Keep up with the latest, bet wisely, and uncover top deals in Kentucky!
One of the latest states to join the US sports betting scene. KY Online Sports Betting introduced a good number of legal sports betting platforms. This leaves you with a good choice where to place your online bets.
Seeking the best KY sportsbook deals and platforms for Kentucky bettors? Eager to find the most attractive sign-up bonuses and unique promotions in Kentucky? Explore our comprehensive guide to the finest KY sports betting sites.
🏆 Online Sports Betting Status: | LIVE! |
🗓️ Mobile Betting Launch Date: | September 28, 2023 |
📱 KY Betting Apps LIVE: | Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook |
📍 Retail Sports Betting: | Available |
👥 Legal Gambling Age: | 21+ |
⚖️ KY Regulator: | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission |
Full List of Approved Kentucky Sportsbooks:
Other KY sportsbooks potentially applying for a license from the KHRC:
Updated Oct. 31, 2023
The Kentucky Wildcats' season opener on Nov. 6 at home against New Mexico State will be the first time the schools have met in the regular season. In the 1999 NCAA Tournament, Kentucky beat New Mexico State in the first round by 22 points, CBS Sports reported.
Updated Oct. 27, 2023
The University of Kentucky's exhibition game Friday against Georgetown College is one of two exhibitions matchups between Oct. 27 and the start of the regular season. The 16th-ranked Wildcats face Kentucky State on Nov. 2 before tipping off the regular season at home on Nov. 6 against New Mexico State.
Updated Oct. 17, 2023
The Kentucky Wildcats are ranked No. 16 in the Associated Press preseason men's basketball Top 25 poll. The Wildcats open the regular season Nov. 6 at home against New Mexico State and face No. 1-ranked Kansas on Nov. 14 in Chicago.
Updated Oct. 13, 2023
John Calipari, head basketball coach at the University of Kentucky, will receive the John R. Wooden Award Legends of Coaching honor, the Associated Press reported. The award, based on character, on-court success, graduation rate of players in their program and coaching philosophy, will be presented in April at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
Updated Oct. 6, 2023
From Thursday to Sunday last week in Kentucky, bettors wagered a combined $68 million in person at sportsbooks and on mobile sports-betting apps, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. "The best news is those dollars are staying right here to help build a brighter future for all our families," the governor said.
Caesars Sportsbook, a prominent global brand, operates legally in states with online sports betting and boasts a generous welcome bonus and extensive sports market coverage. And for Kentucky, Caesars has crafted an offer that not only provides an immediate bonus but also ensures you have something to look forward to for the next month.
BetMGM Sportsbook is expected to make waves in online Kentucky sports betting. The ‘King of Sportsbooks’ operates in numerous states across the U.S. and is known for offering an effortless user experience, competitive odds, and diverse betting options.
FanDuel sportsbook is celebrated for competitive odds and varied promotions for both newcomers and regular bettors.
A top-tier online sportsbook, DraftKings Kentucky boasts tempting odds for major domestic leagues and diverse betting options.
Many bettors were expecting Barstool to make its debut in Kentucky but in an interesting change of events, Penn Interactive sold the Brand name back to its original owner after purchasing it earlier this year, and instead teamed up with ESPN to create ESPN BET Sportsbook.
Here’s a quick rundown of what went down:
Having said that, it should be going live by the end of the year. The operator is promising top-notch sports analysis, expert betting advice, and a user-friendly experience, enriched by exclusive ESPN content and talent - and we’re looking forward to it. In the meantime, you can check out our detailed ESPN BET Kentucky review to get more information on what we can expect from this sportsbook.
Sports bettors enjoy promotional offers, and Kentucky players will inherit the same privilege with the launch of the legal online sports betting market. Operators provide different types of bonus deals with specific wagering requirements. Here are some of the most popular Kentucky sporstsbook betting promotions that will become available for residents:
Typical welcome offers include a bonus bet, where bettors open an account, deposit, and get insurance on their first bet. Top sportsbooks may match the initial bet up to $1,000.
Kentucky sportsbooks are likely to offer special bonuses for early sign-ups, featuring unique codes and sizable deposit matches or no-deposit boosts.
Bonus bets are promotional offers provided by sportsbooks to entice new customers or reward loyal bettors. They allow users to place a bet without using their own money, essentially giving them a chance to win without any risk.
Sportsbooks keep a promo calendar for big annual events, which receive special offers. The Super Bowl is one such example, commemorated with dedicated bonuses that have a large deposit match promo or free bet offers, all with relaxed wagering requirements. Similar promo treatment gets reserved for NBA playoffs, March Madness, World Cup, and Olympic events.
Legal sites are regulated by state authorities, ensuring that your personal and financial information is secure.
In case of disputes, bettors have legal recourse. Regulated sites are held to high standards of fairness and transparency.
Legal online sports betting sites are financially stable and have a legal obligation to pay out winnings.
Regulated sites often offer tools for self-exclusion, deposit limits, and support for problem gamblers.
Tax revenue from legal sports betting supports public services and infrastructure.
These are just a few of the betting options expected to be available in Kentucky. As the launch date approaches, we'll have more information on the specific offerings of each sportsbook. Stay tuned for updates!
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is responsible for regulating horse racing in the state. With the introduction of sports betting in Kentucky, the KHRC's role has expanded to include:
Kentucky's HB 551 law uniquely positions its nine horse racing tracks as retail sports wagering facilities locations, granting them exclusive rights for sports betting licenses. This setup paves the way for multiple potential partnerships, with tracks allowed three online partners each. As a result, KY online sportsbooks could number up to 27. This strategic approach ensures the state's vital horse racing industry benefits directly from the betting revenue.
Here is the latest list of retail sports betting locations approved in Kentucky:
Kentucky might not have a professional sports team, but it has a proud tradition of college teams with championship pedigrees. A few of the more popular college sports teams which can be alluring for sports bettors are:
Making betting legal in Kentucky aligns with its rich equestrian history and passion for sports. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Kentucky's horse racing heritage is a core part of its identity. This love began in the late 18th century and has grown ever since, culminating in iconic races like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, often dubbed "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." While the Derby steals the limelight, events like the Bluegrass Stakes and Kentucky Oaks also highlight the state's racing prominence.
Kentucky is not just about racing; it's a hub for horse breeding, with its fertile Bluegrass region producing champion horses. Institutions like the Kentucky Horse Park and the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program educate and celebrate the deep bond between humans and horses in the state. For Kentucky, horse racing is not just a sport—it's a cherished tradition that enriches its cultural and economic landscape.
With the legalization of sports betting, Kentucky takes a significant step forward, merging its historical love for horse racing with modern sports betting avenues. Making online horse racing betting legal, along with other sports, not only offers residents a regulated and safe betting environment but also promises to boost the state's economy, leveraging its unique position in the world of sports.
At present, the only authorized online gambling activities in Kentucky include pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering platforms, specifically TVG and Twin Spires, and the Kentucky Lottery which provides online draw and instant game tickets. Additionally, sports betting has been approved, however, it hasn't been rolled out for the public yet.
Not yet, but sports betting will be available soon. Starting September 7, 2023, in-person sports betting will be introduced at horse track sportsbooks in the state. The online sports betting launch will follow suit on September 28, 2023.
If you're in Northern Kentucky, sports betting in Ohio is a convenient option as the state legalized the activity earlier this year. Just a short trip across the Ohio River, and you can bet legally within Ohio's borders. You don't need to be a resident. Additionally, states bordering Kentucky like Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee have legalized sports betting
No, starting September 7, residents won't need to cross state lines as sports betting will be legal in Kentucky.
No, casino gambling and Kentucky online casinos are not permitted. While the State has been working hard to make online betting legal, there are no plans to do the same for online casino gambling. Residents looking for experiences similar to New Jersey online casino apps need to visit neighboring states.
Yes, while traditional online casinos aren't allowed, residents can play at social and sweepstakes casinos like WinStar, LuckyLand, and Chumba. These platforms offer free virtual coins and jackpot prizes without real money transactions. Additionally, Kentucky offers pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering platforms like TVG and Twin Spires, and online options for the Kentucky Lottery.
Gambling on offshore-based sites is discouraged due to their lack of regulation. This is why many have been pushing to make online sports betting legal. Players risk losing their funds, and there's no guarantee of fair gameplay.
Kentucky's online sportsbooks provide multiple safe and easy banking methods:
📥 Deposit:
📤 Withdrawal:
Note: Options differ by sportsbook, with potential limits. Refer to your sportsbook's banking section for specifics.
Operating an online sportsbook in Kentucky comes with certain financial obligations. The initial licensing fee is set at $500,000, followed by an annual renewal fee of $50,000. For operators, an additional license costing $50,000 is required, with an annual fee of $10,000.
The state of Kentucky has set a tax rate of 14.25% for online and mobile sportsbooks. This means that for every dollar of revenue, approximately 14.25 cents will go to the state as tax. This tax is applied after winnings are paid out to bettors. For more detailed information on sports betting taxes in Kentucky, visit our page on the Kentucky sports gambling tax rate.
For operators, these costs and tax obligations are significant considerations. They can impact the profitability of the sportsbook and may influence the business strategy. For instance, to offset these costs, operators might need to be more conservative with the odds they offer or limit the number and value of promotions they run.
For bettors, these costs could indirectly affect their betting experience. If operators offer less favorable odds or fewer promotions due to the high costs of operation, bettors might find fewer opportunities for profitable bets. However, the legalization and regulation of online sports betting also bring benefits for bettors, such as enhanced consumer protection and the convenience of being able to bet legally from their own homes.
Kentucky is the 37th state in the US to legalize sports betting. Although the regulatory framework is still in the development phase, it's expected to mirror the rules and requirements found in other states.
The tax rate for operators in Kentucky is similar to other states, with 9.75% on gross revenues for in-person bets and 14.25% for online wagers. For players, all winnings get taxed as ordinary income.
There are no limitations, meaning that players can use the full spectrum of bet types, such as moneyline, totals, parlay, futures, in-play, prop bets, and many others.
Every state that legalized online sportsbooks has some age requirements. In Kentucky, the minimum legal age for online gambling is 18, but some Kentucky sportsbooks have the right to accept players 21 years and over. Almost in every state, you have to be a resident to open an account in a licensed sportsbook and can wager only if physically present in that jurisdiction.
Legal sports betting sites do not limit their coverage of betting markets. Every operator decides which sports and leagues will get included on their app. you reside or which state you're visiting. While many allow betting on popular sports such as hockey and football, others restrict access to horse and dog racing.
States in which betting is legal require operators to get certified by the local regulatory agency, ensuring the safety of bettors.
What does the future look like for sports betting in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Sports Betting industry is poised for significant growth, with betting apps playing a pivotal role. These KY betting app platforms will offer features like live-streaming and in-play betting, enhancing the overall betting experience for users.
In terms of Tax Revenue Projections, the state expects to generate approximately $23 million annually in tax revenue and licensing fees from sports betting. Some experts believe this estimate might even be on the conservative side.
When compared to other legal betting states, Kentucky's approach to sports betting mirrors the strategies adopted by several others. The emphasis on mobile betting, in particular, reflects a broader national trend. However, the true test will be how Kentucky's sports betting market performs in comparison to its neighbors, both in terms of user engagement and revenue generation.
As sports betting becomes a reality in Kentucky, it's crucial to remember the importance of responsible gambling. Betting on sports should be an enjoyable pastime, not a means to make money or escape problems. Here are some tips to help you bet responsibly:
✔ Set a Budget: Decide how much money you're willing to lose before you start betting, and stick to that budget. Never bet money you can't afford to lose.
✔ Understand the Odds: Make sure you understand how betting odds work before you place a bet. Remember, the house always has an edge.
✔ Don't Chase Losses: It can be tempting to try to win back money you've lost by placing more bets, but this can lead to even bigger losses.
✔ Take Regular Breaks: Gambling continuously without taking breaks can lead to poor decision-making and problem gambling.
✔ Seek Help if Needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, don't hesitate to seek help. The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling provides resources and support for individuals dealing with problem gambling.
Remember, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is the regulator for sports betting in the state, and they are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. If you have any concerns about your gambling habits, please reach out to them or another trusted organization for help.
Critics have questioned the readiness of the KHRC to regulate sports betting, given that Kentucky has significantly fewer gambling enforcement staff than other states like Ohio and Indiana, however the KHRC expresses confidence in its approach to sports betting, despite questions about staffing
Kentucky's sports betting is launching on September 7, 2023, with mobile betting following on September 28, 2023, hosted by horse racing tracks with tax rates of 9.75% for retail and 14.25% for online wagers.
Kentucky's imminent sports betting launch should prioritize thorough regulation and preparation over speed to avoid potential hurdles, learning from the hasty rollout in Massachusetts.
Governor Andy Beshear signs HB 551 into a Kentucky Sports Betting law.
HB 551 is endorsed with a vote of 25-12.
The House passes HB 551, sending it to the Senate.
Rep. Michael Meredith introduces House Bill 551, a bill that is aiming to legalize sports betting in Kentucky.
House Bill 241 gets introduced but fails to receive majority support.
The United States Supreme Court permits states to decide if they will make legal Kentucky sports betting.
For a more detailed exploration of Kentucky's sports betting legislation journey, visit our comprehensive legislation page.
Several key figures played instrumental roles in the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky.
These key figures, among others, were instrumental in the process that led to the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky. Their efforts have paved the way for a new era of sports betting in the state.
Yes sports betting is now legal in Kentucky and officially rolled out to the public. On the 7th of September, the State opened retail betting to the public, and on September 28th, the State opened mobile and online sports betting to the public.
Yes you absolutely can! Online sports betting has officially launched in the State with many sportsbooks now offering their services no mobile and desktop to new users who sign up on their platforms.
Mobile and online sports betting officially started on September 28, at 6 a.m. ET. Many Kentucky sportsbooks including Draftkings, BetMGM, Caesars & Bet365 are now offering their services to Kentucky residents.
The approved sports betting providers in Kentucky include Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn Sports Interactive. At the moment, Caesars, BetMGM, Draftkings, Bet365 and FanDuel are all online and available in Kentucky.
Yes you can. Bettors can start using the mobile app and place bets on their favorite sports as of now! Perfect timing for NFL betting.
Yes, Draftkings is legal and live in Kentucky! Kentucky bettors can sign up at Draftkings and receive $200 in bonus bets. As a plus, registrants will also be able to claim Draftkings' 25% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 as well.
The legal age for sports betting in Kentucky is 18+, but most sportsbooks are only accepting players aged 21+. The exceptions are Bet365 and DraftKings.