Best Kentucky Sportsbooks, Sports Betting Apps & Promos (2026)

1. FanDuel Kentucky

FanDuel's user experience is excellent, featuring an intuitive app, straightforward navigation, extensive betting markets, competitive odds, and a regular rotation of promotions that cater to both newcomers and seasoned bettors. 

Some of our favorite FanDuel Kentucky features center on live betting, including its live streaming and early cashouts.

The FanDuel app is easy to use and versatile, offering a wide range of betting options. Unlike many Kentucky apps and sites that simplify for smaller screens, FanDuel retains multiple navigation options. This can make the screen busy, but it also provides easy access to handy features. That's why we recommend using the site for a more extensive range of betting markets.

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2. DraftKings Kentucky

Known for its user-friendly design and variety of betting options, DraftKings ranks among the top Kentucky sports betting apps. 

The app really does DraftKings Kentucky's features justice. The app features live betting options and HD live streaming, making it ideal for those who enjoy the thrill of making decisions on the fly. DraftKings' top features include free-to-play contests, same-game parlays, early cashouts, live streaming, and DK Social. 

DraftKings Kentucky offers enticing odds for major domestic leagues. Players can find a new array of offers and bonuses daily, including odds boosts, profit boosts, and bet-and-get offers.

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3. bet365 Kentucky

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.

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

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4. BetMGM Kentucky

Known for its easy-to-use design, BetMGM is a top pick for new bettors in Kentucky.

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.

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.

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

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.

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6. Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky

Caesars offers a seamless overall user experience with a smooth and intuitive design. Caesars has an astonishing range of betting markets, especially for parlays and international sports. 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.

One of its standout features is the variety of promotions, including bonus bets, odds boosts, and welcome bonuses for new users. Overall, Caesars combines generous promotions, a strong brand, and diverse betting options, making it a promising choice in Kentucky.

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How to Sign Up for KY Sports Betting Sites & Apps

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

Kentucky Sports Betting Laws & Legislation

Kentucky's House Bill 551 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. 

Rep. Adam Koenig was the primary sponsor of HB 551. 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. 

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.

A Kentucky retail sportsbook offers a unique, immersive experience. The atmosphere of a betting shop or casino can be exhilarating compared to that of a mobile sportsbook.

However, Kentucky sports betting apps offer unparalleled convenience. Mobile betting apps provide:

• 24/7 accessibility
• Bet from anywhere
• Choose and compare for the best odds
• More betting options available
• Features include live betting and instant notifications
• Variety of online betting bonuses
• Visible, transparent payment tracking

Alternatives to Legal Sports Betting in KY

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

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. 

Staying Safe while Betting in Kentucky

You should only ever create accounts with reputable, licensed betting sites in Kentucky. Using offshore operators presents many difficulties. These can take many forms, such as being unable to use certain services and/or user-specific features. You may experience problems verifying your account and encounter issues with payments due to lax security.

Ensure your security by:

Verifying the App: Make sure the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation licenses the Kentucky sports betting apps you use. Check the app's "About Us" or "Legal" section for this info.

Updating Device and Apps: Keep your device's security features up to date and do the same for your Kentucky sports betting app. Consider installing antivirus software for added safety.

Using Strong Passwords: Create a unique, strong password for your account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using Kentucky sports betting apps on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, consider using a VPN for added protection.

Ensuring Secure Transactions: Select betting apps in Kentucky that utilize strong encryption, such as SSL or TLS. Opt for secure payment methods to add an extra layer of security.

Tips for Responsible Betting

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.