Best Kentucky Sportsbooks | Guide to Kentucky Sports Betting 2025

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Seeking the best Kentucky sportsbooks to fit your betting habits? Explore our expert guide to the best KY sports betting sites.

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    Fanatics Sport
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  2. 5
    FanDuel Sports
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Our Experts' Top Kentucky Sportsbooks

KY SportsbookOur Overall Rating
1. FanDuel9.1/10
2. DraftKings8.9/10
3. bet3658.9/10
4. BetMGM8.6/10
5. Fanatics Sportsbook8.15/10
6. Caesars Sportsbook7.1/10

Kentucky has introduced a good number of legal sports betting platforms. This leaves you with a good choice of where to place your online bets.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky 

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerTurfway Park Racing & Gaming (Churchill Downs)
Retail LocationNone

FanDuel has long been a fixture in Kentucky's gambling scene, offering daily fantasy sports and online horse racing betting for years before its sportsbook went live online. 

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

FanDuel's user experience is excellent, featuring an intuitive app, straightforward navigation, extensive betting markets, competitive odds, and a regular rotation of promotions.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

FanDuel is renowned for its competitive odds and diverse promotions, catering to both newcomers and seasoned bettors. Some of my favorite features include its live streaming and early cashouts.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • More online banking options than most KY sportsbooks
  • Extensive, high-quality live streaming
  • First-to-market odds that remain competitive
  • Consistent promos, including early payouts & referral bonus
  • Thousands of betting markets, including international sports
  • Great user experience across desktop & mobile platforms
Cons
  • No loyalty rewards program for sports betting

2. DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerCumberland Run & The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland
Retail LocationThe Mint Cumberland; the Mint Cumberland Run; the Mint Bowling Green

Initially a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform, DraftKings quickly transitioned to sports betting after the annulment of PASPA in 2018, becoming a dominant force in the Kentucky sports betting arena. Retail locations include The Mint Gaming Hall in Cumberland Williamsburg, and Cumberland Run in Corbin.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

DraftKings has a user-friendly design across platforms. The interface is easy to navigate, whether you're using a desktop or a mobile device. DraftKings' top features include free-to-play contests, same-game parlays, early cashouts, live streaming, and DK Social. 

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

DraftKings Kentucky offers enticing odds for major domestic leagues and a wide range of betting options. Players can find a new array of offers and bonuses daily, including odds boosts, profit boosts, no-sweat bets, and bet-and-get offers.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Can watch live games & place bets simultaneously
  • Comprehensive Dynasty Rewards program
  • Offers a huge range of bet types & markets
  • Fast, simple banking
  • New promo offers every day
Cons
  • Customer support is often slow to respond

3. bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerSandy’s Racing & Gaming (Revolutionary Racing Kentucky)
Retail LocationNone

Founded in 2000 in England, bet365 is the world’s largest privately owned sportsbook, serving over 90 million customers globally.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

bet365 boasts ultra-competitive live betting odds across a wide variety of sports and is consistently rated our best Kentucky sportsbook for odds value. You'll find an incredible range of betting markets, including extensive coverage of popular leagues and sports like soccer and tennis. Maybe bet365's most well-known feature, early cashouts are available year-round for every major sport.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

The website is perhaps less intuitive and polished compared to our top two Kentucky sportsbooks, FanDuel and DraftKings. But you'll find that you can adapt quickly. What bet365 lacks in flair, it makes up for in substance.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Early payout offers
  • Great live betting offering, including extensive live streaming of international sports
  • Market-leading odds especially for in-game betting
Cons
  • No loyalty rewards program
  • Design feels more outdated compared to FanDuel & DraftKings

4. BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerSandy’s Racing & Gaming (Revolutionary Racing Kentucky)
Retail LocationSandy's BetMGM Sportsbook

Users who sign up for BetMGM Kentucky are automatically enrolled in MGM Rewards, which earns you points for every bet you place. BetMGM has a retail location at Sandy's Racing & Gaming in Ashland, KY, where you can put those rewards to good use.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

The "King of Sportsbooks" is renowned for its intuitive user experience, competitive odds, and a wide range of betting options, particularly in parlays. BetMGM's Easy Parlay builder tool allows you to build same-game and multi-game parlays with just a few clicks from a single screen, saving you time bouncing around different menus.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

BetMGM's live betting and live streaming features are exciting. There's an extensive collection of betting markets, and you can often find live streams, even for smaller-scale leagues and sports.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Operates a retail sportsbook in KY where you can make use of MGM Rewards
  • Daily promotions, including regular odds boosts & referrals
  • Wide range of betting markets
Cons
  • Platforms can be slow to load at times
  • Potential for slower customer support response time vs. competitors
  • Longer withdrawal times

5. Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerOak Grove Racing & Gaming
Retail LocationNone

Fanatics Sportsbook received its Kentucky license after acquiring PointsBet Sportsbook in several states.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

Fanatics sets itself apart with an overall enhanced user experience that tech-savvy bettors will love. It offers live betting functionality with real-time competitive odds and live-streaming services for events such as the NFL.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

Fanatics Sportsbook delivers an excellent mobile-first betting experience with a sleek design, strong live betting, and one of the best rewards programs in the industry. However, as a newer platform, it still has room to grow, particularly in customer support, market depth, and desktop accessibility.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extensive range of bet types
  • Innovative win-or-lose rewards program in FanCash
  • Plenty of promotions, including odds boosts & referrals
  • Easy-to-use navigation & design
  • Good live betting & streaming features
  • Consistent odds that provide good value
Cons
  • No desktop betting site
  • Customer support can be difficult to reach
  • Betting markets aren't quite as expansive as other KY sportsbooks

6. Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky

Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
Licensing PartnerKeeneland & Red Mile Gaming & Racing
Retail LocationCaesars Sportsbook at Red Mile Gaming & Racing

Caesars has a retail location at Red Mile Gaming and Racing in Lexington, KY.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

Caesars provides a great overall user experience with a smooth, intuitive design. While live streaming can be limited outside of the NFL, you can still live bet easily, cash out bets early, and easily earn Caesars Rewards.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

Caesars has an astonishing range of betting markets, especially for parlays and international sports.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Operates a retail sportsbook in KY where you can use Caesars Rewards
  • Competitive betting lines
  • Weekly promotions, including odds boosts, referrals, profit boosts
  • Smooth & intuitive website design
  • NFL live streaming with Watch & Bet feature
Cons
  • Live stream accessibility can be challenging
  • Customer service can be difficult to reach
  • Daily boosted bets are often for very long odds

More Great Kentucky Sportsbooks to Explore

KY SportsbookRacetrack PartnerRetail Location
Circa SportsCumberland Run & The Mint Gaming Hall CumberlandNone
Prime SportsChurchill Downs RacetrackNone
theScore Bet (formerly ESPN BET)Ellis Park Racing & GamingNone

How We Rate & Review Kentucky Sportsbooks

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. Tax revenue from legal sports betting supports public services and infrastructure.

Regulated sites often offer tools for self-exclusion, deposit limits, and support for individuals with problem gambling issues.

That's why all of our recommended Kentucky sportsbooks are properly licensed. After we confirm their licensing, we give each sportsbook a grade between 1 and 10, averaging scores across several key trust factors, some of which include:

  1. Promotions

    Promotions

    Sports bettors can claim Kentucky sportsbook betting promotions at virtually any point after opening an account. When reviewing sites, we claim the same offers and test them to ensure bettors are getting the best value for their money.

  2. Payments

    Payments

    Kentucky's online sportsbooks provide multiple safe and easy banking methods. Options differ by sportsbook, with potential limits.

  3. Mobile Product

    Mobile Product

    Mobile apps play a pivotal role in helping us determine the best overall sportsbooks in any state. KY betting apps must offer helpful features, such as on-the-go live betting and quick updates, to ensure a good overall user experience.

How to Sign Up for KY Sports Betting Sites

  1. Choose a Reputable Site: Begin by selecting a trusted sportsbook. Opt for Kentucky sports betting sites with positive reviews, proper licensing, and a user-friendly interface.
  2. Visit the Registration Page: Navigate to the sportsbook's website or app and click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
  3. Provide Personal Details, including your name,  date of birth, home address, email, phone number, and Social Security Number.
  4. Set Up Security Details: Choose a unique username and a strong password. Some sites may also ask security questions for added protection.
  5. Enter Promo Codes: In some cases, you may need to enter a promo code to claim your bonus. If a promo code is available, be sure to enter it during registration to claim special offers.
  6. Verify Your Account: Confirm your account by checking your email and/or mobile text. You might be asked to provide a copy of a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) and a utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
  7. Deposit Funds: Go to the "Deposit" section, select a payment method, and add funds to start betting.
  8. Begin Betting: With your account set up and funded, explore the sportsbook and place bets on your preferred sports.
  9. Stay Updated: Regularly visit the promotions or offers section to maximize bonuses and boosts.

Kentucky Sports Betting at a Glance

Is KY Sports Betting Legal?Yes
Launch DateSept. 28, 2023
No. of KY Sportsbooks9
Legal Betting Age18+
Sports Betting BillHouse Bill 551
Total Licenses27
Sports Betting Revenue 
Regulatory BodyKentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation
KY Population 

Kentucky Sports Betting Laws & Legislation

Rep. Adam Koenig was the primary sponsor of HB 551, the bill that legalized sports betting in Kentucky. He had been a long-time advocate for sports betting in the state and had introduced similar bills in previous years that did not pass. Gov. Andy Beshear was also a strong supporter of sports betting as a means to generate additional revenue for the state. His endorsement of the bill was crucial in its passage. The Kentucky General Assembly's role in passing the bill cannot be understated. Despite previous failed attempts, the 2023 session saw the bill pass, marking a significant shift in the state's stance towards sports betting.

Kentucky's HB 551 law uniquely positions its nine horse racing tracks as retail sports wagering facilities, 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. 

Operating an online sportsbook in Kentucky requires an initial licensing fee of $500,000, followed by an annual renewal fee of $50,000. For operators, an additional license, costing $50,000, is required, with a yearly fee of $10,000.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) was originally responsible for regulating horse racing in the state and implemented the sports betting market in 2023. The KHRC was accountable for vetting sportsbook operators and issuing sports betting licenses. Since then, the regulation of sports betting has been transferred to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

Comparing Kentucky Sports Betting vs. Other States

Kentucky's framework mirrors the rules and requirements found in other states. States bordering Kentucky, like Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, have legalized sports betting.

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 are keeping their minimum age requirement at 21, in line with other states.

Latest Sports Betting Kentucky News & Updates

  • July 1, 2025: The Department of Charitable Gaming is also transferred to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and the original department is subsequently eliminated.
  • Feb. 9, 2025: The Churchill Downs racetrack announces it will stop accepting sports bets, citing low profitability.
  • July 1, 2024: SB 299 goes into effect, eliminating the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and bringing horse racing and sports betting under a new regulatory body.
  • April 12, 2024: The House and Senate vote to override Gov. Beshear's veto of SB 299, which transfers the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Department of Charitable Gaming to the new Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
  • Sept. 28, 2023: Kentucky sportsbooks launch online.
  • Sept 7, 2023: Retail sportsbooks open in Kentucky.
  • July 20, 2023: Critics question the readiness of the KHRC to regulate sports betting, given that Kentucky has significantly fewer gambling enforcement staff than other states. However, the KHRC expresses confidence in its approach to sports betting.
  • July 7, 2023: It was announced that Kentucky's sports betting is set to launch on September 7, 2023, with mobile betting to follow on September 28, 2023.
  • March 31, 2023: Gov. Andy Beshear signs HB 551 into law.
  • March 30, 2023: The Senate approves HB 551 with a vote of 25-12.
  • March 13, 2023: The House passes HB 551, sending it to the Senate.
  • Feb. 22, 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith introduces House Bill 551, a bill that aims to legalize sports betting in Kentucky.
  • Jan. 5, 2023: House Bill 106 is introduced, aiming to legalize online poker, betting, and daily fantasy sports. A partisan split in the House prevented the bill from advancing.
  • Jan. 9, 2021: House Bill 241 gets introduced but fails to receive majority support.
  • May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court permits states to decide whether to legalize sports betting in Kentucky.

Where Can I Bet in KY?: Retail KY Sportsbooks

NameFeatures
Caesars Sportsbook at Red Mile Gaming & RacingFood & bar, video wall, betting windows, betting kiosks, lounge seating, racetrack access
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & HotelBig-screen TVs, 300-sq-ft video wall, 20 betting kiosks, dedicated parking spaces, simulcast horse racing betting
Newport Racing & Gaming10 betting kiosks, big-screen TVs, simulcast horse racing betting
Turfway Park Racing & GamingBig-screen TVs, 300-sq-ft video wall, 15 betting kiosks, simulcast horse racing betting
DraftKings Sportsbook at The Mint Cumberland30+ TVs, betting kiosks, food & bar
DraftKings Sportsbook at The Mint Cumberland RunBetting kiosks, food & bar
DraftKings Sportsbook at The Mint Bowling Green30+ TVs, 6 betting kiosks, betting windows, lounge seating
The Starting Gate Sportsbook in Owensboro Racing & GamingFood & bar, betting kiosks
Ellis Park Racing & GamingBetting kiosks
Sandy's BetMGM SportsbookLuxury seating, big-screen TVs, bar, simulcast horse racing betting
Derby City Gaming HotelBig-screen TVs, 300-sq-ft video wall, 15 betting kiosks, dedicated parking spaces
First Turn Sports Bar at Derby City Gaming DowntownBetting kiosks, food & bar, big-screen TVs, live music

Popular Sports & Teams to Bet on in Kentucky

Kentucky might not have many professional sports teams, but it has a proud tradition of championship college teams and world-renowned tournaments.

Football

  • Prominent College Football Teams: Kentucky Wildcats, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Louisville Cardinals

The closest NFL teams for Kentuckians to root for include the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. Lucky for them, there are some very popular college football teams to cheer on instead.

Basketball

  • Prominent College Basketball Teams: Kentucky Wildcats, Murray State Racers, Louisville Cardinals

College basketball and the annual March Madness tournament command some of the biggest betting days in Kentucky every year.

Soccer

  • NWSL Teams: Racing Louisville FC

The Racing Louisville Football Club began playing games in the National Women's Soccer League in 2021. Its name pays homage to Kentucky's reputation for horse racing.

Golf

  • Courses: Valhalla Golf Club

Located in Louisville, KY, the Valhalla Golf Club has hosted the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. The course was originally designed by Hall of Fame golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Alternatives to Legal Sports Betting in KY

Kentucky's storied tradition in horse racing sets the backdrop for its relationship with gambling.

Gambling FormLegal
Horse Racing BettingYes
Social & Sweepstake CasinosYes
Traditional Online CasinosNo
Land-Based CasinosNo
Online PokerNo

Horse Racing Betting

Legalizing betting in Kentucky aligns with the state's rich equestrian heritage and its passion for sports. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Kentucky's rich horse racing heritage is a cornerstone 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 referred to as "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 such as the Kentucky Horse Park and the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program educate and celebrate the profound 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.

Social & Sweepstake Casinos

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. 

While traditional online casinos aren't allowed, residents can play at social and sweepstakes casinos, such as WinStar, LuckyLand, and Chumba. These platforms offer free virtual coins and jackpot prizes, eliminating the need for real money transactions. Additionally, Kentucky offers pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering platforms, such as TVG and Twin Spires, as well as online options for the Kentucky Lottery.

Online Poker

Kentucky's relationship with online poker took center stage with its lawsuit against PokerStars, rooted in an old Kentucky statute. The lawsuit was settled in 2021, with PokerStars agreeing to pay Kentucky $300 million, making the state a significant financial beneficiary of online poker despite not having legalized the activity.

Responsible Gambling 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Understand the Odds: Make sure you understand how betting odds work before you place a bet. Remember, the house always has an edge.
  3. 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.
  4. Take Regular Breaks: Gambling continuously without taking breaks can lead to poor decision-making and problem gambling.
  5. 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.

Gambling on offshore-based sites is discouraged due to their lack of regulation and oversight. This is why many have been advocating for the legalization of online sports betting. Players risk losing their funds, and there's no guarantee of fair gameplay.

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

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Can I bet on sports online in KY?

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When did mobile betting launch in Kentucky?

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Can you use FanDuel in Kentucky?

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Is DraftKings legal in Kentucky?

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What is the legal betting age for sports betting in Kentucky?

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