Online sports betting is live in Kentucky as of September 28, 2023. With over four million residents, Kentucky is one of the smaller markets in the country, but there is expected to be several sportsbooks flocking to the state to establish a foothold among this user base.
That means there will be plenty of options to choose from, allowing users to take advantage of multiple welcome bonuses and promos.
In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth breakdown of everything you need to know about Kentucky online sports betting, including sportsbooks, signup offers, and much more.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Kentucky as of March 31, 2023, with operators going live as of September 28, 2023. Each sportsbook must go through a vetting process to ensure that the product is up to standards, so users can feel at ease in placing online wagers.
These include game integrity, payment process, customer support, promotion offers, betting lines, and more. Each financial transaction is safe and secure for every Kentucky user.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will oversee online sports betting activity within the state. There are several operators that will enter the fray right away, such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
When are Online Sportsbooks Launching in Kentucky?
Online sportsbooks are launching in Kentucky on September 28, 2023. There will be seven operators that will go live right at launch date.
Caesars was the first online sportsbook to enter the fray, forming partnerships with both Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing.
BetMGM announced in August that is reached an agreement with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Ashland, Kentucky.
What Online Sportsbooks are Coming to Kentucky?
There are eight online sportsbooks that have been approved for license in Kentucky, so there will be no shortage of options to choose from. Each of the sportsbooks listed here are confirmed to go live on the Kentucky betting launch date.
Caesars Sportsbook KY
- Retail Partner: Keeneland, Red Mile Gaming & Racing
- Full Review: Caesars Sportsbook
- Launch Date: September 28, 2023
Caesars is a juggernaut within online sports betting, boasting lucrative promos within an accessible platform. The VIP rewards system is the best in the business, as users have a chance to win hotel accommodations and fine dining at Caesars properties.
In addition to this, bettors will enjoy fair odds that align with the rest of the market along with a robust selection of payment methods.
There will be a Caesars retail sportsbook at Keeneland as well as Red Mile Gaming & Racing.
DraftKings Sportsbook KY
- Retail Partner: Cumberland Run
- Full Review: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Launch Date: September 28, 2023
DraftKings is one of the leading operators in the industry, featuring a user-friendly platform with a variety of betting markets, including a diverse selection of player props.
There are also a number of odds boosts to enhance the value on your wagers to go along with a generous welcome offer.
Be sure to join DraftKings to take advantage of their expansive selection of bet types.
FanDuel Sportsbook KY
- Retail Partner: Churchill Downs
- Full Review: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Launch Date: September 28, 2023
FanDuel started off as a pioneer in the daily fantasy sports space before branching out to sports betting, where they’ve evolved into one of the most popular platforms in the industry.
What’s great about FanDuel is that you can create parlays featuring alternate lines on player props, giving you an opportunity to hit a home run on a large payout.
You can place a bet at the retail location at Churchill Downs.
BetMGM Sportsbook KY
- Retail Partner: Sandy’s Racing & Gaming
- Full Review: BetMGM Sportsbook
- Launch Date: September 28, 2023
BetMGM carries the renowned MGM brand, making users feel at ease when depositing funds in such a reputable operator.
Some of the appealing attributes about this platform are that it provides users with a number of betting markets and useful promotions, including odds boosts and parlay insurance.
Users have a chance to find value once the game has already started through BetMGM’s expansive live betting platform.
bet365 Sportsbook KY
- Retail Partner: Sandy’s Racing & Gaming
- Full Review: bet365 Sportsbook
- Launch Date: September 28, 2023
bet365 is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the world, establish more of a market share in Europe, but they’re starting to expand across the United States.
This is a site that also boasts a vast assortment of betting markets, including an expansive live wagering platform where you can even pick player props during the game, which is not always available on other platforms.
Be sure to join bet365 to enjoy one of the best operators in the industry.
Other Sportsbooks Coming to Kentucky
- Circa Sportsbook: partnered with Cumberland Run, launching September 28, 2023.
- Fanatics Sportsbook: partnered with Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, launching September 28, 2023.
- ESPN Bet: partnered with Ellis Racing & Gaming, expected to launch in November.
Who is Eligible for Kentucky Sportsbook Account?
There are some rules involved with eligibility for a Kentucky sportsbook account. We’ll break it down for you below.
Do I Have to be a Resident of KY to Bet Online?
You don’t need to be a resident of Kentucky to bet online, you just have to be located within the state at the time of your wager. Online betting sites use geolocation to ensure that each user is within state lines.
This means that even if you’ve signed up for a Kentucky betting site, you can’t use it if you’re traveling to another state. In that case, you’d have to wait until you’re back in Kentucky to resume your wagering.
Betting apps will ask to confirm your location, so make sure that feature is turned on when you’re wagering on your mobile device.
What Is the Legal Betting Age in KY?
The legal betting age in Kentucky is 18 years or older, but some online platforms are maintaining the 21 years or older requirement that is more common across the nation.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Minimum age (18+): DraftKings, bet365
Minimum age (21+): FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, Fanatics
When signing up for an online betting site, you will need to provide information on your identity, including your birth date. This will allow the sportsbook to confirm that you’re of legal betting age.
How Do I Join KY Sports Betting Sites?
Signing up for a KY betting site is a simple process that can be completed within minutes.
Here are the steps involved:
- Determine which sportsbook you want to join.
- Click on our “Get Bonus" link to access their landing page.
- Select “Join" or “Register" to kickstart the signup process.
- Provide your personal information, such as name, address, and more.
- If you require a sports betting promo code, we have you covered for the likely Kentucky sportsbooks.
- Once you’re done signing up, you should receive a confirmation e-mail.
- From there, you can deposit funds and place your bets.
How To Fund My Account
Online betting apps provide you with numerous deposit and withdrawal methods. Deposits are reflected in your balance within minutes, while withdrawals may take up to three business days.
Here are some of the popular banking methods that you’ll find across the industry:
Deposit Options
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- eWallet (PayPal, Skrill)
- ACH/eCheck
- Prepaid Cards
- Play+ Cards
- PayNearMe
Withdrawal Options
While there are fewer withdrawal methods compared to deposits, there are still enough to suit your needs:
- ACH/eCheck
- eWallet (PayPal, Skrill)
- Credit/Debit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Cash At Casino Cage
- Play+ Prepaid Cards
- Check By Mail
Why Should I Join a Kentucky Betting Site?
Here are some reasons why you should join a Kentucky betting site:
- Online betting is licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
- There are numerous Kentucky sports betting promotions available to give you more value on your wagers.
- Enjoy a lucrative welcome bonus to help you get off to a good start.
- Place your bets from the comfort of your electronic device (mobile, desktop, or laptop).
- Get easy access to customer support through 24/7 live chat.
- Betting odds and lines will be fairly priced.
Why Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
Here’s why you need to avoid offshore sportsbooks:
- They are illegal and unregulated.
- The payment process features fewer options and longer wait times.
- There aren’t any mobile apps for offshore sportsbooks.
- Betting lines may be overpriced compared to the rest of the market.
How to Download a Kentucky Betting App
Once you’ve signed up at a Kentucky betting site, you’ll want to download their mobile app so that you can place your bet while on the go.
Here’s what you need to do for iOS and Android devices:
iPhone
- Access the App Store.
- Find your preferred sportsbook.
- Click on the app to begin the installation process.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Place your bets.
Android
- Go to Google Play.
- Search for the sportsbook app that you want.
- Click Install to add it to your phone.
- Sign in with your login information.
- You’re now ready to bet.
Please note that if you can’t find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play, you will have to download it from the sportsbook’s website.
You may access the website through its mobile browser, but it runs better through the app, so be sure to download it right away.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Kentucky?
There are several sports that you can bet on in Kentucky. Here are some of the most popular:
- Football (NFL, NCAA)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer (MLS)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1)
- Boxing
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)
- Rugby
- Cricket
- eSports
Betting Restrictions
There are some betting restrictions involved here, including the following:
- You are not able to wager on political elections.
- Awards shows like the Oscars are not available for wagering.
- Bettors cannot place a wager on high school athletics.
The good news is that you can place a wager on college sports, including local teams like the Kentucky Wildcats.
Local Sports Teams to Bet on
You can bet on the following local sports teams in Kentucky:
- Kentucky Wildcats (UK CFB odds and UK CBB)
- Louisville Cardinals
- Murray State Racers
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- Bellarmine Knights
- Morehead State Eagles
- Northern Kentucky Norse
- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Legal bettors can also wager on the many pro teams surrounding Kentucky:
- NFL: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans
- MLB: Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians
- NBA: Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies
- NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators
Bet Types Available
Here is a breakdown of the various bet types available:
- Moneyline: Choose the winning team. Favorites have minus odds (risk more than payout), while underdogs have plus odds (profit is higher than stake).
- Point Spread: This involves the margin of victory when choosing a side. Favorites are minus the points (must win by indicated spread), while underdogs are plus the points (can win outright or lose by fewer than the spread).
- Totals: Totals are where you bet Over or Under the assigned total. The most popular is full-game totals, but you can also target a specific team or portion of the game.
- Props: These are outcomes related to specific players or teams. They may be Over/Under (ex. a player’s total rebounds) or just have odds (ex. a player to score a touchdown).
- Live Betting: Live betting is an in-game wager, where you place a bet after the event has started. The odds are updated in real time to reflect what has transpired in the game.
- Futures: Futures involve bets that are settled at the end of the season, such as player awards (ex. MVP) or champions (ex. World Series winner). They often provide larger returns on your investment.
- Parlays: This is a combination of multiple wagers into one bet. The payout is determined by the number of legs as well as the odds on each wager. You must win each bet in order for your parlay to hit.
Kentucky Retail Sportsbooks
If you prefer to place a wager in person, you can go to the following retail sportsbooks in Kentucky:
- Keeneland Racetrack (Caesars): Lexington, KY
- Red Mile Racetrack (Caesars): Lexington, KY
- Churchill Downs (FanDuel): Louisville, KY
- Sandy’s Racing & Gaming (BetMGM, bet365): Ashland, KY
- Cumberland Run (DraftKings, Circa): Corbin, KY
- Ellis Racing & Gaming (ESPN Bet): Henderson, KY
- Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (Fanatics): Oak Grove, KY
We can expect to see a few more locations open up in the foreseeable future.
Can I Play at Online Casinos in KY?
You are currently unable to play at online casinos in Kentucky, since they are not yet legalized in the Bluegrass State.
When Did KY Sports Betting Become Legal?
Sports betting became legal in Kentucky on March 31, 2023 after two years of steady progress towards this goal.
Retail wagering will be operational as of September 7, 2023, while online betting will launch on September 28.
Below you’ll find a detailed timeline of the events that led to Kentucky’s legalization of sports betting.
KY Sports Betting Timeline
- May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court abolishes the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), opening up the door for states to legalize sports betting.
- March 18, 2022: After a few sports betting bills fail to pass, Rep. Adam Koenig introduces HB 606, which is passed by the House of Representatives.
- April 14, 2022: The Senate does not pass HB 606, which means that sports betting would not come to Kentucky in 2022.
- February 22, 2023: HB 551 is introduced by Rep. Michael Meredith. This would put the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in charge of regulating sports betting within the state.
- March 31, 2023: After passing through the Senate, Governor Andy Beshear signs HB 551 into law.
- July 10, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission finalizes regulations for online and retail sports betting. Retail wagering becomes available on September 7, while online platforms launch on September 28.
- September 7, 2023: Retail sports betting goes live in Kentucky.
- September 22, 2023: Gov. Beshear reveals that over $4.5 million in cumulative wagers have been placed since retail launch on September 7.
- September 28, 2023: Online sports betting launches in Kentucky.
