Kentucky has joined the growing list of states to approve sports betting! Whether in person or online, bettors in the Bluegrass State are now able to take advantage of promos and offers as they venture into sports wagertainment.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved sports betting regulations July 10, 2023 and voted to make sports betting legal in March 2023.
Now that wagering is live, learn more about sports betting in Kentucky.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes! Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed off on legal sports betting March 31, 2023. After the Kentucky Horse Racing Commision voted to approve regulations July 7, 2023, Beshear signed off on the regulations.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Kentucky?
Retail, or brick and mortar locations went live September 7, 2023. That was the same day as the start of the NFL season. Mobile sports betting went live September 28, 2023. The three week delay between launches is to allow mobile sites and apps to be technologically apt, according to reports.
What Sportsbooks are Available in Kentucky?
There are numerous sportsbooks that are operating the Bluegrass State:
- Caesars
- FanDuel
- ESPN Bet
- DraftKings
- BetMGM
- Circa Sports
- bet365
- Fanatics Sportsbook (PointsBet)
This is not a definitive list of which books to expect, as the list of potential companies to come to Kentucky is fluid.
What Sportsbooks Will Be Coming to Kentucky?
Below are some of the sportsbooks and offers you could expect, including the possible sports betting promos available in Kentucky.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: Get up to $1000 in Second-Chance Bets
- Full review: BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is one of the biggest names in sports betting landscape. Its presence in Las Vegas and Atlantic City was just the beginning for the mobile MGM product.
BetMGM announced in August 2023 that it reached an agreement Sandy’s Racing & Gaming located in Ashland, Kentucky.
BetMGM’s promo gives new bettors a second-chance bet when using The Game Day promo code . To get this offer, sign up for a BetMGM Sportsbook account, make a deposit you’re comfortable with, and place your first bet.
If your first bet wins, you get your winnings. If your first bet loses, you will get that amount back in bet credits, up to $1,000.
The bet credits can be used as multiple wagers, a great way to use your promo to get more wagers off of one. Win or lose, your first bet is covered.
Caesars Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: First Bet Insurance
- Full review: Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is making sure your first bet is bonus bets. Bettors that are new to Caesars Sportsbook can get their first wager back in site credit, up to $1,000.
To get this promo, and use code GAMEDAY1000. Once you put in the promo code, make your deposit and place a wager on any live market. Get your winnings if your bet hits. If you lose on your first wager, you will receive your initial bet back in site credits, up to $1,000.
Caesars is one of the largest and well-known companies in the industry, and is home to one of the best in-person and mobile experiences. The Red Mile came to an agreement with Caesars for a retail partnership.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: Bet $5, Get $150
- Full review: FanDuel Sportsbook
The No. 1 sportsbook in the United States has partnered with Churchill Downs and their locations aside from the home of the Kentucky Derby. Their latest promo for new users gets them $150 in Bonus Bets with a $5 wager moneyline wager and win.
New users in Kentucky got $100 in Bonus Bets if they signed up prior to September 28.
Both offers benefit new users because you can get a bankroll builder just for signing up, or for a smaller wager of $5.
Circa Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: None
- Full review:
Circa Sports continues to expand their reach in the U.S. after a successful launch in Nevada, Colorado, and Illinois. Circa is home to Circa Survivor and Circa Million, two of the largest NFL contests run in the country.
Circa and Cumberland Run announced that they would partner.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: $150 in Bonus Bets
- Full review: DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is one of the most popular and front-facing sportsbooks in America. They also continue to keep users excited to wager with them with daily bonuses and great perks for new sign-ups.
New users can get get up to $150 in Bonus Bets with a winning moneyline bet. All it requires is a deposit and first bet of at least $5.
DK also has a partnership with Cumberland Run and their satellite location.
ESPN Bet
- New Player Offer: TBA
- Full Review: ESPN Bet Sportsbook
Formerly with Barstool, PENN Interactive has partnered with ESPN to create a new user experience. Expect an upgraded experience now that PENN is working with the largest sports media company in the U.S.
PENN has partnered with Ellis Park Henderson and Owensboro.
bet365 Sportsbook
- New Player Offer: Bet $5, Get $150
- Full review: bet365 Sportsbook
bet365 is another international sportsbook dipping their toes in American sports betting.
bet365 has been offering new users various bonus funds with just a $5 wager. bet365 has one of the best return on investment promotions available to new users in states where it is available. All you have to do is use when asked for a promo code.
One of the nice things of bet365 is their expanded betting market as a site that started across the pond. Their unique betting options is a bonus for American bettors looking to wager on international events.
Sandy’s Gaming and Racing is working with bet365.
Fanatics Sportsbook (PointsBet)
- New Player Offer: Bet $5, Get $200
- Full review: Fanatics Sportsbook
Depending on your location, Fanatics Sportsbook will be live with that name or PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience.
The largest sports retail shopping experience joined the sports betting industry this summer with the acquisition of PointsBet. Fanatics has not decided if all PB sites will transition to Fanatics, or if they do change, they all change at once. Look for Fanatics to open as the newly branded sportsbook in Kentucky.
How to Register at a Kentucky Online Sportsbook
Signing up for sports betting can be intimidating, especially to new users. The goal here at The Game Day is to make this process as easy as possible, while also giving readers the best promos in the industry:
- Pick your preferred sportsbook/s and click on our link.
- Links could be our promo code or just “Get Bonus," as no code is needed.
- You will be taken to the registration page where you click “Register."
- Fill out the information required.
- This process is secure and meant to help make your betting experience safer.
- Enter the promo code GAMEDAY if a code is needed.
- The sportsbook will verify your identity, a required step to make signing up safe and secure.
- Deposit your preferred amount of funds using one of numerous deposit methods.
- All deposit options are secure and required to pass state requirements.
