Kentucky Sports Betting: Claim over $4,500 from 8 Online KY Sportsbooks

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky sports betting is now legal. On March 31, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law, setting the stage for it to take effect on June 28, 2023. After nearly five years of back and forth, KY bettors finally have access to regulated sportsbooks — retail wagering launched on Sept. 7, 2023, while online wagering went live on Sept. 28, 2023.    

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting activity in the state. Each of KY’s nine horse racing tracks — all of which will eventually house retail sportsbooks — can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators, paving the way for 27 possible online sportsbooks.

Currently, eight online betting sites are active in Kentucky: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and FanDuel.

Kentucky sports betting key developments and updates

Kentucky sports betting promos and bonuses

Eight online sportsbooks are active in the KY market, including DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel. With Kentucky sports betting still a relatively new thing, most platforms are opting to tender newbie-friendly 'bet and get' rewards as sign-up bonuses.

Here is the full list of available offers, along with their attached promo codes:

18+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Top Kentucky sports betting sites

Legal Kentucky sports betting sites and apps are officially live as of Sept. 28, 2023. Eight options currently exist for KY bettors, including some of the most popular names in the industry. And with up to 27 total online sportsbooks permitted to operate in the Bluegrass State, KY bettors should be satiated for years to come.

Here is what sportsbook operators in Kentucky have to offer new and existing bettors, followed by our list of the best options:

DraftKings Kentucky 👑

With the operator’s history of entering new markets swiftly, it's no surprise that DraftKings Kentucky is part of the first batch of legal Kentucky sportsbooks to launch. Now synonymous with the industry, DraftKings boasts a silky-smooth betting app and some of the best sportsbook promos and bonuses to attract new players and keep existing ones satisfied. You don’t need a DraftKings promo code to claim its welcome offer. Players can redeem a No Sweat Bet token as well, just by placing NBA same-game parlays during the NBA playoffs. That SGP offer can be claimed once daily and both odds restrictions and betting limits will apply.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Aching to learn more about DraftKings Kentucky? Read our DraftKings review.

FanDuel Kentucky 🔵

FanDuel has built one of the country’s most prolific online sports betting platforms and makes our lists for the best Kentucky Derby betting sites and horse racing betting sites. FanDuel Kentucky bettors can enjoy an elite user experience that includes a wide range of sports markets, one of the top betting apps available, easy-to-access banking methods, best-in-class customer support, and industry-leading security. No FanDuel promo code is required when signing up for the iconic sportsbook.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

To discover more about what FanDuel brings, dig into our detailed FanDuel review.

Caesars Kentucky 🏛

Often considered the top-rated sportsbook in several states, Caesars’ global brand has made waves thanks to launching a successful online sports betting product around the U.S. Now that Kentucky regulators have licensed the long-time gaming company, Caesars Kentucky is offering a lucrative first bet insurance welcome bonus — one of the top Kentucky sports betting promos and bonuses — alongside its premier loyalty rewards program. Make sure to enter the active Caesars Sportsbook promo code — SBRBONUS1000 — when registering.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

For more expert insight and analysis, give our Caesars review a read.

bet365 Kentucky 🟢

bet365 is a U.K.-based company that debuted in the U.S. when it launched in New Jersey in 2019. While still only available in a handful of states — Kentucky was the sixth of what is now nine states that bet365 is legal in — bet365 offers competitive odds, excellent boosts, and two superb welcome bonuses. New KY customers can use the bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS to nab either a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer OR a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within24 hours

Check out our in-depth bet365 review to learn more about one of Kentucky's premier sportsbooks.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BetMGM Kentucky 🦁

BetMGM has branded itself the “King of Parlays,” centered around offering more of the popular bet type than any other sportsbook. Not only can Kentuckians find plenty of markets for building their ideal wagers, but live in-game betting — BetMGM is one of the top live betting sites — seamless banking, consistent promotions, and early cash out options help BetMGM stand out amongst its peers. The current BetMGM bonus code — SBRBONUS — is required to claim the operator's new-player offer.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-2 business days

Check out our thorough BetMGM review to uncover more about the sportsbook.

Legal Kentucky sports betting options

With legal online and retail sports betting now available, Kentuckians have a plethora of betting options to dig into. Currently, eight operators are available via their online sites and apps, and four are active in numerous physical locations.

Kentucky’s expected online and mobile sportsbooks

Land-based KY sportsbooks

Kentucky sports betting neighbors

Six of Kentucky’s seven border states have also legalized sports betting. Here are some key pieces of information on each if you’re eager to wager while travelling outside the Bluegrass State:

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Virginia

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce reported that between March 1 and March 30, 2023, more than 1 million sports bettors in Kentucky tried to place a wager via online sportsbooks and sports betting apps they signed up for in neighboring states. Due to geofencing software employed by operators, those KY bettors were prevented from making any bets, but those numbers could translate into thousands of dollars in tax revenue this time next year.

How to start betting in Kentucky

For some, it may be a futures ticket on the University of Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship. For others, it may be placing a wager on the Kentucky Derby or betting on the Cincinnati Reds to win their next game. Whatever your draw to betting, you can wager to your heart’s content now that Kentucky sports betting sites and Kentucky sportsbook apps are live.

We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help prepare you for placing your first legal bet.

1. Select a licensed Kentucky sportsbook 

The first step in choosing a betting site is to find a regulated sportsbook that caters to your needs — comparing FanDuel vs. DraftKings is a good place to start. Kentucky provides a handful of options, and evaluating the welcome bonus, in-game offerings, variety of bet types, and customer support is essential before making your decision. 

Once you have chosen a sportsbook, download its associated betting app to your phone for the most seamless experience.

2. Register online

The next step is to sign up for a new account, which you can do on a desktop or via the mobile app. The operator will require you to present basic personal information such as your full name, address, email address, date of birth, and social security number — the latter helps verify your identity.

After that, you’ll be asked to create a unique username and password. Passwords should be at least eight characters long and combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

Following registration, it’s time to head to the cashier to make a first deposit. Kentucky online sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, third-party services like PayPal, and other e-wallets. Remember to enter any promo codes required to claim welcome bonus perks.

4. Select and finalize your bet

With funds filling your sportsbook account, you can look around and dissect the available betting markets. Add your preferred choices to your bet slip and submit it to finalize your wager. Novice players may want to focus on what they know best — like Kentucky and Louisville betting lines and the three most common bet types in moneylines, point spreads, and point totals — while veterans can stretch their wings with same-game parlays, live in-game betting, teasers, and futures.

5. Withdraw your winnings

If you win your bet, you’ll likely want to request a withdrawal and enjoy the spoils. Head back to the cashier to make your request. It typically takes even the best online sportsbook for payouts up to five business days to drop funds in your preferred account. Keep in mind that requesting a physical check to be mailed to your residence may take up to 15 business days.

Kentucky sports betting handle

Kentucky regulators released a report on Sept. 21, 2023, on the early performance of the state’s brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. Retail betting had been legal for two weeks at that point, resulting in an impressive $4.5 million in handle.

With online wagering now live, Kentucky’s numbers are expected to spike and provide a sizeable chunk of revenue that will be redirected into state projects.

2023

What’s missing from Kentucky sports betting?

While the Kentucky sports betting landscape is fairly generous, there are some other markets and events retail and online sportsbooks may or may not be permitted to offer.

Politics ❌

Federal law does not allow online and retail sportsbooks to offer odds on political events. So, betting on politics in Kentucky is illegal now that sports betting apps have launched.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Entertainment award ceremonies, like the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys, are not mentioned in Kentucky’s official sports wagering catalogue. Therefore, you cannot wager on these events.

Esports ✅

Esports are legal to wager on now that retail sports betting is live in Kentucky. Those who know the ins and outs of video game tournament betting will have a leg up on legal KY sportsbooks.

What about daily fantasy sports? 🏈

For all the effort put into legalizing online sports betting in Kentucky, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests remain in a gray market, meaning you can wager on them at outlets like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Kentucky college sports betting 🎓

Former Rep. Adam Koenig, known as Kentucky’s “sports betting OG,” not only spearheaded several bills over the years but created amendments to remove the ban on in-state college betting. Now, Bluegrass State bettors have the opportunity to wager on the likes of the Kentucky Wildcats or the Louisville Cardinals.

Betting on football is also now a reality for KY bettors. With the NFL season underway, the state’s sportsbooks are offering odds on all the juicy matchups.

Kentucky sports leagues and teams to bet on

Although Kentucky isn’t home to any major professional sports teams, plenty of action occurs on the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. Regional pro sports franchises, such as the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Nashville Predators, should satiate those looking to wager on one or more of the big four leagues.

But don’t forget — whether you bleed Wildcats blue or Bengals orange, wagering with your brain rather than your heart is vital. It’s great to support the home team but don’t let emotional attachment lead you when filling out a bet slip. Learn how to manage your bankroll and do your homework on each matchup, paying attention to weather forecasts, injury updates, and depth chart changes.

Due to the popularity of professional horse racing in the state, namely the Kentucky Derby, local bettors may also emphasize other niche sports like F1 racing and Major League Soccer.

Sportsbook by category

Kentucky sports betting law

Legal Kentucky sports betting underwent a two-phase rollout courtesy of HB 551. Retail wagering at land-based sportsbooks began on Sept. 7, 2023, while online wagering started on Sept. 28, 2023.

Review these highlights of the legal Kentucky sports betting landscape:

• The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulates sports betting. 
• Only those 18 or older are permitted to bet on sports in Kentucky. 
• Legislation authorizes up to 27 online sports betting licenses. 
• Kentucky's nine racing tracks will all house retail sportsbooks. 
• Eight sportsbooks are live in the state.
• Legal college sports betting in Kentucky includes wagering on in-state teams. 
• The state taxes individual bettors at a 6% rate on winnings of over $5,000. 

Kentucky sports betting taxes

When House Bill 551 was newly passed, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear wasted no time broadcasting via Twitter how it would benefit taxpayers, noting that the state would “keep those [sports betting] dollars to support our roads and bridges, schools and communities.”

Now, existing horse tracks opening retail sportsbooks must pay an initial license fee of $500,000 and kick in $50,000 for annual renewals. Online operators that partner with the nine racing tracks must pay a $50,000 license fee and $10,000 for yearly renewals. Retail sportsbooks are taxed at a rate of 9.75%, while online sportsbook revenue are taxed at 14.25%.

For individual bettors, winnings of more than $5,000 are taxed at 6% by the state and 25% by the federal government. It’s important to keep an accurate account of your betting activity to reduce your tax burden.

Legal sports betting in Kentucky is projected to generate $23 million in annual tax revenue. The estimate is based on neighboring Tennessee’s market, which saw $68 million in tax revenue for 2022.

Kentucky sports betting quick facts

Responsible Kentucky sports betting

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting activity in the region since it has “demonstrated a long and successful history of regulating wagering.” The responsibilities and visions — such as horse racing betting integrity — of the KHRC translate easily to Kentucky’s new sports betting landscape.

The KHRC reviews operator applications, grants licenses, performs audits, enforces laws, and issues fines as necessary. It also leads initiatives to encourage responsible betting and curb problem gambling. KY sports betting law banks 2.5% of tax revenue to put towards problem gambling resources, treatment, and prevention.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

List of Kentucky sports betting resources

The Kentucky General Assembly: Website for the state legislature.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission: Website for KY's sports betting regulator.

Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling: Website for responsible gaming resources.

Sportsbooks to avoid in Kentucky

Kentucky bettors now have safe and legal online sportsbooks available to them. That should make resisting the urge to register with an offshore sportsbook an easier task. Neither federal nor state governments regulate such operators, which have been known to commit identity theft, fraudulent activity, and scams.

With the first batch of legal Kentucky betting sites live, each has been thoroughly reviewed and critiqued by the state’s governing body, has paid significant fees to earn its license, and has had to provide detailed plans for how it runs its operations, making it as secure as possible. 

Here are a few examples of illegal offshore sites and the troubles they’ve caused customers:

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past two years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Most recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.