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.
Other Kentucky online betting options include horse racing betting, daily fantasy sports, and online prediction markets.
Legal Kentucky Betting Sites
$300 In No-Sweat Bets for 10 DaysFanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-Help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with KS Star Casino). Must apply select token on a losing bet each day. Bonus bets are nonwithdrawable and expire 7 days after receipt. Tokens are received in increments of 1 per day. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
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Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), CALL (877) 8-HOPENY or TEXT HOPENY (467369) (NY), or CALL 1-800-NEXT-STEP or TEXT NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -500) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. Wager must settle as a loss to earn FanCash equal to losing amount (max $200 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 PM ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply – see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
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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, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
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Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, MO, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA , ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment
21+ to Play, T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).
Free Entry + $100 Deposit BonusParlayPlay Promo Code: BUSA
18/21+, T&Cs Apply. Welcome offer is for players who make their first successful deposit to ParlayPlay. Following the deposit, you receive promo entry(s) that matches the deposit amount up to $100. The promo entry can only be used to enter up to 4-pick More/Less contests. If you lose the promo entry, your account balance is not impacted. The deposit promo entry(s) must be used within 7 days of deposit. After 7 days the free entry will expire. If you have concerns about managing your play on ParlayPlay or anywhere else, or if you’re concerned about a family member or friend, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers support through telephone or text. They can be reached confidentially (24-hours a day) at 1-800-522-4700. Or contacted on their website at https://www.ncpgambling.org/ or through chat at ncpgambling.org/chat.
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Must be 21+ and located in a jurisdiction where Betr Picks operates. Product offering may vary by jurisdiction. T&Cs apply. For more details, please visit betr.app. Concerned about your play? Call the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700.
$100 First Entry RefundBoom Sports 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 BonusOwnersBox Referral Code: BUSA
18/21+ to play. Terms & conditions apply. See ownersbox.com for full offer details. If you or somebody you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call (1-800-GAMBLER).
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$200 Welcome 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.
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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 $50, an initial deposit of $50 is required and total bets must equal $50 or more within 30 days of signing 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.
50% up to $300Iron Bets Racing Promo Code: BUSA
18/21+, T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
21+ to Play, T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
21+ and present in KY. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Kentucky Sports Betting Overview
Legislation approved in March 2023 authorized three types of sports betting in Kentucky:
- 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 licenses available 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 sportsbooks 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 sports betting apps, which leaves plenty of room for high-profile brands to enter the Kentucky market.
Multiple Kentucky betting apps launched simultaneously on day one, and bettors can expect more to come.
Below is a list of sports betting apps that are available in Kentucky:
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Circa Sports
- Prime Sports
Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses
The competitive Kentucky online sports betting market incentivizes sportsbooks to offer attractive welcome bonuses and promotions.
Typical types of Kentucky betting bonuses include deposit match offers, second chance bets, and bonus bets for new users.
Some Kentucky online sportsbooks require new users to enter promo codes to claim welcome bonuses, but most issue bonuses to new users automatically.
Kentucky Sports Betting Promotion Regulations
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 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.
Additionally, legal Kentucky online sportsbooks must retain records of all betting promotions they offer and issue to customers.
The best Kentucky sportsbooks have no issues adhering to these rules.
Kentucky Sports Betting 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 eventually open retail sportsbooks in Kentucky.
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 sites.
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.
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: 18+
- Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky: 21+
- Circa Sports Kentucky: 18+
- Fanatics Sportsbook 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
Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus EntriesUnderdog Sports Promo Code: BETUSA
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).
Although Kentucky does not regulate daily fantasy sports, all the nation’s most popular DFS apps accept Kentucky players. Kentucky’s lack of a regulatory framework means fantasy sports sites must self-regulate, so it’s critical that fans select trusted and proven DFS operators.
See our guide to fantasy sports in Kentucky for more information and recommendations:
Kentucky Prediction Markets
$10 Welcome Bonus
18+ to play. T&Cs, restrictions, and exclusions apply.
Prediction markets are currently legal in Kentucky.
Kentucky Horse Racing Betting
$200 Welcome 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.
Horse racing betting is legal in Kentucky.
Kentucky has a long and rich horse racing tradition, and the Bluegrass State houses some of the best horse racing in the world.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) oversees parimutuel wagering and horse racing across the state.
Multiple race tracks operate throughout Kentucky and the state hosts 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 or bet online through any of the several horse racing betting sites that are licensed in Kentucky.
Kentucky Online Gambling
35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsWOW Vegas Promo Code: None Needed
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Kentucky has flirted with legalizing online poker sites, but legal online casinos still appear to be a long way off.
Unfortunately for gamblers, sweepstakes casinos are no longer a viable alternative because most operators have exited the Kentucky market amid enforcement threats from local regulators.
Kentucky Online Lottery
The Kentucky Online Lottery launched for state residents 18 and older with a valid KY address in April 2016.
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.”
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.
Responsible Gambling in Kentucky
Kentucky has significantly expanded its public funding for problem gambling assistance since legalizing online sports betting. Today, Kentucky provides numerous resources for anyone with problem gambling questions or concerns:
- Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG): Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). The KYCPG provides a 24/7 helpline, a detailed website with additional resources, referrals to treatment providers, and more.
- KYGamblingHelp.org: Visit the website to take a problem gambling self-assessment, chat with a trained gambling counselor, and find additional educational resources.
- Gamblers Anonymous Kentucky: In-person Gamblers Anonymous meetings led by recovered and recovering problem gamblers.
- Gam-Anon Kentucky: Provides support for the family and friends of individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Kentucky Sports Betting Self-Exclusion
Kentucky’s online sports betting law mandated that the state operate a statewide self-exclusion list.
- Statewide Sports Betting Self-Exclusion: Every licensed Kentucky sportsbook must offer self-exclusion options. Operators submit their self-exclusion lists to the state, which compiles a master list to ensure anyone who excludes from one app is blocked from all others. Bettors can submit a self-exclusion request through any licensed sports betting app or website.
- Kentucky Lottery Self-Exclusion: Players can deactivate their “Fun Club” accounts online to stop access to online lottery games and second-chance promotions.
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.
Steve Ruddock is the content director for BettingUSA and the Editor-in-Chief of Gaming Law Review.
Steve has covered the legal and legislative developments in the US gambling sector for more than a decade for online and print publications.