Kentucky Sports Betting in 2023 - Up to $8,465 in New-User Bonuses
Legal Kentucky sports betting has arrived, and with the addition of some of the top betting sites in the U.S. on Sept 28, 2023, bettors can now claim $8,465 in new-user Kentucky sports betting promos when registering online.
Follow along for the latest on sign-up bonuses, sports betting apps, and more.
Best Kentucky sports betting sites
1-7 days
- FanDuel Benefits
- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
- FanDuel Review
1-5 days
- Caesars Benefits
- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
- Caesars Review
0-5 days
- bet365 Benefits
- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
- bet365 Review
1-7 days
- DraftKings Benefits
- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
- DraftKings Review
2-7 days
- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
- BetMGM Review
- Population: 4.5 million
- Legal betting age: 18
- Online sports betting: Yes✅
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes✅
What's presently happening in Kentucky sports betting
The long road to legal sports betting has been worthwhile for Bluegrass State bettors. In 2023, seven online sportsbooks and nine retail locations are accepting legal wagers.
Here's how we got there:
Sept. 29, 2023: GeoComply Solutions confirms there were over two million geolocation checks on the first day of online sports betting in Kentucky, indicating an enormous amount of interest.
Sept. 28, 2023: Circa Sports announces a partnership with ECL Corbin LLC at Cumberland Run harness track. No date has been set for an official launch.
Sept. 28, 2023: Online sports betting begins in Kentucky as seven sportsbook operators officially launch their betting apps at 6:00 a.m. ET.
Sept. 27, 2023: The launch of Kentucky online sports betting is one day away. Check out this article from our own Geoff Zochodne for everything you need to know.
Sept. 26, 2023: With online sports betting arriving in Kentucky soon, Covers' Geoff Zochodne touches on the finer points of the latest U.S. legal sports betting launch.
Sept. 25, 2023: Seven online sports betting operators will go live in KY on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. According to Gov. Andy Beshear, bet365, BetMGM, Barstool Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook will all begin accepting online wagers on day one of legal Kentucky sports betting.
Sept. 22, 2023: DraftKings announces that Matt Jones from Kentucky Sports Radio will make the inaugural first bet when online sports betting goes live on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 a.m. ET.
Sept. 21, 2023: Caesars Kentucky's pre-launch offer goes live — $100 in bonus bets.
Sept. 21, 2023: The Kentucky Governor's office confirms that Kentucky bettors wagered over $4.5 million at retail sportsbooks in the first two weekends of legal sports betting. 60,000 people have signed up for online sports betting accounts in anticipation of the Sept. 28 launch.
Sept. 21, 2023: The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council votes to recommend the addition of several sports to the sports betting inventory, including Formula 1 racing, the National Rugby League of Australia and New Zealand, as well as several mixed martial arts organizations and the UTR Pro Tennis Tour.
Sept. 19, 2023: A recent survey shows most Kentuckians are in favor of increased wagering opportunities, though they still largely prefer horse betting.
Sept. 15, 2023: Licensing continues as Kentucky remains on track for the Sept. 28 online launch.
Sept. 7, 2023: Legal retail Kentucky sports betting begins with Gov. Beshear placing a ceremonial wager at Churchill Downs, while online sportsbooks now accept deposits.
Sept. 6, 2023: Kentucky readies for legal sports betting on Sept. 7 at brick-and-mortar racing and gaming facilities.
Aug. 31, 2023: The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting to discuss a proposed sports-wagering catalog, which outlined various bet types that can be made and the events and leagues that they can be made in.
Aug. 30, 2023: BetMGM Kentucky goes live with its pre-launch offer: $100 in bonus bets.
Aug. 28, 2023: The Kentucky online sports betting pre-registration period commences.
Aug. 24, 2023: FanDuel reveals its pre-launch offer — $100 in bonus bets, which can be claimed starting on Aug. 28, 2023.
Aug. 23, 2023: Gov. Beshear will place Kentucky's first legal sports bet at Churchill Downs Racetrack on Sept. 7.
Aug. 22, 2023: The KHRC approves seven licensed tracks and seven online sports betting operators for temporary Kentucky sports betting licenses: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and PENN Sports Interactive (ESPN BET).
Aug. 17, 2023: Gov. Andy Beshear reveals that Kentucky sports betting pre-registration will commence on Monday, Aug. 28, at 6 a.m. ET.
Aug. 10, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) confirms that bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Penn Interactive have all submitted Kentucky online sports betting applications.
Aug. 7, 2023: BetMGM gains approval in Kentucky to launch its online and retail sports betting platform via a market access agreement with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY).
Aug. 4, 2023: DraftKings announces that it will launch its online sportsbook in Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2023.
Aug. 1, 2023: FanDuel follows Caesars by implementing a minimum age of 21 for the use of its product, despite Kentucky opting for a sports betting age of 18+.
July 27, 2023: Churchill Downs announces that it will offer legal sports betting at its historical horse racing machine (HRM) venues on the first day they are able to.
July 21, 2023: The KHRC has begun to fill the 14 added positions to help with the regulation of sports betting, including a former member of the biometric security industry, Hans Stokke.
July 13, 2023: Gov. Andy Beshear creates a "Sports Wagering Advisory Council" that will guide the oversight of legal sports betting in Kentucky, both retail and online.
July 10, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approves rules for retail and online Kentucky sports betting. Retail sportsbooks will begin accepting wagers on Sept. 7, while online operators will go live on Sept. 28.
July 7, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meets Monday, July 10, at the Red Mile to evaluate legal sports betting regulations.
June 29, 2023: FanDuel Kentucky confirms its partnership with Churchill Downs, making it the second sportsbook operator to gain market access in the Bluegrass State.
June 20, 2023: According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, race tracks and satellite facilities in the state took $744.7 million in historical horse racing wagers in May.
May 16, 2023: Caesars announces a partnership with Keeneland and the Red Mile in Lexington. This is the first deal between a sportsbook and a KY track that will see both mobile and retail sports betting. Though Kentucky's law allows 18-year-olds to wager, Caesars will limit sports betting to 21+.
April 27, 2023: Kentucky Derby owner predicts a big boost in business with Kentucky sports betting legalization.
April 18, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meets to discuss sports betting regulations.
March 31, 2023: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signs House Bill 551 into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting. Kentucky is on track to launch legal sports betting in late 2023 or early 2024.
March 30, 2023: HB 551 passes its vote in the Kentucky Senate 25-12. The final decision to legalize retail and online sports betting sites now lies with Governor Andy Beshear.
March 29, 2023: DraftKings Launches its DK Horse App within the Kentucky sports betting fold ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
March 13, 2023: The House of Representatives approves HB 551 by a vote of 63-34. The bill now heads to the Senate, where a similar sports betting bill failed in 2022.
March 8, 2023: Kentucky's Licensing and Occupations Committee votes in favor of HB 551, sending it onward to the House.
Feb. 22, 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith files a bill — HB 551 — that would legalize sports betting in Kentucky and make the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission the regulatory agency in charge.
Jan. 6, 2023: Lawmakers take another run at proposed Kentucky sports betting legislation.
July 19, 2022: Caesars Racebook launches in Kentucky, its sixth state, following Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Oregon, and Montana.
April 14, 2022: The state Senate does not pass HB 606 on the final day of the 2022 legislative session. Kentucky will not get legal sports betting in 2022.
March 29, 2022: Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer describes the status of HB 606 as "still a longshot." If enough support builds for the bill, Kentucky lawmakers could pass it by mid-April.
March 18, 2022: House Bill 606 is passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives by way of a 58-30 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate for further approval.
March 16, 2022: The Kentucky House Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee passes HB 606.
Feb. 28, 2022: Rep. Adam Koenig unveils another Kentucky sports betting bill to the House (HB 606). The bill aims to legalize online and retail sports betting, along with daily fantasy sports and online poker.
Feb. 23, 2022: Sen. David Yates introduces SB 213, which would legalize retail and mobile sports betting in the state in addition to online poker.
Feb. 10, 2022: Robert Blizzard of Public Opinion Strategies surveys 500 Kentucky residents, finding a convincing 65% are in favor of legalizing sports betting in KY.
Jan. 9, 2021: House Bill 241 is introduced in the House. HB 241 would have legalized sports betting, online poker, and daily fantasy sports in Kentucky.
Jan. 7, 2020: House Bill 137 is introduced in order to legalize Kentucky sports betting, online poker, and daily fantasy sports. The bill fails to pass.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court removes the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This allows all states to create their own sports betting regulations.
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky sports betting is legal. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the state's sports betting legislation into law on March 31, 2023, officially permitting online and retail wagering in Kentucky. On July 10, 2023, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved wagering rules and announced retail locations and online betting launch dates.
Kentucky sports betting bill calls for nine retail sportsbooks — one for each horse racing track. These locations began accepting wagers on Sept. 7, 2023.
Each racetrack can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators. Seven online sportsbooks officially launched on Sept. 28, 2023.
Keep up-to-date on the happenings in Kentucky and what states have legal sports betting through our interactive legal tracker.
Best Kentucky sports betting bonuses
With the Sept. 28, 2023, arrival of legal online sports betting, Kentucky bettors can access enticing Kentucky sports betting promos. Here are a handful of welcome offers now available to new users:
FanDuel - Bet $5, get $200: No FanDuel Kentucky promo code is necessary to claim its welcome bonus. Bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets, win or lose. The offer expires on Oct. 18, 2023.
bet365 - Bet $1, get $365: Use bet365 Kentucky promo code 'COVERS' during registration to claim its welcome offer. Simply wager $1 and receive $365 in bonus bets, regardless of the outcome.
DraftKings - Bet $5, get $200 + No Sweat SGP: DraftKings Kentucky's welcome bonus involves $200 in guaranteed bonus bets. Register now, and wager $5 to get $200, issued as eight (8) $25 bonus bets. Users also receive a 'No Sweat' token for eligible NFL gamedays (up to three per week) to use on a same game parlay. No requirement for a DraftKings Kentucky promo code, and bonus credits are valid for seven days from issuance. Offer expires Nov. 13, 2023.
Caesars Sportsbook - Bet $50, get $250: Sign up today using the Caesars Kentucky promo code COVERSBONUSGET to receive $250 in bonus bets. Deposit and wager $50 and receive a $50 bonus bet immediately. An additional four $50 bonus bets will be issued each of the following four Mondays.
BetMGM - $1,500 back in bonus bets: Leverage BetMGM Kentucky promo code COVERSBONUS and get up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets. Make a first-time deposit of $10, place a wager on any event, and if that bet loses, get your original stake paid back in bonus bets, up to $1,500.
Top Kentucky sports betting sites
1. FanDuel Kentucky
Bet $5, Get $200
No code required
FanDuel Kentucky users can expect a top-tier mobile sports betting app packed with exciting features, including live betting, live streaming, same-game parlays, and much more. Additionally, FanDuel consistently offers some of the most competitive odds in the industry, impressive coverage for sports fans, and a giant selection of betting markets.
Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
2. DraftKings Kentucky
Bet $5, Get $200 + No Sweat SGP
No code required
DraftKings is among the very best online sportsbooks in Kentucky thanks to its industry-best mobile app, incredible market coverage, and beginner-friendly welcome bonus. One of the top legal parlay betting sites in the U.S., DraftKings Sportsbook is a must-have for Kentucky sports betting enthusiasts.
Refer to our DraftKings Sportsbook Review for the most recent breakdown of the operator.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 + No Sweat SGP
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
3. Caesars Kentucky
Bet $50, Get $250
Code: COVERSBONUSGET
In addition to its generous welcome bonus, Caesars Kentucky offers sports bettors a user-friendly betting app, top-notch customer support, and access to its renowned Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more analysis of this online sports betting site.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $50, get $250
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
4. bet365 Kentucky
Bet $1, Get $365
Code: COVERS
Kentucky makes the sixth state for bet365 as its calculated growth in the U.S. continues. bet365 KY offers a user-friendly online sports betting app that promises consistent odds boosts, plenty of betting markets, and competitive promotions.
Refer to our bet365 Review for an extensive analysis of the sports betting operator.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, get $365
- Payout speed: 0-5 days
5. BetMGM Kentucky
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
Code: COVERSBONUS
The feature-laden BetMGM betting app debuted on day one of legal Kentucky sports betting. New customers can access a full range of markets along with frequent promos and better-than-average betting odds, too.
Refer to our BetMGM Sportsbook review for a breakdown of its pertinent features and an unbiased take on the mobile sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 3.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 2-7 days
Legal Kentucky sportsbooks
Seven Kentucky sports betting apps went live on Sept. 28, 2023, marking the long-awaited arrival of legal online sports wagering in the Bluegrass State.
Nine retail locations opened their doors to KY bettors for in-person sports betting on Sept. 7, 2023.
What's next? Kentuckians who meet eligibility requirements can continue to claim new-user sportsbook bonuses with Barstool Sportsbook, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Kentucky sports betting sites
|
Online sportsbook |
Retail partner |
Retail sportsbook |
Odds provider | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ellis Park |
N/A |
Penn |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Sandy's Gaming and Racing |
N/A |
bet365 |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Revolutionary Racing Kentucky |
Sandy's Racing & Gaming |
BetMGM |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Keeneland and the Red Mile Racetracks |
Red Mile Racetrack |
Caesars |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Cumberland Run |
TBD |
Circa |
2023 (est.) |
|
|
Cumberland Run |
Cumberland Run (two locations) |
SBTech |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Oak Grove |
TBD |
Amelco |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
|
|
Churchill Downs |
Churchill Downs |
Flutter |
Sept. 28, 2023 |
Land-based Kentucky sportsbooks
|
Sportsbook |
Venue |
Address |
Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook |
Sandy's Racing & Gaming |
10699 U.S. 60 Ashland, KY 41102 | Oct. 2023 (est.) |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Red Mile Racetrack | 1200 Red Mile Rd., Lexington, KY 40504 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Circa Sports | Cumberland Run (Corbin) | 1200 Red Mile Rd., Lexington, KY 40504 | TBD |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Cumberland Run (Corbin) | 777 Winners Lane, Corbin, KY 40701 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Cumberland Run (Williamsburg) | 244 Penny Ln, Williamsburg, KY 40769 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Churchill Downs Race & Sports Book | Churchill Downs | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Turfway Park Racing and Gaming | Turfway Park | 7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY 41042 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Derby City Race & Gaming | Derby City Gaming | 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Oak Grove Race & Sportsbook | Oak Grove | 777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Ellis Park Racing & Gaming | Ellis Park Race Track | 3300 US Hwy 41 N, Henderson, KY 42420 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Newport Racing & Gaming | Newport | 1723 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071 | Sept. 7, 2023 |
Latest Kentucky betting news
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2023
Kentucky residents looking for alternative sports betting options have nearby access to a number of legal markets. Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia all offer mobile wagering. Additionally, each of these states, aside from Tennessee, features brick-and-mortar retail sportsbooks.
Who can partake in Kentucky sports betting?
Kentuckians can now legally wager online with seven sports betting sites and mobile apps anywhere in the Bluegrass State. Here's a breakdown of everything you should know before placing your first wager in KY:
Legal age
Sports bettors 18 and older can place legal wagers at most online and retail sportsbooks in Kentucky. However, some online sports betting operators, such as Caesars Sportsbook and FanDuel, have set the legal sports betting age at 21.
Mobile betting
Up to 27 Kentucky sports betting operators can partner with nine racetracks, with each racetrack awarded up to three online skins. Today, there are seven Kentucky sports betting sites accepting wagers. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates all betting activity.
Remote registration
Kentucky sportsbooks allow bettors to register from anywhere in the state. Bettors can also make deposits and confirm wagers with the best sports betting apps in KY.
Within state borders
Kentucky online sports betting is only available for users within state lines. Sportsbook operators use geolocation and age verification software to confirm the whereabouts and identities of their users.
Retail sportsbooks
Since there are no casinos in the Bluegrass State, Kentucky's retail sportsbooks are housed in the state's nine horse racing tracks.
Taxable winnings
Kentucky's sports betting legislation states that all gambling winnings are subject to income tax withholding at a rate of 6%. Additionally, a federal tax of 25% is tacked onto winnings in excess of $5,000.
The pros and cons of Kentucky sports betting
With pressure mounting, Kentucky legislators came through in a big way in 2023. Nearly every neighboring state beat KY to the sports betting punch, but Kentucky successfully pushed HB 551 across the finish line, becoming the 37th state to legalize sports betting.
Here are the pros and cons of Kentucky sports betting in 2023.
Sports betting legalized almost five years after the fall of PASPAOnline sports betting launches in Week 4 of the NFL seasonHow to start betting in Kentucky
The addition of online sports betting with Kentucky sports betting apps allows KY bettors to confirm wagers from anywhere in the state. Kentucky residents also have nearby access to retail sportsbooks at horse racing tracks.
Select a sportsbook
Kentucky sports betting enthusiasts can dig into our legal sportsbook reviews today to familiarize themselves with recent market entrants. Every state has different regulations and sportsbook operators, so it's important to find Kentucky sportsbooks with odds, promotions, and sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods that suit personal needs.
Register online
Kentucky bettors have the ability to create online sportsbook accounts almost instantly. The process is fairly simple but can be made easier by having all relevant ID and funding information nearby.
Claim a bonus
Online sportsbooks offer bonus bets, second-chance bets, and sports merchandise to new bettors in Kentucky. Identifying the best Kentucky sportsbook promos before signing up ensures you're fully prepared to deposit funds and make your first wager. Don't forget to enter our exclusive promo codes and read the terms and conditions to ensure deals from Kentucky sports betting sites are worthwhile.
Deposit funds
Most online sports betting sites make it incredibly easy to deposit funds. There are multiple options in Kentucky, including debit cards, credit cards, direct bank transfers, PayPal, and more.
Choose your bet types
All the popular bet types are available for Kentucky sports gambling. Expect plenty of moneyline, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, futures, prop bets, and parlays in the Bluegrass State.
Start betting
After registering an account, adding funds, and claiming a bonus, it will be time to start betting. Make sure to become familiar with your sportsbook and its terms and conditions before placing a bet.
Withdraw funds
Each Kentucky sports betting sites has a unique withdrawal processes. Always research the options before funding an account, as it can be frustrating to win bets and be unable to withdraw funds as quicky as desired.
Reading the odds
Kentucky sportsbooks default to American odds. These are the moneyline odds most often seen at legal U.S. sportsbooks. American odds show the favorite with a minus sign (ex. -150) and the underdog with a plus sign (ex. +125).
The odds for the favorite are listed as how much a player will have to wager to win $100. Conversely, the odds on the underdog are listed to show how much a player will win from a $100 wager.
For example, a $150 wager on a -150 favorite will pay $100 plus the original bet. Meanwhile, a $100 wager on a +125 underdog will pay $125 on top of the initial wager.
If you prefer to view odds as decimals or fractions, visit our odds converter. There, you can see odds displayed as American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Kentucky
Kentucky sports betting occurs online and in person, but not all types of wagers are permitted in 2023.
Politics
Kentucky lawmakers have deemed political betting markets off limits. In fact, no state allows regulated sportsbooks to offer this bet type.
esports
esports betting is growing in popularity in the U.S. and is permitted in Kentucky.
What about Kentucky college sports?
Most states allow college sports betting and Kentucky is no different. KY bettors can get in on the action by wagering on Louisville Cardinals football or Kentucky Wildcats basketball.
Home team advantage: Kentucky sports
Kentucky does not have any major professional sports teams. However, the Bluegrass State is home to two of the most popular teams in college basketball. The University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky have been perennial contenders for years. Both have formidable college football and baseball teams as well.
Fans of professional sports teams can make relatively short drives to Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee. Superfans can hop in an airplane to see games in Chicago, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
Regardless of college or pro fandom, sports bettors should research all sports before placing any wagers with Kentucky sports betting sites. Check out our how to bet guides to get started.
Other types of gambling
Horse racing was the most prominent form of gambling in Kentucky before legal sports betting arrived in September 2023.
There are no casinos in Kentucky, but gamblers can visit six venues to play historical horse racing machines. Those who enjoy games of chance can also play the state lottery.
Casino
Kentucky may not have any commercial or tribal casinos, but historical horse racing games in select venues offer a slot machine-like experience to gamblers craving a casino atmosphere. Those looking for the real thing can visit casinos in nearby states, such as Indiana and Ohio.
Poker
Neither live nor online poker is legal in Kentucky. Poker players can head to Indiana and Ohio to play live poker games in a casino.
Horse racing
Kentucky is home to "The Run for the Roses." The Kentucky Derby, the longest-running sporting event in the nation, has been wowing spectators since 1875. Today, Kentuckians can bet at the track or take the action online at the best Kentucky Derby betting sites.
There are nine tracks located throughout the state, including Churchill Downs (Louisville), Ellis Park (Henderson), Keeneland Race Course (Lexington), Kentucky Downs (Franklin), Oak Grove Racing and Gaming (Oak Grove), The Red Mile (Lexington), and Turfway Park (Florence).
While gamblers cannot place legal horse racing bets at all of the best horse racing betting sites, they can wager on horse races live at the track or online with racebook apps like TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms operate in a gray market in Kentucky. Neither legalized nor banned, big names like DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS contests in the Bluegrass State without issue.
Quick facts: Kentucky sports betting
Here's a brief overview of everything you need to know about Kentucky sports betting now that online wagering has arrived:
| Online launch | Sept. 28, 2023 |
| Retail launch | Sept. 7, 2023 |
| Legal betting age | 18; 21 |
| Betting licenses | 9 |
| Betting sites | ⭐7⭐ |
| College sports betting | Yes✅ |
| esports betting | Yes✅ |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | 9 |
| Online casinos | No |
| Online poker | No |
| Online horse racing | Yes✅ |
| Retail casinos | No |
| Regulator | KHRC |
| Last Verified | Oct. 4, 2023✅ |
Responsible gambling in Kentucky
Kentucky and its gambling operators offer a wide range of resources for those who may be dealing with gambling addiction.
The Kentucky Council On Problem Gambling (KYCPG) offers a 24/7 hotline with trained counselors for anyone concerned about their gambling habit. In-person events are also held to discuss potential issues.
KYCPG offers responsible gambling tips such as setting spending limits, creating cooling-off periods, and more.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
The list of U.S. jurisdictions with some form of legal sports betting continues to grow. In 2023, Kentucky joined the following regions when it put legal event wagering measures in place:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
On Nov. 23, 2022, Maryland officially launched legal online sports betting. Seven Maryland betting sites are now live.
Ohio sportsbooks began accepting online and retail wagers on Jan. 1, 2023.
In-person sports betting commenced on Jan. 31, 2023, in Massachusetts. MA sports betting also involved online wagering, which came into effect on March 10.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Legal event wagering remains elusive in several regions in the U.S., but the following jurisdictions should be considered states moving toward legal sports betting in the coming years:
Sportsbooks to avoid in Kentucky
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
While it can be tempting to register with an offshore website, we strongly advise against this. Offshore sportsbooks are unregulated in Kentucky, meaning your bankroll is always at risk. Stick to legal Kentucky betting sites and avoid these operators at all costs:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Kentucky sports betting FAQ
Yes, gambling is legal in Kentucky. It is legal to bet on sports, esports, horse racing, and historical horse racing. Gamblers can also play the Kentucky Lottery.
The minimum age to bet on sports in Kentucky is 18. However, some online sportsbooks are reserved for those 21 and older. If you're 18, you can also wager on horse racing and play the state lottery. The age increases to 21 for historical horse racing.
Yes. Kentucky sports betting was legalized on March 31, 2023. Regulated retail sportsbooks arrived on Sept. 7, 2023, while online betting sites launched on Sept. 28, 2023.
In Kentucky, you can bet on sports in person, on a sports betting website, or by using a sports betting app.
Yes. Legal online Kentucky sports betting sites went live at 6:00 a.m. ET on Sept. 28, 2023.
There are currently seven legal sports betting apps in Kentucky: Barstool Sportsbook, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Kentucky online sports betting launched at 6:00 a.m. ET on Sept. 28, 2023.
Yes, you can use DraftKings in Kentucky to bet on sports or play daily fantasy contests.
In Kentucky, you can bet in person at nine horse racing tracks or lock in your wagers online from anywhere in the state.
Yes, you can wager on Kentucky-based teams like the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky.
No. Any U.S. resident physically located in Kentucky can register and bet with a legal online sportsbook.
Yes, you can bet on the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky. You may place wagers online with TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
