Eight online sportsbooks, including DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel, constitute the legal Kentucky sports betting scene. New bettors can capitalize on a litany of Kentucky sportsbook promos and bonuses worth up to $5,850.
Best Kentucky sportsbook promos
Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets
Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Features
- Some of the best live-betting odds.
- Great deposit options.
- Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
BetMGM Review
First-time bettors — 21+ only — who register with the sportsbook using BetMGM Kentucky bonus code SBRBONUS can deposit $10 or more and place a qualifying wager on any sports market. Should the wager lose, you’ll get your stake back, up to $1,500, as non-withdrawable bonus bets. The bonus bets will arrive in your account within 24 hours of your losing wager settling, and you will have seven days to use them.
Remember: If you wager less than $50 and lose, you’ll acquire one bonus bet. But if you wager over that amount, you’ll get your bonus bets in 20% denominations.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Features
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. To receive your Bonus Bets, you must be aged 18 and over and verified by bet365. Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Features
- Extensive live betting options.
- More markets than any other sportsbook.
- One of the best apps in the industry.
bet365 Review
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
To receive your Bonus Bets, you must be aged 18 and over and verified by bet365. Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Features
Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts
New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
Features
- Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
- Live streaming of NFL games.
- User-friendly mobile app.
Caesars Review
The welcome offer for new U.S. customers is ten (10) 100% Profit Boost Tokens after any bet of $1 or more on Caesars. Ensure you use the active Caesars promo code — SBRBONUSDYW — to claim the offer.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Features
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).
Features
- Top-tier app experience.
- Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
- Extensive promos and odds boosts.
FanDuel Review
To claim the welcome offer, new FanDuel KY users must register and download the mobile app to make their first deposit of at least $5. Then, place your initial wager of $5 or more on any moneyline market. If the bet wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets. The reward will appear in your account within 72 hours of placing the qualifying bet. The bonus bets must be used within seven days, or they will expire.
Offer ends on Dec. 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Features
Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Terms and conditions apply.
Features
- Live in 21 states
- Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
- FanCash reward system is great for sports fans
Fanatics Sportsbook Review
Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in 22 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.
Features
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
Terms and conditions apply.
Features
- Lots of promos and odds boosts.
- Wide range of sports and bet types.
- Seamless integration with DFS.
DraftKings Review
New customers with DraftKings KY can place an initial deposit and wager of $5 or more on any sports market to receive $150 in bonus bets if the bet wins. The reward will be delivered as six (6) $25 bonus bets that are non-withdrawable, non-transferable, non-refundable, and will expire after seven days. No DraftKings Kentucky promo code is required.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 18+
Features
Kentucky sportsbook promo codes and bonuses
The best sportsbooks and Kentucky sports betting apps opened their virtual doors on Sept. 28, 2023. Eight options are currently available to KY bettors, providing some of the best sportsbook promos for new and existing users.
Eventually, up to 27 sportsbooks — each of the state’s nine horse racing tracks can partner with up to three mobile operators — could fill the Kentucky market.
Here is the full list of Kentucky sportsbook promo codes and welcome bonuses currently accessible in the Bluegrass State:
| KY sportsbook 🏆 | Welcome bonus 💰 | Promo code ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets | SBRBONUS |
| ⭐ FanDuel | Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets | No code required |
| ⭐ bet365 | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 first bet | SBRBONUS |
| ⭐ Caesars | Bet $1, get 10x 100% Profit Boosts | SBRBONUSDYW |
| ⭐ Fanatics | Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | No code required |
| ⭐ DraftKings | Win $150 in bonus bets + $1,000 deposit offers | No code required |
| ⭐ Circa | No bonus, but high limits | No code required |
| ⭐ ESPN BET | Up to $2,000 in bonuses | No code required |
18+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BetMGM Kentucky bonus offer 🦁
Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.
BetMGM hopes its historic reputation in the gaming industry entices the people of Kentucky to join its platform. To further tempt prospective bettors, the sportsbook is tendering its up to $1,500 back in bonus bets welcome offer.
Here’s what to keep in mind now that BetMGM KY’s new bettor bonus is online:
- After signing up for your new account with BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS, you must make a first deposit of at least $10.
- You must be 21 or older to bet with BetMGM in Kentucky.
- Locate your preferred market(s) and place your initial wager. Should it flop, BetMGM will return your stake, up to $1,500, as bonus bets.
- The bonus bets you receive will be divided into 20% denominations on wagers over $50. If you wager less than $50, you will garner a single bonus bet.
- The reward will appear in your account within 24 hours, and you’ll have seven days to use it
Click over to our full BetMGM review to get the whole story.
BetMGM promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Low initial risk of just $5 | ❌ Bonus bets not flexible |
| ✔️ Largest potential bonus in KY | ❌ First bet must lose to collect |
| ✔️ Best for experienced bettors |
Why this BetMGM bonus is better than others
The short answer? This bonus is simply the biggest in Kentucky. Sports betting promos worth $1,500 or more are few and far between. Additionally, BetMGM pays out its bonus bets in five increments (on losing first wagers of at least $50). That adds some valuable flexibility to your bonus bets, instead of having to use them all at once.
bet365 Kentucky bonus offer 🟢
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. To receive your Bonus Bets, you must be aged 18 and over and verified by bet365. Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Historically, bet365 has known precisely how to treat first-timers when it arrives in a new market, and that trend is holding for Kentucky. The sportsbook is offering potential KY customers a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets sign-up offer.
Here's a breakdown of the bonus information:
- Sign up with bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS and deposit $10 or more.
- You can only claim the bet365 welcome bonus in the mobile app.
- You must claim the offer within seven days of registration.
- Make your first wager of at least $5 on any sports market.
- To qualify, your wager must have odds of -500 or greater.
- Once your wager settles — win or lose — you'll receive $150 in bonus bets.
- Bonus bets expire seven days after they are added to your account.
Alternatively, you can collect bet365's other new-player bonus instead — a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Remember: You can only claim one welcome promo with bet365.
- Following registration and inputting the promo code, deposit at least $10 within seven days of redeeming the offer.
- You must claim the reward within seven days of signing up.
- Place your initial bet of any amount on any sports market.
- If your qualifying wager fails, you'll get your stake back, up to $1,000, in bonus bets.
- The bonus bets will arrive within one hour of your qualifying wager settling.
Our bet365 review has more insight on why its one of the best sportsbooks available in Kentucky.
bet365 promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Two offers to choose from | ❌ Odds of -500 or greater eligible to bet |
| ✔️ Only a $5 wager required | ❌ 7-day claim period |
| ✔️ Only a $10 deposit required |
Why this bet365 promo is better than others
bet365's KY bonus includes a mere $5 wagering requirement to instantly unlock $150 in bonus funds. That risk-to-rewards ratio is simply a no-brainer. The best part of the bet365 KY welcome bonus, though, is really that you have a choice. You can opt for the $150 in bonus bets OR the up to $1,000 in first-bet insurance; whichever suits your betting style best.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Caesars Kentucky bonus offer 🏛
New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
When choosing a betting site, Kentuckians may find the pizazz of Caesars’ Las Vegas atmosphere alluring — along with its equally flashy welcome offer. New users can obtain a $10 100% Profit Boost Tokens reward via Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW.
Here are
the offer’s key components:
- You must be 21 or older to sign up with Caesars Kentucky
- Create an account and register with promo code SBRBONUSDYW
- Deposit a minimum of $10
- Place a first cash wager of $1 or more via the Caesars mobile app or desktop site
- Your account will then be credited with 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens to use on any market
- The max wager for each rewarded Profit Boost is $25
- The max additional winnings for each rewarded Profit Boost is $2,500
- Profit Boosts expire after 14 days
Still not convinced? Our Caesars review has even more information on why its one of the best sportsbooks in any state.
Caesars Sportsbook promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ High-value reward | ❌ Quick expiry |
| ✔️ Only $10 minimum deposit | |
| ✔️ Solid for experienced bettors |
Why this Caesars bonus is better than others
This promo offers you the opportunity to make a massive return on investment, as the maximum bonus for this offer is $25,000. Of course, obtaining the full $25,000 is nearly impossible, but that type of max value shows just how lucrative this bonus can be. When you factor in the automatic enrollment into the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, this bonus becomes even more attractive.
FanDuel Kentucky bonus offer 🔵
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).
Aside from its rival, DraftKings — ensure you check out our FanDuel vs. DraftKings comparison guide — arguably, no modern sportsbook is as iconic as FanDuel. With the platform officially live in the Bluegrass State, it’s offering one of the best Kentucky sports betting promos via its bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer. Here are the sign-up bonus’ most pertinent details:
- No FanDuel promo code is necessary.
- You must be at least 21 to wager with FanDuel in Kentucky.
- You must download the FanDuel mobile app and deposit at least $5 after registration.
- Place a wager of $5 or more on any available market. If it wins, FanDuel will provide you with $150 in non-withdrawable bonus bets.
- You will receive the bonus bets within three days of your qualifying wager settling as a win.
- The bonus bets have a lifespan of seven days and will expire if unused.
Head over to our in-depth FanDuel review for more information about one of our favorite sportsbooks.
FanDuel promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Low initial risk | ❌ Expires quickly |
| ✔️ Built-in flexibility | ❌ Low bonus amount |
| ✔️ Only $5 minimum deposit necessary | ❌ First bet must win |
Why this FanDuel bonus is better than others
Not many Kentucky sportsbook promos for first-time users can match FanDuel’s offer in terms of pure flexibility — its bonus bets can be broken down into multiple smaller bets of any domination, without being tied to certain dollar or percentage amounts. You can make a single $150 wager or 150 separate $1 wagers (or anything in between).
DraftKings Kentucky bonus offer 👑
Terms and conditions apply.
From owning one of the industry’s leading mobile apps to providing the most seamless user experience available, DraftKings reigns supreme even amongst sports betting’s elite. It’s no surprise, then, that the top Kentucky sportsbook bonus is DraftKings’ bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer.
Here’s what you need to know about the DraftKings Kentucky welcome bonus:
- You don't need a DraftKings promo code to get started.
- Following registration, put down a minimum deposit and wager of $5 or more on any sports market.
- If your first bet wins, DraftKings will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets
- The reward comes as six (6) $25 bonus bets, which cannot be withdrawn as cash or split into smaller pieces.
- The bonus bets must be used within seven days, or they will expire.
For more details on this KY online sportsbook, head over to our full DraftKings review.
DraftKings promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Only a $5 qualifying wager required | ❌ Lower overall bonus amount |
| ✔️ Great for new players | ❌ Expires quickly |
| ✔️ Terms and conditions easily accessible on app | ❌ First bet must win to claim bonus |
Why this DraftKings promo is better than others?
Few other Kentucky sportsbook promos offer new users such a low wagering requirement. A $5 risk to potentially add $150 to your bankroll — on top of your other winnings — is a great low-risk, high-reward entry point to the sports betting space. Even if your first bet loses and you don't collect the bonus bets, you're only out five bucks. Not a huge loss.
Fanatics Kentucky bonus offer 🧢
Terms and conditions apply.
Fanatics has some work to do to catch up with the top dogs in the sports betting industry, and its $1,000 in No Sweat Bets bonus offer is sure to help make up some ground. Here are the crucial terms and conditions to know before claiming the Fanatics promo:
- No Fanatics promo code is required.
- You must download the Fanatics Sportsbook app before activating your account.
- Place your first qualifying wager of $1 or greater (min. -500 odds).
- If your first daily wager loses, Fanatics will refund it via a bonus bet (max. $100 per day).
- Repeat this process for your first ten days after account registration to earn up to $1,000 in total bonuses.
- You can claim one bonus per day and opt-in is required after day one.
- Failure to opt in on a given day forfeits your bonus for that day only.
- Bonuses expire after seven days and can't be withdrawn for cash.
For more actionable intel, be sure to read our Fanatics review.
Fanatics promo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ $1 wagering requirement | ❌ Daily opt-in required |
| ✔️ 10 days of bonus chances | ❌ First daily bet must lose to claim bonus |
| ✔️ No promo code necessary | ❌ Bonus expires after seven days |
Why this Fanatics bonus is better than others
The Fanatics bonus is perfect for any bankroll, since it scales up (or down) to your betting budget. While higher rollers might have no issues betting $100 for ten days in a row, novice bettors might only be comfortable risking $5 or $10 at a time. No worries, because Fanatics offers ten No Sweat Bet opportunities anywhere from $1 to $100 each.
Kentucky sports betting promos summary
| ↪️ KY apps launch date | Sept. 28, 2023 |
| ⭐ KY retail launch date | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| ➡️ Legal betting age | 18+ |
| 🔔 KY regulator | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission |
| 🖥️ Remote registration | Yes |
| 📱 Online sports betting | Yes |
| 🏢 Retail sports betting | Yes |
| 🏅 Sports betting apps | 7 |
| 🎰 Online casinos | No |
| 🃏 Online poker | No |
| 🏆 Daily fantasy sports | Yes |
| ☎️ Problem gambling hotline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| ℹ️ Gambling addiction counseling | Yes |
How we rate and review sports betting promotions
With the first batch of legal online sportsbooks live in Kentucky as of Sept. 28, 2023, you can rest easy knowing our industry experts have spent numerous hours reviewing and critiquing every one. We zero in on specific aspects of sports betting sites to fabricate custom ratings for our detailed reviews.
And so, as it pertains to assessing the top Kentucky sports betting promos and bonuses, we take a similar approach. Here are some of the questions we weigh before rating the quality of any welcome bonus:
- What is the sign-up offer’s maximum value?
- Is the welcome bonus guaranteed, or does it necessitate a specific circumstance to activate?
- What is the type of welcome bonus? Is it a deposit match, bet and get, or first bet insurance offer?
- Is a promo code required?
- How challenging are the playthrough requirements, and are they achievable within a short timeframe?
- How fast does the bonus expire?
Types of Kentucky sign-up offers and bonuses
Since they’re the three most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses in the country, it stands to reason that Kentucky bettors will come across deposit matches, bet and gets, and first bet insurance offers now that legal sports betting is officially live in the state.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each of these Kentucky betting promos works:
Deposit match
Deposit matches are one of the most straightforward sign-up bonuses for new players since they require nothing more than making a first deposit. Once the deposit has been made, the sportsbook will match the amount, up to a specified number, in non-withdrawable bonus funds.
For example, a betting site offering a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 would provide $1,000 in bonus funds if you made an initial deposit of $1,000 in real cash, instantly doubling your bankroll.
Bet and get
Bet and get bonuses are often the most friendly welcome offers for new players since they typically have low wagering requirements to garner comparatively higher rewards. By placing a first deposit and wager — usually about $10 — the sportsbook will credit bonus funds to your account, regardless of your wager’s outcome.
Sometimes, there will be an additional stipulation, such as requiring your first bet to win. A recent iteration of FanDuel’s bonus, for example, demands just that, needing you to bet $5 and win in order to trigger $150 in bonus bets. Watch out for expiry dates, too, so that your bonus bets don't vanish before you get around to using them.
First bet insurance
Arguably the most common sign-up bonus available today, first bet insurance offers only trigger when your first bet loses. Then, the sportsbook will refund your stake, up to a certain amount, in bonus funds.
For example, imagine a sportsbook that offers a first-bet insurance bonus with a maximum value of $1,000. Should you register with the platform, wager $1,000 in real cash, and lose, it will reimburse you the $1,000, often as a single bet credit.
Remember to read the terms and conditions associated with each bonus, as some sportsbooks will allow you to chop up the reward into multiple bets, while others won’t.
Referral bonus
Sportsbooks will occasionally offer referral bonuses. They differ from welcome bonuses, as they are geared towards existing users. You'll be asked to refer a friend to the sportsbook, using a unique code or download link. If your friend joins using your referral code, the sportsbook will reward you with a small reward — often a $20 to $75 bonus bet or some cash back. For more information on this type of reward, check out our best sportsbook referral bonuses guide.
Kentucky online sportsbooks
Currently, eight online sportsbooks exist in Kentucky. However, each of the state’s nine racing tracks — all of which will eventually host a new on-site sportsbook with legal retail sports betting live — can partner with up to three online operators. So, eventually, Kentucky could welcome up to 27 sports betting sites and apps.
For now, though, eager bettors should temper expectations. Circa sports received approval for an online sports betting license but didn't launch until April 2, 2024. There doesn't seem to be any other potential operators interested in KY at the moment.
Kentucky online and mobile sportsbooks
| KY sportsbook | Best known for | Race track partner |
|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Superb live betting | Sandy's Gaming and Racing |
| BetMGM | "King of Parlays" | Sandy's Gaming and Racing |
| Caesars | Lucrative welcome bonus | The Red Mile |
| Circa Sports | High betting limits | Cumberland Run |
| DraftKings | Industry leader | Cumberland Run |
| ESPN BET | Sports network integration | Ellis Park Henderson and Owensboro |
| FanDuel | Highly-rated app | Turfway Park |
| Fanatics | Apparel partnerships and rewards | Oak Grove Racing and Gaming |
Best sportsbooks for Kentucky promos and bonuses
bet365 Kentucky
bet365 Kentucky is now allowing newbies in the state to select between two welcome offers — a bet $5, get $150in bonus bets reward or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Just ensure you use bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS during registration.
In addition to its uber-friendly primary promo for new users, you can reap the following benefits by joining bet365:
🔥 Superb live betting: You won’t find a better live betting experience than what bet365 provides. No matter the time or day, its dedicated section hosts a slew of events with meticulously accurate odds.
🔥 Excellent live streaming: Alongside its live betting feature, bet365’s live streaming allows you to access thousands of events throughout the year. Whether you’re hoping to watch horse racing, tennis tournaments, soccer games, or something else, you’ll find it at bet365.
🔥 Unmatched sports coverage: bet365 boasts an enormous number of betting markets, particularly for the most popular leagues, such as the NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL. Niche sports aren’t forgotten, though — you can wager on cricket, volleyball, rugby, and more.
FanDuel Kentucky
FanDuel is tempting Kentuckians with a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets reward for new users. You don't need to input a FanDuel promo code to redeem the offer, either.
Beyond the bonus, consider these features before registering with FanDuel KY:
🔥 Competitive pricing: You’ll find premier odds on most sports betting markets at FanDuel. As if that weren’t enough, the sportsbook also consistently offers boosts to give you a better chance at a big payday.
🔥 Reliable security: FanDuel takes security seriously, and it shows. The sportsbook utilizes a Betfair interface with modern encryptions to protect your data.
🔥 Fantastic mobile experience: Although we generally peg DraftKings as the best sports betting app available, FanDuel isn’t far behind. Straightforward navigation, live betting, an intuitive bet slip, and more all feel smooth and easy.
DraftKings Kentucky
DraftKings set its sights on Kentucky and is now offering first-timers a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets reward — no DraftKings promo code needed.
Here are a few benefits that make registering with DraftKings Kentucky worthwhile:
🔥 Leading mobile app: The top-rated mobile sportsbook app in the industry belongs to DraftKings. With a simple and smooth design, betting on the go has never been such a pleasant experience.
🔥 Promos for existing users: The DraftKings sign-up bonus isn’t the only promo the sportsbook offers — existing users are treated to plenty of ongoing rewards, including referral bonuses, profit boosts, same-game parlay offers, and more.
🔥 Great live betting: These days, most sportsbooks provide a live betting section, but most pale in comparison to DraftKings’ product. Whether it’s guaranteeing up-to-the-second odds or organizing props, live betting with DraftKings feels singular.
Caesars Kentucky
Caesars Sportsbook is now welcoming new KY bettors, permitting them to nab 10 100% Profit Boost tokens after placing an initial wager of at least $1. Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW must be entered to unlock the reward.
Here are a few other key elements worth noting about Caesars Kentucky:
🔥 Tons of betting options: An exhaustive betting menu with hundreds of options awaits when you sign up with Caesars. The sportsbook even offers micro-betting via its relationship with SimpleBet.
🔥 Premier customer service: Caesars’ reputation in the sports betting industry is pristine, and a portion of that has to do with its classy customer support team. Whether you prefer live chat, phone, or email, Caesars will help you solve your issues promptly and efficiently.
🔥 Highly touted rewards program: One of the best benefits of joining Caesars Sportsbook is gaining access to its first-class rewards system. You can accumulate points and use them for shopping, hotel stays, dinners, and more.
BetMGM Kentucky
Never one to miss an opportunity, BetMGM is tempting new bettors with an an up to $1,500 First Bet Offer. To take advantage, simply use the active BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during sign-up.
But there’s more than just the welcome offer — here are the sportsbook’s standout features:
🔥 Same-game parlays: BetMGM refers to itself as the “King of Parlays” for a reason. Building your bets is efficient, with all sports, leagues, and events splayed out for you in an accessible manner.
🔥 Plentiful banking options: If you can think of a banking method, BetMGM likely has it. From PayPal to Play+ to PayNearMe, pinpointing your preferred option won’t take long.
🔥 Quality live streaming: Few online sportsbooks offer live streaming, but BetMGM does. You can find tennis matches, soccer games, and more within a dedicated tab.
Kentucky sports teams to bet on
Kentucky doesn't host any pro teams in the four major sports leagues. The closest it has is the Louisville Bats (minor league baseball) or Louisville City FC (USL Championship soccer).
However, there are a ton of pro teams in neighboring states, highlighted by the city of Cincinnati on the northern border and Nashville located a couple of hours south.
| NFL 🏈 | NBA 🏀 | MLB ⚾ | NHL 🏒 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | Memphis Grizzlies | Cincinnati Reds | Nashville Predators |
| Indianapolis Colts |
The true "hometown team" in Kentucky is college sports. The University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals are the two biggest programs, excelling in multiple sports, especially basketball. Speaking of basketball, Kentucky is a hotbed for hardcourt fans. Luckily, the state offers some of the best NBA betting sites in the entire country.
Sports betting by category
Check out our resources on the best sportsbook for specific sports and leagues:
Kentucky sports betting recent updates
Nov. 25, 2024: Caesars updates its welcome offer for new Kentucky users, handing out 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens for placing a wager of at least $1.
June 6, 2024: FanDuel and DraftKings, two of Kentucky's most popular online sportsbooks, make changes to their respective welcome bonuses. They are each offering bonus bets to new players meeting certain conditions.
May 21, 2024: DraftKings KY switches its welcome bonus, now offering a No Sweat First Bet of up to $1,500 for all new customers.
Apr. 9, 2024: FanDuel changes its KY welcome bonus, now offering a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets deal.
Apr. 2, 2024: Circa Sports finally launches in Kentucky, becoming the state's eighth legal online sportsbook.
Mar. 26, 2024: Legal sports betting in Kentucky will be restructured under a new law, which creates the new Division of Sports Wagering, to be managed outside the existing Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
Feb. 24, 2024: Kentucky announces that 2023 finished strong, with a betting handle of $855.7 million from Sept. 28 (when legal betting began) to Dec. 31, 2023.
Sept. 29, 2023: Per GeoComply, 2.02 million geolocation checks took place in Kentucky during the state's first full day of legal online sports betting.
Sept. 28, 2023: Online Kentucky sports betting officially goes live at 6 a.m. ET. Seven sportsbooks — Barstool, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel — open their virtual doors.
Additionally, Circa Sports announces a partnership with ECL Corbin and its Cumberland Run race track. No launch date is provided.
Sept. 27, 2023: Online Kentucky sports betting is a day away. Seven of the eight licensed sportsbooks are expected to launch, with Circa Sports as the lone holdout.
Sept. 21, 2023: Legal online KY sports betting is officially a week away, and the state is on track for a smooth launch.
Additionally, the governor's office announces that more than $4.5 million has been wagered at retail sportsbooks over the state's first two weekends of legal betting and that over 60,000 online sportsbook accounts have been registered.
Additionally, online sportsbooks begin accepting deposits from pre-registered users.
Additionally, DraftKings announces it will permit KY bettors who are 18 years or older to utilize its sports betting platform.
June 29, 2023: The Kentucky sports betting bill (HB 551) officially goes into effect, 90 days after the governor signed it into law. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission now has six months to establish a framework and grant licenses to online sportsbooks.
April 18, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meets to discuss the process of drafting regulations for legal sports betting. A deadline has yet to be set for the rules to be put in place.
April 12, 2023: While multiple politicians have suggested that Kentuckians will be able to place sports bets come football season, the KHRC has not backed those claims.
March 30, 2023: The Senate votes to advance HB 551, 25-12. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Beshear for final approval.
March 29, 2023: DraftKings launches its DK Horse App ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
March 13, 2023: The Kentucky House passes HB 551 by a vote of 63-34, sending it onwards to the Senate.
Feb. 22, 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith introduces House Bill 551, which would legalize sports betting in the state.
Jan. 9, 2021: House Bill 241 is introduced. Although hopes are high, the bill ultimately fails.
Responsible sports betting with Kentucky promos
Per Kentucky’s sports betting law — House Bill 551 — the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting-related activities in the state. The KHRC reviews applications, approves sportsbook licenses, performs audits and site security checks, enforces laws, and hands out fines.
The KY Horse Racing Commission also supervises responsible sports betting initiatives, including efforts to curb problem gambling via digital resources, prevention, and treatment options. Kentucky’s sports betting law sets aside 2.5% of tax revenue to fund problem gambling recovery programs.
Some resources are already in place due to Kentucky’s popular horse racing betting industry:
- Problem gambling hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Active counselors courtesy of the Kentucky Coalition of Problem Gambling
For the latest legal updates on sports betting in all 50 U.S. states, check out our legal sports betting state tracker.
Kentucky sportsbook promos and bonuses FAQs
What’s the best sports betting bonus in Kentucky?
The best sports betting bonus in Kentucky is subjective, but the operators listed in this guide, including Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, all offer something of value.
Which verified Kentucky sportsbook promos are the best value?
The Kentucky sportsbook promos that offer the best value are the ones listed in this guide.
How old do I need to be to wager on sports in Kentucky?
You need to be at least 18 years old to wager on sports in Kentucky. However, most operators require that you be 21.
Do all Kentucky sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?
Many Kentucky sportsbooks do not require promo codes to redeem their welcome bonuses. Most welcome offers are now applied automatically for new customers.
What are legal Kentucky sportsbooks’ playthrough requirements?
The playthrough requirements attached to the bonuses of legal online sportsbooks in Kentucky vary. Ensure you read the terms and conditions of any offer closely.
How many sign-up bonuses can I claim in Kentucky?
Kentucky bettors may claim one sign-up bonus per sports betting site. To avoid bonus abuse, operators will ask for your social security number during registration.
