – Events like the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards are currently omitted from the Kentucky sports betting catalog.  
• Injuries – Betting markets concerning player injuries are prohibited. 

Other Types of Gambling in Kentucky

Kentucky sports betting is the main attraction in the Bluegrass State, although residents can also enjoy other forms of gambling. These include: 

• Land-Based Casinos – Kentucky racetracks have very basic casinos revolving around instant horse racing betting machines. Other forms of casino games are strictly outlawed, and online casino platforms are also prohibited. 
• Sweepstake Casinos – Kentuckians searching for online casino fun should consider the burgeoning US sweepstakes industry. Sweepstakes like McLuck and Pulsz offer free-to-play slots and other games with potential real money prizes available. 
• Horse Racing – Horse racing betting in Kentucky has been legal for more than two centuries, primarily in the pari-mutuel context. The Kentucky Derby is America’s most highly anticipated race, so the popularity of horse racing betting in the Bluegrass State is no surprise. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky is one of the most recent states to legalize sports betting, but it certainly won’t be the last. States across the US are increasingly pushing through new gambling legislation. Some recent and upcoming examples include: 

• Vermont – The Green Mountain State launched legal online sports betting on January 1, 2024. Three Vermont betting sites currently operate: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook. 

• North Carolina – All eyes are on March 2024 in the Tar Heel State, the anticipated launch date for online sportsbooks. Head to the North Carolina betting sites homepage for all the latest news, including the expected capacity for cryptocurrency banking.  

• South Carolina – While the Palmetto State is yet to formally legalize online sports betting, lawmakers are edging ever closer to a breakthrough. Our South Carolina betting sites resource page has up-to-date developments.  

• Florida – The Sunshine State has an on-off relationship with online sports betting. Hard Rock Bet launched in 2021 but was swiftly closed after objections by the Seminole Tribe. It reopened in December 2023, providing Florida betting sites with a well-needed boost. 

• Ohio – The Buckeye State has one of the highest concentrations of major professional sports teams, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Reds, just to name a few. Ohio betting sites are some of the highest-performing across the US since their January 2023 launch. 

Overview of Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky is shaping up to be one of the top states for legal online sports betting, with several top-quality sportsbooks available. Choose from the likes of FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365 Sportsbook, and ESPN Bet using our expert reviews and sign up to get started. 

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ