Kentucky Sports Betting
Legal online sports betting has arrived in Kentucky. The first Kentucky sports betting sites opened on September 28th, 2023 and are now accepting wagers from customers located anywhere within state lines.
Most Kentucky race tracks have also opened retail sportsbooks on their premises in partnership with brand name operators like DraftKings and BetMGM.
Continue below for updates, information about the best Kentucky online sports betting sites, mobile wagering rules, and answers to frequently asked questions. Consider this your complete guide to Kentucky sportsbooks, mobile betting apps, and state laws.
Legal Kentucky Betting Sites
$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 981-0023 (PR). First bet offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for terms. US $1500 promotional offer not available in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
No Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369)(NY). Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Offer for new customers 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY), present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.
$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000
21+. New users only. Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, IL, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or Text HOPENY (467369). Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Bet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not RequiredGambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/LA/NC/NJ/OH/VA) 21), (KY) 18+. New Customer Offer Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200
Void where prohibited. Terms and conditions apply. Offer for TwinSpires Racing only. See TwinSpires.com for details. Must be 18+ (21+ where applicable). For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
$150 Deposit BonusAmWager Promo Code: BUSA150
Promotional offer valid and continues until further notice.
Open to new AmWager account holders who have not previously opened an AmWager account. Individuals may only have one (1) AmWager account and may only qualify for a signup promotion one (1) time.
The First Deposit Match Bonus promotion applies to the first deposit made; any subsequent deposits will not apply.
The amount of the first deposit will determine the amount of the bonus and bets that must be placed to earn the bonus. For example, to qualify for the maximum bonus of $150 an initial deposit of $150 is required and total bets must equal $150 or more within 30 days of sign up. Cancelled wagers and refunded wagers are not eligible and will not be counted towards the promotion.
The total promotional wagering credits will be credited to the AmWager account in a single deposit within seven (7) business days of meeting the betting requirements for this promotion. Any promotional wagering credits deposited to a player’s account must be wagered and cannot be withdrawn from the account. Any winnings from those wagers are cash and can be withdrawn.
Any portion of the promotional credits unused expires after 30 days.
Account must remain in good standing to be eligible for all promotions. Returned deposits during the promotional period will cancel eligibility to receive promotional wagering credit.
Limit one promotional offer per household.
$200 Deposit BonusDRFBets Promo Code: STAKES
Must be 18 or older (21 in AL, AZ, IA, IN, KS, NH, ND, WA) to open an account with DRF Bets and reside in a state where such activity is legal. Void where prohibited. Always Wager Responsibly. If you think you might have a problem, please contact the National Gambling Helpline (800) 522-4700. T&Cs Apply.
$100 Deposit BonusPrizePicks Promo Code: BUSA
19+, T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.800gambler.org. If you are in Arizona, call the toll-free Arizona statewide helpline at 1-800-NEXTSTEP or text NEXT-STEP to 53342. You may also visit problemgambling.az.gov.
$100 First Entry RefundBoom Fantasy Promo Code: BUSA
Users must be 18+ years of age to play and deposit (19+ in Nebraska). T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. All users must have only 1 account. If a user is found to be less than 18 years old, their account will be banned and all their entries will be canceled and refunded. If a user is found to have more than 1 account, they will be subject to a ban at Boom’s discretion.
$100 Deposit BonusUnderdog Fantasy Promo Code: BETUSA
18/21+, T&Cs apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXT-STEP to 53342; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPE line at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369) Learn more about Underdog Contests and how to identify highly experienced players at www.underdogfantasy.com/rules; Learn more about average results at www.underdogfantasy.com/average-results.
21+ and present in KY. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Kentucky Sports Betting Overview
Legislation approved in March 2023 authorized sports betting in Kentucky via three avenues:
- Online sports betting
- Retail sportsbooks at race tracks
- Sportsbooks at off-track betting facilities (OTBs)
The Kentucky sports betting industry kicked off in September 2023, beginning with retail sportsbooks at race tracks. Online sports betting began two weeks later.
With more than three dozen licensing slots and a reasonable tax rate, the Kentucky online sports betting market favors the consumer due to competition among providers in terms of pricing, betting bonuses, and overall customer experience.
Here are the main things bettors need to know about sports betting in Kentucky:
- Kentucky fans can bet on sports online through licensed betting sites and in-person at retail sportsbooks
- Fans must be 18 or older to bet on sports in Kentucky
- Some sportsbooks enforce a minimum age of 21 to participate
- Licensed Kentucky sportsbooks may offer wagers on professional, collegiate, Olympic, amateur, and esports events
- State law does not prohibit wagers on local college teams
Kentucky Sports Betting Apps
Online sportsbook operators may offer sports betting in Kentucky through partnerships with local race tracks. Each race track may partner with third party sports betting operators to launch up to three online sportsbooks, which leaves plenty of room for the nation’s most high-profile brands to enter the Kentucky market.
Multiple Kentucky betting apps launched simultaneously on day one, but bettors can expect more to come. Below are overviews of online sportsbooks that are either already open or have confirmed imminent plans to launch in Kentucky.
Bet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not Required- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partner: Sandy’s Racing & Gaming
- Expert Review: Bet365 Kentucky
Bet365 offers legal online sports betting in Kentucky through a partnership with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming. The deal is for online wagering only, as Sandy’s is also partnered with BetMGM to operate a retail sportsbook at the property.
The Bet365 Kentucky app features an understated interface that doesn’t look special at first, but BettingUSA recommends that bettors give it a test run at a minimum. Bet365 has an overwhelmingly positive reputation for treating bettors fairly, posting early lines, taking significantly less commission than its competitors, and launching frequent betting promotions.
No Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partners: ECL Corbin
- Expert Review: DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky
DraftKings Sportsbook gained access to the Kentucky online sports betting market through a partnership with the parent company of the Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland and Cumberland Run. In addition to online sports betting, the partnership involves retail sportsbooks at both properties.
The DraftKings Kentucky sports betting app is one of the state’s most popular options, judging by its success in other markets. With a massive wagering menu for all sports, extensive props, low vigorish, daily betting pools, and ongoing loyalty promos via Dynasty Rewards, DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky is a well-rounded option without significant flaws.
$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUSGambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 981-0023 (PR). First bet offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for terms. US $1500 promotional offer not available in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partner: Sandy’s Racing and Gaming
- Expert Review: BetMGM Kentucky
BetMGM Sportsbook offers online sports betting and a retail sportsbook through a partnership with Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, an upcoming quarter horse race track in Eastern Kentucky.
The BetMGM Kentucky app is another market leader thanks to widespread name recognition, a large new customer bonus, integration into the MGM Rewards loyalty program, and competitive odds.
Other BetMGM Kentucky highlights include a busy in-play betting schedule, in-app live broadcasts, same-game parlays, and daily odds boosts. The BetMGM Kentucky app could improve its somewhat crowded interface and occasional lag when navigating between sports, but overall, it’s a quality contender.
- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partner: Churchill Downs
- Expert Review: FanDuel Kentucky
Bet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not NeededFanDuel offers online sports betting in Kentucky through a partnership with Churchill Downs, Inc., the parent company of the nation’s most famous race track. However, FanDuel does not operate a retail sportsbook at the track because Churchill Downs has opted to build a self-branded sportsbook for in-person wagering.
The FanDuel Kentucky app is another major contender in the Bluegrass State thanks to its brand recognition, excellent in-play betting prices, and tendency to offer special bets on hometown teams.
$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partners: Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing
- Expert Review: Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky
Caesars Sportsbook is licensed to offer online sports betting in Kentucky and operate two retail sportsbooks in Lexington through partnerships with Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming & Racing.
The Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky app offers new customers a multi-faceted welcome bonus, instant access to the comprehensive Caesars Rewards loyalty program, and intuitive navigation.
Although the Caesars Kentucky sports betting app doesn’t offer as many niche prop bet markets as its biggest competitors, its in-play betting lines are some of the best in the business.
- Launch Date: September 2023
- Partner: Oak Grove Gaming & Racing
- Expert Review: Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky
Sports merchandise giant Fanatics only recently entered the online sports betting market, but it comes to Kentucky with a polished sportsbook app and competitive lines through a partnership with Oak Grove race track.
The Fanatics Kentucky sports betting app resembles other operators in some ways and forges its own path in others. For example, Fanatics Sportsbook integrates its many odds boosts and special wagers throughout the interface, which can be convenient or annoying, depending on the bettor’s interests.
- Launch Date: November 14th, 2023
- Partner: Ellis Park Racing & Gaming
- Expert Review: ESPN Bet Kentucky
ESPN Bet offers legal online sports betting in Kentucky through a partnership with Ellis Park.
- Launch Date: April 2024
- Partner: ECL Corbin
- Expert Review: Circa Sports Kentucky
Circa Sports came to the Kentucky sports betting market through a partnership with ECL Corbin, the parent company of The Mint Gaming Hall and Cumberland Run.
The Circa Sports Kentucky app isn’t visually impressive, but bettors shouldn’t underestimate it. Circa Sports has decades of experience as a long-time Vegas sportsbook operator, and it differentiates itself by offering excellent lines, a vast menu of props, not limiting smart bettors, and taking big wagers from anyone.
It’s also the home of the Circa Sports Million and the NFL Survivor Contest, each guaranteeing millions in prizes to the fans with the best prediction skills every football season.
- Launch Date: TBA
- Partner: Churchill Downs
- Expert Review: Prime Sports Kentucky
Prime Sports plans to launch soon in Kentucky through a licensing partnership with Churchill Downs, Inc. Despite its relative obscurity compared to Kentucky’s biggest name brand operators, Prime Sports has serious potential to disrupt the market for three reasons:
- The Prime Sports leadership team says it does not limit smart bettors
- Prime Sports accepts larger wagers on more sports than other sportsbooks
- Prime Sports offers better lines that take less commission than other sportsbooks
Kentucky Sportsbook Promo Codes
The Kentucky online sports betting market incentivizes sportsbooks to offer attractive welcome bonuses and promotions because customers have no lack of options and can take their business elsewhere with very little effort.
Typical types of Kentucky betting bonuses include deposit match offers, second chance bets, bonus bets, and bet credits for new users. Some Kentucky online sportsbooks require new users to enter promo codes to claim welcome bonuses, while others issue bonuses to new users automatically.
The following table provides the latest Kentucky betting promo codes (if required), what each sportsbook bonus entails, and a link to claim the described offer today. Bettors can see BettingUSA’s online sportsbook reviews for more details about each betting site’s welcome bonus.
As Kentucky betting sites announce new promotions, BettingUSA will update this page with the key details and latest sportsbook promo codes.
| Online Sportsbook | Promo Code | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 Kentucky Bonus Code | Not Needed | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
| DraftKings Kentucky Promo Code | Not Needed | No Sweat Bet up to $1,000 |
| BetMGM Kentucky Bonus Code | BUSABONUS | Bet $5, Get $150 |
| FanDuel Kentucky Promo Code | Not Needed | Bet $5 Get $150 |
| Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky Promo Code | BUSAGET | Bet $50, Get $250 |
Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses
State law requires online sportsbooks in Kentucky to describe bonuses thoroughly and in clear terms. 809 KAR 10:002 requires operators to ensure all promotional terms are “full, accurate, concise, transparent” and do not contain misleading information. Specifically, Kentucky betting sites must unambiguously disclose the following promotional terms of every bonus:
- When the betting promotion begins and expires
- Rules of participation
- The nature and value of all bonuses and prizes
- Any eligibility restrictions or limitations
- Any betting restrictions or limitations
- Any bonus wagering requirements
- The order of funds used when placing wagers with active bonuses
- How the sportsbook notifies customers who receive bonuses and prizes
- All cancellation and opt-out terms
Kentucky sports betting apps and websites may not describe any bonuses as “free” or “risk-free” if they require customers to incur any loss or risk to use or withdraw the winnings from any bonus bet. Similarly, licensed sportsbooks may not limit the winnings customers can earn from promotions once they have met all of the offer’s terms. The best Kentucky sportsbooks have no issues adhering to these rules because that’s how they run their businesses by default.
Additionally, legal Kentucky online sportsbooks must retain records of all betting promotions they offer and issue to customers.
How to Bet Online in Kentucky
Bettors will find it easy to sign up for Kentucky sports betting online. In all, bettors can expect to spend about five minutes signing up and logging in for the first time.
The only potential sticking point is identifying licensed Kentucky sportsbooks online because there is a lot of conflicting information out there. However, bettors can safely choose any betting site on this page because BettingUSA lists licensed operators exclusively.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the online sportsbook of your choice by following any link on this page
- On the sportsbook’s website, select “join now” or “sign up” to initiate the registration process
- Complete the registration form by providing your name, address, etc.
- Log in to your new account and deposit money by selecting the “Deposit” menu item, choosing a deposit method, and following the onscreen instructions to complete the transfer
It’s important to use real information when registering because federal and state KYC laws require operators to verify all customers’ identities before allowing them to deposit or withdraw.
Specifically, 809 KAR 10:004E requires licensed betting sites in Kentucky to collect and verify the following information from all new users to prevent minors, prohibited participants (like referees), and anyone on the self-exclusion list from betting online:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- At least the last four digits of the bettor’s social security number
Immediately after bettors complete the registration form, their sportsbooks invite them to log in for the first time. At most Kentucky sports betting sites, customers log in with the e-mail address and password they provided when signing up.
While bettors are logging in for the first time, their sportsbooks conduct identity verification by crosschecking their personal details against public and private databases. If there’s a problem verifying a new user’s identity, the sportsbook will ask them for more information.
After logging in, bettors can visit the account area to deposit or look for links on the sportsbook’s website to download the official mobile app for iOS or Android.
Depositing at Kentucky Sportsbooks
Bettors can fund their Kentucky sports betting accounts online through banking methods approved by the KHRC. According to KHRC regulations, online sportsbooks may offer the following deposit options to customers:
- In-person cash deposits
- Cash equivalents converted to cash
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Electronic banking
- Promotional and bonus credits
Additionally, state law prohibits operators from allowing customers to go negative by accepting wagers that exceed their current account balances. Licensed Kentucky sports betting sites must also take reasonable steps to prevent customers from placing wagers on behalf of others.
Kentucky Sportsbook Locations
Kentucky sports betting law allows horse race tracks and off-track betting facilities (OTBs) to apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks. Although Kentucky no longer has any standalone OTBs, the option to offer sports wagering may encourage their return.
Most Kentucky sportsbook locations began taking wagers on September 7th, 2023. Two other facilities still under construction have also received Kentucky sports betting licenses. The KHRC believes all eligible facilities will open retail sportsbooks in Kentucky eventually.
Licensed Retail Sportsbooks in Kentucky
- Corbin: The Mint Cumberland Run Sportsbook
- Florence: Turfway Park Sportsbook
- Henderson: Ellis Park Sportsbook
- Lexington: Caesars Sportsbook at The Red Mile
- Louisville: Churchill Downs Sportsbook
- Louisville: Derby City Gaming Sportsbook
- Newport: Newport Racing and Gaming Sportsbook
- Oak Grove: Oak Grove Gaming & Racing Sportsbook
- Williamsburg: The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Sportsbook
- Downtown Louisville: Derby City Gaming Sportsbook
- (Coming soon) Ashland: BetMGM Sportsbook at Sandy’s Gaming and Racing
- (Coming soon) Owensboro: Ellis Park Sportsbook
Additional Eligible Kentucky Sportsbook Locations:
- Bowling Green: The Mint Gaming Hall
- Franklin: Kentucky Downs
- Lexington: Keeneland
Kentucky Sports Betting Law
Kentucky legalized sports betting in March 2023 via HB 551. The law places the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) in charge of regulating sports betting, issuing licenses, and promulgating any additional regulations necessary to execute the law.
Under the law, Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks may apply to the KHRC for licenses to offer in-person and online sports betting. Each racetrack may open a retail sportsbook and partner with third-party providers to launch up to three online sports betting platforms apiece.
Off-track betting facilities (OTBs) may also offer sports betting through agreements with licensed race tracks using the race tracks’ partner providers.
Key Points from Kentucky Sports Betting Law
- The Commission may issue up to 27 online sports betting licenses
- Licensed race tracks and OTBs may operate retail sportsbooks
- Licensed Kentucky sportsbooks may accept wagers from customers 18 and older
- Licensed sportsbooks may offer wagering on professional sports, collegiate sports, the Olympics, esports, and amateur events in which the majority of participants are at least 18 years of age
- Racetracks pay an initial sports betting licensing fee of $500,000; $50,000 annual renewal fee
- Sports betting service providers pay an application fee of $50,000; $10,000 annual renewal fee
- Retail sportsbooks pay a 9.75% tax on revenue
- Online sportsbooks pay a 14.25% tax on revenue
- 2.5% of Kentucky sports betting tax revenue is earmarked to support problem gambling initiatives
Regulations adopted by the KHRC provide detailed requirements for conducting sports betting in Kentucky safely, responsibly, and fairly.
Kentucky’s sports betting regulations emphasize consumer protection, which begins with the licensing criteria the KHRC considers when approving/denying applicants.
The KHRC subjects all Kentucky online sportsbooks to an intensive vetting process to determine if they:
- Are qualified and financially capable of offering sports betting
- Are capable of protecting customers from fraud and theft
- Will conduct sports betting in a manner that protects the public interest
A Note About the Kentucky Sports Betting Age Requirement
Kentucky is one of a handful of states where the minimum age to bet on sports is 18, not 21. Even so, many online sportsbooks implement a blanket policy of only accepting customers 21 or older regardless of local laws.
Below is a list of Kentucky betting sites that have confirmed whether their minimum age to bet online is 18 or 21. As more information emerges, BettingUSA will update this page to provide a complete list of every sportsbook’s minimum age for Kentucky residents.
- DraftKings Kentucky: 18+
- Bet365 Kentucky: 18+
- BetMGM Kentucky: 21+
- FanDuel Kentucky: 21+
- Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky: 21+
- Circa Sports Kentucky: 18+
- Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky: 21+
- ESPN Bet Kentucky: 21+
Past Kentucky Sports Betting Efforts
Shortly after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, Kentucky formed a bipartisan panel of six representatives and three senators to study legalization and craft sports betting legislation.
Lawmakers filed numerous pieces of legislation after the SCOTUS decision to legalize sports betting in Kentucky. All early efforts to legalize Kentucky sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks were unsuccessful but demonstrated a clear desire among lawmakers to take advantage of the opportunity.
The outlook for legalization improved in 2020 when Governor Andy Beshear urged lawmakers to “be bold” and pass a bill to legalize sports betting.
It took nearly three years for lawmakers to send a sports betting bill to Governor Beshear, but they got it done in March 2023. He signed the bill shortly after receiving it to finally legalize sports betting in Kentucky.
Kentucky Daily Fantasy Sports
$100 Deposit BonusPrizePicks Promo Code: BUSAThe major fantasy sports sites operate in Kentucky due to the prevailing interpretation of Kentucky gambling law being favorable to DFS. The next step for Kentucky fantasy sites is to achieve firm legal clarity with the passage of DFS legislation.
Lawmakers attempted to do exactly that with HB 414 introduced in February of 2017. That bill made it to a full house vote and received a favorable vote of 37-36 but came up short of the 40 votes required to send that bill to the Senate.
If successful, HB 414 would have been an excellent bill for the daily fantasy industry. It sought initial licensing and annual renewal fees of just $5,000 and established a tax rate of 6%. Furthermore, if the tax bill for the year came out to more than $5,000, the initial registration or annual renewal fee could be used to offset taxes due for the year.
HB 414 and subsequent bills attached to sports betting legislation have all failed to make it through the legislative process to become law. The lack of success today seems to come down more to legal wrangling over sports betting and other provisions to which recent DFS efforts have been attached. In any case, the country’s most well-known fantasy sites operate as normal in Kentucky today.
Kentucky Horse Racing Betting
$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Kentucky, home of Churchill Downs and the famed Kentucky Derby, has a long and rich horse racing tradition that runs strong to this day.
Whether it is the climate and geography that makes for naturally strong horses as some claim or a tradition born of necessity at a time when parimutuel wagering was stifled elsewhere that makes Kentucky a horse racing bastion as others claim, the fact is the Bluegrass State houses some of the best horse racing in the world.
Today, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) oversees parimutuel wagering and horse racing across the state. Multiple race tracks operate throughout Kentucky and the state houses major events such as the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Clark Handicap, and Blue Grass Stakes.
Visitors to any of the state’s licensed race tracks may place wagers in-person while everyone else can bet online through any of the several horse racing betting sites that are licensed to do business in Kentucky.
Kentucky Online Gambling
35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsWOW Vegas Promo Code: None NeededKentucky has flirted with legalizing online poker, but legal online casinos still appear to be a long way off. Bills introduced in 2019, 2020, and 2022 noted primarily for authorizing mobile sports betting also included provisions to legalize online poker for customers 18 or older and located within state lines.
Key provisions found in the latest Kentucky online poker bill included:
- Minimum age of 18 to play online
- $250,000 licensing fee for operators
- $10,000 annual renewal fee
- 6.75% tax on poker revenue
Recent poker bills have failed to pass, but lawmakers appear intent on pushing the issue until something gets through, likely by attaching online poker to a sports betting bill.
The recent about-face regarding online poker may come as a surprise for players who remember when Kentucky seized the domains of 141 offshore poker and gambling websites. Although most states do not permit online gambling, Kentucky was a frontrunner when it came to cracking down on offshore operators.
More recently, state lawmakers are interested in legalizing, regulating and taxing online poker than in banning the activity altogether. However, pro-online poker proponents in Kentucky still face significant opposition from anti-gambling groups that lobby against legalization.
Kentucky Online Lottery
The Kentucky Lottery took its games online in April 2016 with little fanfare to keep up with the times. Kentucky Lottery CEO Arch Gleason explained the rationale behind the decision in simple terms:
“Our customers are aging, and in order to maintain our business, we need to be more attractive to a younger demographic who are accustomed to conducting a majority of their retail purchases online. This group is very mobile, and they expect brands to be accessible online and on their devices. We’re delivering what they want.”
Initially, the Kentucky Online Lottery launched with five instant play scratch-off games and access to the most popular draw games. Over time, the website added additional instant win games plus access to Powerball, Mega Millions, Keno, Cash Ball 225 and Lucky for Life.
State residents 18 and older with a valid KY address can play online by visiting the official Kentucky Lottery website at play.kylottery.com. From there, you can register for an account and then fund your online wallet via credit card, debit card or by visiting an authorized lottery retailer to purchase iGifts or iFunds.
Purchasing entries to draw games online is as simple as buying them in person. Once you have a funded online lottery account, you can log in from any device, choose your numbers and specify a number of entries to purchase.
The Kentucky Lottery’s instant win games work similarly to scratch cards that are sold across the state. Online scratch cards can be purchased for prices ranging from $0.50 to $10 and can pay as much as $150,000.
Kentucky Gambling Laws
Kentucky’s general gaming laws are covered by KY Rev Stat § 528.010-0.120 and prohibit most forms of gambling that are not expressly authorized by the state. In Kentucky, gambling is defined as follows:
…staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device which is based upon an element of chance, in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome…
Kentucky gambling law does not appear to target those who merely participate in unauthorized gambling, but the state does aggressively pursue those who organize illegal gambling games.
The crime of “promoting gambling” constitutes a chargeable offense under Kentucky law and the penalty depends on the amount of money involved.
Those who organize home poker games, act as bookmakers or otherwise profit from gambling activity can be charged for promoting gambling in the second degree, which is considered a Class A misdemeanor. If the unauthorized gambling activity takes in more than $500 in any one day, the offense is treated as a Class D felony.
State law does provide an exception for social gambling games, however, as long as all players compete on equal footing and the organizer does not earn a profit by indirect means such as charging an entry fee or selling food and drinks.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ
Mike Murphy is the founder of BettingUSA.com and has over 10 years of experience in the legal gambling industry. A regular attendee of industry trade shows and conferences, Mike is a strong proponent in the idea of a well regulated online betting industry.