Kentucky Sports Betting: Best Kentucky Online Sportsbooks & Betting Sites

Top 6 Kentucky sports betting sites

1. BetMGM Kentucky

$1,500 First Bet Offer

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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BetMGM provides Kentucky bettors access to one of the industry's premier online sportsbooks in 2025. BetMGM is backed by one of the most iconic names in U.S. betting, offering Kentuckians sharp lines for a wealth of betting markets, a user-friendly mobile platform, and a slew of ongoing bonuses, including the highest-valued welcome promo in 2025. 

Browse our BetMGM bonus code review page for a comprehensive look at this online sportsbook that holds the top spot in our rankings. 

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,500 First Bet Offer
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. Caesars Kentucky

Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets

New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Place a wager of at least $1 and you'll get 10x 100% profit boosts, up to $2,500 each, win or lose. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms.

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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: 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. bet365 Kentucky

Bet $5, Get $150 Win or Lose

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$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

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Kentucky was the sixth state for bet365 to launch in, 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. bet365 offers an immaculate user experience and is a must-have in your mobile app library.

Refer to our bet365 Review for an extensive analysis of the sports betting operator.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. FanDuel Kentucky

Bet $5, Win $150

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

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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 Sportsbook consistently offers some of the most competitive odds in the industry, impressive coverage for sports fans, and a wide range of betting markets.

Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more on one of the best NBA betting promos of 2025.

• App Store rating: 4.9 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Win $150
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky

  

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Ends: Ongoing

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Fanatics Sportsbook is among the first group of operators to receive temporary online sports betting licenses in Kentucky and debuted in the Bluegrass State on launch day. Fanatics Sportsbook is an emerging U.S. online operator that hangs its hat on its fantastic loyalty program and comprehensive betting coverage. 

Refer to our Fanatics Sportsbook review for more.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus:  $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

6. DraftKings Kentucky

Bet $5, Get $150

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 (at -500 odds or greater) and get $150 in bonus bets instantly.

Claim $150

DraftKings is among the 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), 4.3 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Match Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Best Kentucky sports betting bonuses

With legal online sports betting in full gear, Kentucky bettors can access enticing Kentucky sports betting promos. Here are a handful of welcome offers now available to new users:

Kentucky sports betting updates

The long road to legal sports betting has been worthwhile for Bluegrass State bettors. In 2025, eight online Kentucky sportsbooks and 12 retail locations are accepting legal wagers. 

Here's how we got there:

June 17, 2025: Lawsuits against prediction market operator Kalshi, and the trading platforms Robinhood, Susquehanna, and Webull, started to pop up across the U.S. this month, with lawsuits filed in five states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, and South Carolina.  

June 9, 2025: Kentucky's year-over-year sports betting action rises 17.3% in April while Bluegrass State operators produced double-digit holds in four of the past six months. 

May 5, 2025: Churchill Downs announced that the 151st Kentucky Derby, won by Sovereignty on Saturday, generated $234.4 million in all-sources wagering, a new all-time high ahead of 2024’s $210.7 million. The 2025 handle was also up 24.2% from 2023

May 2, 2025: Sportsbook operators have good reasons to expect brisk betting business for this weekend's 151st Kentucky Derby.

May 1, 2025: The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation reported a March handle of $293.2 million, the third-highest amount wagered in the state since sports betting launched in September 2023.

April 21, 2025: The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to decide on new sports betting markets ahead of the Kentucky Derby's 151st running at Churchill Downs.

April 4, 2025: Kentucky's handle drop 19.2% monthly in February, receiving only just over $218.9 million in sports bets for the month. 

March 3, 2025: Kentucky's sports betting handle rises 12.8% in January, producing $33.6 million in gross revenue on $277.1 million total wagers. 

Jan. 29, 2025: Kentucky ended 2024 with an 11% year-over-year increase in sports betting action. However, the lowest hold on gross revenue produced yet led to only $20.2 million in profit, a 38% decrease from December 2023 and down nearly 45% month-over-month. 

Dec. 27, 2024: Kentucky earns a record $300 million handle in November.

Dec. 10, 2024: The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation unanimously approved a service provider license to Prime Sports, the first online sportsbook to partner with Churchill Down. The hope is to launch in time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby in early May.

Dec. 9, 2024: An aggressive gambler in Kentucky sweated out a $3.1M wager on the Philadelphia Eagles (-700) to defeat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, which returned $442,800k in profit.

Nov. 28, 2024: Kentucky's October sports betting revenue falls 61% year-over-year, despite still making $18.8M in gross revenue.

Oct. 30, 2024: Kentucky sportsbooks earn a 13.5% hold after local operators roll bettors in September. 

Oct. 4, 2024: Kentucky earns a $151 million handle in August to finish its first year of legal sports betting. 

Sept. 9, 2024: Kentucky's handle and revenue drop in July as summer sports betting slump hits local operators. 

Aug. 9, 2024: Kentucky has its slowest sports betting month in June as the state's handle experienced a 17.1% month-over-month decline. 

July 30, 2024: The KHRGC appoint Susan Speckert as its first-ever COO.

July 12, 2024: Kentucky sportsbooks rake in $629.4 million in wagers from March through May 2024.

July 4, 2024: Kentucky is still pondering the NCAA's request for a college player prop betting ban. 

May 17, 2024: Scottie Scheffler is detained by police at the PGA Championship in Kentucky and charged with several counts, creating uncertainty for sports bettors.

May 14, 2024: Circa Sports announces Kentucky online betting launch, marking the fifth legal jurisdiction for the Las Vegas-based sportsbook. 

May 6, 2024: The 2024 Kentucky Derby sets a new betting handle record, reaching $320.5 million in all wagers for the day and $446.6 million across the week. 

May 3, 2024: The Kentucky Derby may shed light on the success online sportsbooks are having with horse racing. 

April 25, 2024: Louisville-based operator Churchill Downs reports record-setting quarter one results, earning $590.9 million in revenue. 

April 23, 2024: Kentucky regulators review NCAA's request to ban college player prop betting within the state. 

April 16, 2024: Kentucky sportsbooks enjoy double-digit holds in the first two months of 2024. 

April 15, 2024: Kentucky's General Assembly overrides Gov. Beshear's regulatory gaming veto. 

April 2, 2024: Circa Sports launches in Kentucky, making it the eighth online operator in the state.

March 26, 2024: A new Kentucky law will restructure sports betting in the state, creating a new Division of Sports Wagering, which will be managed outside of the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

March 26, 2024: bet365 and SIS are now offering ebasketball content in Kentucky, making esports wagering available for the first time in the state.

Feb. 24, 2024: Kentucky surpasses sports betting tax revenue projections following a final two strong months in 2023, earning $55 million from a $546.6 million handle. 

Feb. 22, 2024: Churchill Downs reports a record-high $2.5 billion in revenue in 2023 and announces plans to open a new retail sportsbook in 2025. 

Dec. 11, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission met and approved nine sports wagering service provider permits for 2024. There will be no operator changes, as all nine were already authorized on a temporary basis earlier this year. 

Nov. 21, 2023: The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council gives a formal blessing to ESPN BET after launching in the state last week. The committee also recommends adding several sports to the wagering catalog, including NCAA volleyball, TGL golf, Dana White's Contender Series for the UFC, and more. 

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Kentucky and 16 other states.

Nov. 8, 2023: Kentucky sports betting proponent Andy Beshear is reelected as state Governor for another term. 

Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Kentucky. 

Oct. 31, 2023: The KHRC announces that more than $310 million in wagers since the legalization of online sports betting. 

Oct. 23, 2023: Kentucky reports nearly $250 million in handle for its first month of legal sports betting. Almost 500,000 betting accounts have been created. 

Oct. 13, 2023: Sandy's Racing & Gaming announces it will open on Oct. 26. The new gaming facility will be home to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Oct. 7, 2023: The Louisville Cardinals (+200) upset the visiting Notre Dame Fighting Irish, snapping the No. 10 seed's 30-game ACC regular season winning streak.

Oct. 5, 2023: Circa Sports receives authorization to launch online and retail sports betting operations in Kentucky, though no date has been confirmed yet.

Oct. 5, 2023: Gov. Andy Beshear reveals sports betting numbers from Kentucky's first week of legal mobile wagering. Beshear says KY online sportsbooks took in well north of $50 million in wagers since launching on Sept. 28.

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 legislation on March 31, 2023, permitting both online and retail wagering in the Bluegrass State. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved wagering rules and launch details on July 10, 2023.

Each KY racetrack can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators, with seven online sportsbooks launching on Sept. 28, 2023.

Stay updated on Kentucky and what states have legal sports betting with our interactive legal tracker.

Kentucky sports betting summary - July 2025 Updates

Here's a brief overview of everything you need to know about Kentucky sports betting now that online wagering has arrived:

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. Circa Sports joined the fun in April 2024. 

Nine retail locations opened their doors to KY bettors for in-person sports betting on Sept. 7, 2023. There are now 12 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks operating in Kentucky.

What's next? Kentuckians who meet eligibility requirements can continue to claim new-user sportsbook bonuses with bet365, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Kentucky sports betting sites

Land-based Kentucky sportsbooks

Why sign up for multiple Kentucky sportsbooks?

No matter your level of experience with sports betting, we highly recommend that Blue Grass State bettors sign up for multiple KY sportsbooks rather than just one. Here’s why:

By comparing odds across different Kentucky sportsbooks for the same bet, you can always ensure you're getting the best value.

Take advantage of several welcome offers and ongoing promotions across platforms.

Enjoy the best sportsbook features, including live betting, streaming, early cashouts, and same-game parlays.

 If you like betting on niche markets, having multiple accounts ensures access, as not all sportsbooks offer the same leagues.

By joining various sportsbook loyalty programs, you can earn great rewards like bonus bets, personalized service, free trips, discounted hotel stays, and more in 2025.

Latest Kentucky betting news

Who can use KY sportsbooks?

Kentuckians can now legally wager online with eight 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:

The pros and cons of Kentucky sportsbooks

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 2025.

Eight online sportsbooks now live

Retail betting at 12 locations

Sports betting legalized almost five years after the fall of PASPA

Online sports betting launched in Week 4 of the NFL season

How 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.

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 2025.

NFL Draft

Kentucky is one of the few states where bettors are legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2025. 

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.

Entertainment awards ceremonies

Kentucky bettors cannot wager on events like the Oscars or Emmys.

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.

Kentucky sports betting handle

Legal Kentucky sports betting has only been available since September 2023. Still, Bluegrass State bettors have already made their mark, as a reported $656 million was wagered in the state in over two months. 

Bookmark this page for Kentucky sports betting handle and revenue figure updates in 2025.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Most popular Kentucky teams to bet on

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, which can be wagered on. 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.

NHL

Nashville Predators

St. Louis Blues

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NBA

Indiana Pacers

Cleveland Cavaliers

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NFL

Cincinnati Bengals

Indianapolis Colts

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MLB

Cincinnati Reds

Get live MLB odds

Although no upcoming fights are scheduled in the Bluegrass State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.

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.

Responsible gambling in Kentucky

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

The arrival of North Carolina sports betting on March 11, 2024 brings several prominent sportsbooks to the state, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and bet365, which are now available for sign-up.

With its Jan. 11 launch, Vermont was the first state to introduce legal sports wagering in 2024. Vermont sports betting involves online sportsbooks only, with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook aiming for VT market share on day one.

Legal Maine sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2023. Online sportsbooks now accept wagers in the Pine Tree State.

The list of U.S. jurisdictions with some form of legal sports betting continues to grow. In 2025, Kentucky joined the following regions when it put legal event wagering measures in place:

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:

How Kentucky sports betting compares to other legal states

Kentucky residents looking for alternative sports betting options have nearby access to a wide range 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.

Below, we've outlined how Kentucky's legal sports betting market stacks up with three of its neighboring states: 

Best Ohio sportsbooks

Browse the best online sports betting options available in OH.

Ohio Sports Betting

Best IL betting sites

Study some of the top online sportsbooks in Illinois.

Illinois Sports Betting

Best VA sportsbooks

Check out our favorite Virginia sportsbooks in 2025.

Virginia Sports Betting