Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Yes, sports betting is legal in KY after Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law HB 551 on Mar 31, 2023. The law came into effect on Jun 28, with land-based sports betting set to launch on Sep 7 and online sites and apps to go live on Sep 28. Gov. Beshear has pushed for an aggressive launch timeline, which is why players in the Bluegrass state will be seeing the first online sportsbooks very soon.
Finding the best sports betting site in Kentucky
The law allows for up to 27 sportsbook apps – up to three skins for each of the nine racetracks in the state. Eight operators so far have been approved for launch by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. They include Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. Below is an overview of some of the approved bookies and their retail racetrack partners:
Approved sportsbooks in the Bluegrass State
| Operator |
Racetrack partner |
| Bet365 sportsbook |
Sandy’s Racing & Gaming |
| BetMGM sportsbook |
Sandy’s Racing & Gaming |
| Caesars sportsbook |
Red Mile Racing |
| DraftKings sportsbook |
Cumberland Run |
| FanDuel sportsbook |
Churchill Downs |
| Fanatics sportsbook |
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel |
Top Kentucky sports betting sites
1. Bet365 – Excellent cash-out sportsbook
Bet365: Pros & Cons
- Extensive live-streaming options
- User-friendly mobile app
- Flexible cash-out feature
- Complicated bonus conditions
Pre-reg offer
– Receive $10 per Touchdown on a nominated NFL game Sep 28 up to $50
Bet365 is arguably the most recognizable name for sports betting on a global scale. The operator brings the best of the online sports betting industry to the US market with comprehensive sports offerings, sharp odds, and innovative features. Bet365 has a robust live streaming service that allows players to watch and bet on plenty of sports events in real time. With this feature, bettors in Kentucky can look forward to enhanced betting experiences thanks to an immersive and engaging environment.
The cash-out option is available here for better flexibility and control over your bets. The user-friendly Bet365 mobile app for both iOS and Android devices makes it convenient for bettors to place bets and manage their accounts on the go.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Bet365 Highlights
- Excellent range of sports betting markets available
- World-renowned brand
- Easy to navigate
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2. BetMGM – Top choice for live betting
BetMGM: Pros & Cons
- Extensive live betting options
- Generous bonus bet deals
- Good payment variety
- Withdrawals could be faster
Pre-reg offer
– Pending
BetMGM has firmly established itself as a top sportsbook operator, offering a vast selection of sports and betting options to its users. One of its major highlights is the live betting feature, allowing players to place bets on events as they unfold in real time, adding extra excitement to the betting experience. BetMGM is also known for its attractive promotions and bonuses from price boosts to enhanced odds and second chance bets. This includes a generous welcome bonus plus ongoing promotions that keep players engaged and rewarded. The BetMGM mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, is intuitively designed, enabling a seamless betting experience on the go.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
BetMGM Highlights
- Excellent range of sports betting markets
- Straightforward user experience
- Competitive odds
3. Caesars – Great odds on American sports
Caesars: Pros & Cons
- Integration with Caesars Rewards
- Competitive odds
- Seamless mobile app experience
- Limited sports promotions
Pre-reg
offer
– Pending
This well-established and reputable sports betting operator is known for providing an extensive range of betting options and beginner-friendly interface. One of its significant highlights is the integration with Caesars Rewards, which allows players to earn points with every bet placed and redeem them for dining, shopping, and other experiences at Caesars properties. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook offers competitive odds across a wide variety of sports, making it a preferred choice for bettors looking for the best value. As with most of the competition, Caesars Sportsbook has mobile apps for iOS and Android. The already simple platform is made even more convenient with mobile betting apps.
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Caesars Highlights
- Exceptional range of betting markets
- A fluid in-play betting section
- Competitive odds
How to bet at online sportsbooks in Kentucky?
Now that online betting is legal in Kentucky, bettors are gearing up to play at KY legal sportsbooks. The steps cover everything from registration to cashing out on your winnings.
Sign up at your preferred sportsbook
The first step to start sports betting in Kentucky is to sign up at your preferred sportsbook. There are several approved online sportsbooks slated to launch in the state. You can read our expert reviews and choose which one you prefer.
Most betting sites online offer a welcome bonus to new players, and KY betting sites are no different. Make sure to claim your bonus during the sign-up process. New player sports bonuses often come in the form of bonus bets.
Once you have signed up and claimed your bonus, you will need to make a deposit to fund your account. Most US sportsbooks offer various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. You can expect similar options at the best
KY sports betting
apps.
Select an event to bet on
Browse through the available sports and events to find one that you would like to bet on.
Choose your betting market
Once you have selected an event, you will need to choose your betting market or bet types – moneyline, point spread, over/under, prop bets, and more. Make sure to check the odds and go for the best prices.
After selecting your bet, specify the amount you wish to wager. Make sure to review your bet carefully before confirming it.
If your bet is successful, you will be able to withdraw your winnings. Several deposit methods will also be available for withdrawals. Make sure you’ve fulfilled any bonus terms before you do so.
Sports betting bonuses you can claim in Kentucky
Common bonus types at US sports betting sites will also be available in Kentucky. These include the following:
Bonus bet
Bonus bets are bet credits that the sportsbook gives you, often as a reward for making a deposit or placing a certain wager. It’s important to note that while you can use bonus bets to place wagers, you usually cannot withdraw the bonus amount itself, only the winnings generated from it. Fortunately, winnings are often free of wagering requirements.
No deposit bonus
A no deposit bonus is a bonus that you receive without having to make a deposit. This is a great way to start betting without any financial commitment. Usually, the no deposit bonus will be a small amount of money that you can use to place bets on the sportsbook. However, there’ll be wagering requirements attached, meaning you must bet a certain amount before being able to withdraw any winnings.
Second chance bet
A second chance bet is a type of insurance on your wager. If you place a bet and it loses, the sportsbook will give you a second chance by refunding your stake, either as a bonus bet or as cash. This type of bonus is particularly popular for accumulator bets, where the odds are higher, but so is the risk.
Deposit match
A deposit match is a bonus where the betting operator matches your deposit with a certain percentage of bonus money. For example, a 100% deposit match on a $100 deposit would give you an additional $100 in bonus money to bet with. It’s important to note that there will be wagering requirements attached to this bonus money, and there may also be a limit on the max amount of bonus money you can receive.
More great operators in Kentucky
1.
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2.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
4.
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Bet now
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
5.
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
Pre-registration offers available ahead of the Kentucky sports betting market launch
Although sports betting in KY is yet to go live, the approved KY sportsbooks are already accepting registrations and offering early sign-up bonuses for those who register before the launch. Here’s what’s currently available:
| Operator |
Pre-launch offer |
Bonus terms |
| Bet365 |
Receive $10 per Touchdown on a nominated NFL game Sept. 28 up to $50 |
Pending |
| FanDuel |
$100 in free bets on launch day + $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket! |
N/A |
| DraftKings |
$200 in Bonus Bets |
8 x $25 bonus bets
Bonus bets must be wagered 1x
Valid for 7 days |
| Caesars |
Pending |
Pending |
| BetMGM |
Pending |
Pending |
| Fanatics |
Pending |
Pending |
Payment methods for depositing and withdrawing in Kentucky
When betting is legal in Kentucky, the payment methods supporting deposits and withdrawals will likely be similar to what these approved operators already provide in other legalized states. The minimum deposit is typically $10, but sites like DraftKings and Bet365 accept $5 payments, so KY bettors should be able to enjoy these same limits. As usual, payout times depend on the casino processing time and the speed of the payment provider.
Here are some of the payment methods you can expect:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- American Express
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Play+
- Bank transfer
- eCheck
Who can bet on legal sports gambling in Kentucky?
Since sports gambling is legal in Kentucky, the question is “who is eligible to place bets?” Here are two points that determine eligibility for
KY online gambling:
Legal age
The legal age for wagering on horse racing and the state lottery is 18 years, and this will be the same for online sports betting in Kentucky. You must verify your age and identity when registering at any legal Kentucky sports betting site.
Geolocation
Sports betting is legal in Kentucky only within the state lines. You don’t have to reside in the Bluegrass state, but you must be within the territory in order to place bets at any legal KY betting sites. Sportsbook operators will use geolocation technology to verify your whereabouts.
Summary of Kentucky legal sports betting
There you have it! Online sports betting is legal in Kentucky and is about to go live with several top betting operators. This is the start of a fresh adventure for bettors in the Bluegrass state because although gambling is legal in Kentucky in various other forms, this is the advent of sports betting in the state, both retail and online.
You can start now to enjoy the sports betting benefits, as early registrations will award you hundreds of dollars in pre-live bonuses. There’s only more to come when the market goes into full swing.
The top legal sports betting bonuses 2025
1.
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Min. Deposit: 5
2.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $5
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
4.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
5.
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Legal sports betting in KY FAQs
⏳ When will sports betting be legal in Kentucky?
Sports betting is already legal in Kentucky as the new gambling laws came into effect on Jun 28, 2023. However, sportsbook apps will begin accepting bets from Sep 28.
❓ Can you bet on sports online in Kentucky?
The KY gambling laws provide for both offline and online sports betting. Online and mobile sports betting goes live on Sep 28. From then on, betting online on any legal sportsbook site is permitted.
🏀 What sports can you bet on in Kentucky?
When the market launches, sports bettors in Kentucky will be able to bet on pro and college sports as well as esports. Online horse racing and daily fantasy sports are already available. The latter is technically in a legal gray area as it is not expressly legal but is also not considered gambling.
