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Home » Sports Betting » US » Kentucky
Best Sites for Online Sports Betting in Kentucky
Author: Taylor Smith | Last Updated: September 2024If you want to learn everything there is to know about online sports betting in Kentucky, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Sports wagering has been legal in the Bluegrass State since September 2023, with residents able to use both retail and offshore betting sites.
On this page, you’ll find information on the best online sportsbooks available in Kentucky, including details about lucrative welcome bonuses and exciting wagering opportunities. We also discuss Kentucky’s online sports betting laws and horse racing, so stay tuned!
Our Top Sportsbooks
Kentucky Sports Betting OverviewKentucky Sports Betting Overview
All forms of sports betting are legal in Kentucky, including in-person and online wagering. On top of that, Kentuckians can bet on horse racing and partake in Daily Fantasy Sports contests: Here’s a clear overview of the state’s sports betting laws.
Type of Gambling Availability Reason Online Sports Betting Available Kentucky legalized online sports betting on September 28, 2023. Land-Based Sports Betting Available In-person sports betting went live in the Bluegrass State on September 7, 2023. Daily Fantasy Sports Available Daily fantasy sports contests have been legal in Kentucky since 2018. Horse Racing Available Kentucky first legalized horse racing betting back in 1906, allowing pari-mutuel wagering. How Old Do I Have to Be to Wager on Sports in Kentucky?
You must be at least 18 years old to place a legal sports wager in Kentucky. Although some retail sportsbooks may require you to be 21, most offshore betting sites accept KY customers aged 18 and above.Best Sportsbooks Available in Kentucky
Our experts have trawled the internet to track down the very best Kentucky online betting sites. Our recommendations are among the top betting sites in the USA. As a result, they offer attractive bonuses, countless betting options, speedy payouts, and many more perks for KY citizens.
Affiliate Disclosure:At GamblingSites.org, we want to help you pick the best casino or sportsbook by providing you with quality and trustworthy information. If you choose one of our recommendations, we may earn a commission from them at no cost to you.Bovada: Best Sportsbook for Kentucky Residents Overall
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 more Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Keno, Live dealer.Live Dealer: NoPayment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoins +6 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Secure Voucher, Bank Transfer, Check.We rank Bovada as the best sports betting site for Kentuckians overall. Bovada is one of the leading names in the online sports betting industry, thanks to its wide variety of wagering options, trustworthy banking methods, and first-rate customer service.
New customers in KY can take advantage of a 100% sports welcome bonus up to $1,000. You can start by depositing as little as $5, with multiple debit/credit cards and cryptocurrencies accepted. Better still, the minimum withdrawal amount is just $10.
Not only does Bovada cover all the major American leagues, but it also covers college sports and niche events. This means that KY citizens can wager on the state’s most popular teams, such as the Louisville Cardinals and Louisville City FC.
- Excellent live betting platform
- Low minimum deposit and withdrawal limits
- Unique prop builder feature allows you to customize bets
- Limited evergreen promotions for returning players
- Fees attached to some banking methods
BetOnline: Largest Selection of Deposit/Withdrawal Options
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 more Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Live dealer, Progressive jackpot.Live Dealer: NoPayment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +14 more Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Interac e-Transfer, Person2Person Transfers, Money Order, Bank Transfer, Check, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ripple, Tether, Usdt.If you’re looking for a Kentucky online sports betting site with an unrivalled range of secure banking methods, look no further than BetOnline. KY players can deposit with multiple debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover), money orders, wire transfers, and Person2Person payments.
On top of that, BetOnline accepts 18 different cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin has the broadest transaction limits, with $20-$500,000 for deposits and $50-$100,000 for withdrawals. Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin have the same withdrawal limits. They also accept Dogecoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and Shiba Inu.
It is worth noting that BetOnline charges a 9.75% processing fee for debit/credit card deposits, and some payout methods have variable fees. Still, BetOnline is undoubtedly the best Kentucky sportsbook when it comes to banking variety.
- Two decades in the online sports betting industry
- Accepts dozens of payment methods, including 18 cryptos
- Attractive ongoing promotions for existing customers
- Fees attached to certain deposit/withdrawal methods
- High wagering requirements on some bonuses
BetUS: Most Feature-Rich Sportsbook
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +3 more Baccarat, Craps, Live dealer.Live Dealer: YesPayment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +5 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bank Transfer, Check.BetUS is one of the oldest gambling sites out there, having opened their virtual doors in 1994. They are a good choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded, reliable online casino, sportsbook, and racebook.
- Several different welcome bonus options including a 200% crypto bonus
- 300+ casino games, including slots and live-dealer
- Sports Betting options include: pro football, college football, live betting and more
- Same-day payouts up to $5000
- Limited time (14 days) to clear bonus playthrough requirements
- Money you wager on casino games does not count towards the loyalty program
- BetUS is not available in Washington state
SportsBetting.ag: Best Contests and Promotions
Casino Games: Slots, Blackjack, Video poker +4 more Live dealer, Baccarat, Roulette, Craps.Live Dealer: YesPayment Options: Bitcoins, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano +10 more Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, MasterCard, American Express, Visa, Bank Transfer, Check.When it comes to bonuses, promotions, and betting contests, SportsBetting.ag is the place to go. Kentuckians can start by claiming a 100% welcome bonus of up to $500 on their first two deposits. There is also a 100% crypto welcome bonus available.
SportsBetting.ag doesn’t just care for new players; they also look after their existing customers. Frequent bettors can take advantage of sports reload bonuses and regular Bitcoin boosts, in addition to other ongoing promotions.
With popular contests like the $1 Million NFL Predictor and $10,00 College Football Props Predictor on offer, SportsBetting.ag is unmatched in this category. Plus, there are regular betting contests for the UFC, soccer, and golf.
- Unrivaled range of free sports betting contests
- Generous promos for new and existing customers
- Broad selection of deposit methods
- High minimum withdrawals for non-crypto users
- No e-wallets accepted
Everygame: Best Sports Betting App for Kentucky Residents
Casino Games: Progressive jackpot, Slots, Roulette +3 more Blackjack, Video poker, Keno.Live Dealer: NoPayment Options: Visa, American Express, MasterCard +7 more Bitcoins, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, EcoPayz, Paysafe, Check, Bank Transfer.Everygame possesses the best sports betting app Kentucky has access to. Of course, Everygame’s desktop website is also among the best in the business, but we want to highlight their exceptional mobile betting platform.
First, there is no need to download anything. You can access Everygame’s mobile site on your smartphone or tablet, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. Simply load your favorite web browser and head to Everygame.eu. The entire sportsbook is optimized for mobile use.
The app allows you to place both pre-game and in-play wagers, as well as parlays and props. Everygame even has a mobile-specific promotion, which very few sites offer. Each week, mobile players are entered into a draw, with 20 lucky entrants winning up to $100.
- Smooth platform for mobile bettors
- More betting markets than rival sportsbooks
- Low minimum deposit of $20 for most bonuses
- Slower crypto withdrawal times than most sites
- Fees attached to certain withdrawal methods
How We Evaluate Sports Betting Sites in Kentucky
You will be pleased to learn that we leave no stone unturned when it comes to rating and ranking gambling sites. We carry out the same time-tested evaluation process whenever we analyze a sportsbook, and we also consider extra factors when assessing Kentucky online sports betting sites.
Availability in Kentucky
Naturally, our recommended sites are live and available to residents of the Bluegrass State. While our top-rated Kentucky online betting sites are offshore sites (meaning they’re licensed overseas), they are geared towards Americans. This means that Kentuckians can sign up, bet, and withdraw their winnings without any worries.
Player Protection and Safety
All the best sports betting sites protect their customers by implementing safety and security measures. We only recommend Kentucky sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by reputable organizations. On top of that, we check that sites provide SSL/TLS encryption software and responsible gambling tools.
Odds Boosters and Competitive Lines on Kentucky Teams
Kentucky is home to many sports teams, including the Louisville Cardinals, Derby City Rovers, and Louisville City FC. We favor Kentucky betting sites that offer odds boosters and competitive lines on the state’s sports teams, as these features add an extra level of excitement for KY citizens.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Whether you’re a traditional credit card user or a modern-day crypto fanatic, you won’t be short of reliable banking options at the best Kentucky online betting sites. We look for sites that accept a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including e-wallets and bank wire transfers. We also endorse sites with favorable transaction limits and low/no fees.
Kentucky Betting Sites: A Comparison
We love all of our recommended online betting sites for Kentucky residents, but each site has strengths and weaknesses. The table below compares minimum deposits, average bonus rollovers, and other important features. This information will help you choose the best site for your preferences.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?Sportsbook Min. Deposit Avg. Rollover Protection Features Star Rating Read Review BetOnline $20 10x TLS encryption, two-factor authentication, Escrow 4/5 BetOnline Review BetUS $10 10x TLS encryption, licensed and regulated by the Curacao Gaming Commission 4.5/5 BetUS Review Bovada $5 5x Anti-money laundering regulations, KYC policies, reCAPTCHA 5/5 Bovada Review SportsBetting.ag $20 14x TLS encryption, ID verification, licensed and regulated by the Panama Gambling Control Board 4/5 SportsBetting.ag Review Everygame $20 4x SSL encryption, partnered with CDS to settle gambling disputes 3/5 Everygame Review Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Kentucky! On March 30, 2023, lawmakers passed House Bill 551, which legalized both in-person and online sports betting. This means that residents of the Bluegrass State can now use both commercial and offshore betting sites to wager on sports.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of sports betting available in Kentucky, including horse racing and Daily Fantasy Sports.
Online Sports Betting in Kentucky
Is online betting legal in Kentucky? Yes! Online sports betting went live on September 28, 2023. Several commercial sportsbooks operate within KY, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and Bet365. However, we favor offshore betting sites for several reasons.
In comparison to retail sportsbooks, offshore sites typically offer bigger bonuses, higher betting limits, more banking options, and broader transaction limits. Sites like BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada deliver tons of perks to their customers.
Land-Based Sportsbooks in Kentucky
Kentucky currently has seven land-based sportsbooks, all of which operate at licensed horse racing tracks across the state. Since September 7, 2023, venues such as Churchill Downs and Turfway Park have been allowed to accept in-person wagers. It is also worth noting that each track in KY can partner with up to three online sports betting platforms.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most popular land-based sportsbooks in the Bluegrass State:
Sportsbook Address Phone Number Sports Betting Options Operated By Churchill Downs Race and Sports Book 700 Central Avenue, Louisvile, KY, 40208 502-636-4400 Betting kiosks, single wagers, parlays, bet builders, live betting, local sports, worldwide sports Churchill Downs Incorporated Turfway Park Racing & Gaming 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, KY, 41042 859-371-0200 Betting kiosks, single wagers, parlays, live betting, local sports, worldwide sports Churchill Downs Incorporated The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY, 42134 270-586-7778 Betting kiosks, single wagers, parlays, live betting, local sports, worldwide sports ECL Entertainment LLC and Kentucky Racing Acquisition LLC Horse Racing in Kentucky
There is no hiding the fact that horse racing is ingrained in Kentucky culture. After all, the Kentucky Derby is arguably the most prestigious horse race on the planet. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Derby attracts worldwide betting attention each year.
The first-ever Kentucky Derby took place all the way back in 1875, and the state legalized pari-mutuel betting in 1906. You can wager on horse racing at both land-based and online sportsbooks in KY, so there is no shortage of options.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Kentucky
Kentucky legalized Daily Fantasy Sports in 2018. Since then, major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings have dominated the DFS market in the state. Some offshore betting sites also offer DFS contests, with Kentuckians able to access these contests before 2018.
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Kentucky?Who Regulates Sports Betting in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulates all forms of in-person and online sports betting in the Bluegrass State. Accordingly, the government agency oversees both sports wagering and pari-mutuel horse racing betting.
The KHRC is responsible for creating and maintaining sports betting laws within Kentucky. The organization also oversees licensing and regulation, consumer protections, and horse racing matters such as animal welfare and anti-doping.
Kentucky's Sports Betting Laws Compared to Neighboring StatesKentucky’s Sports Betting Laws Compared to Neighboring States
Kentucky is situated in an area of the country that implements relatively lenient sports betting laws. In fact, five of Kentucky’s seven neighboring states – Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia – have legalized both in-person and online sports betting.
Tennessee has also legalized online sports betting, although you can’t place in-person wagers within the Volunteer State. Missouri is Kentucky’s strictest neighbor, as all forms of sports betting are prohibited in MO. That said, Missourians can still access offshore sportsbooks via the internet.
The Future of Online Sports Betting in KentuckyThe Future of Online Sports Betting in Kentucky
Ever since HB 551 was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, the future of online sports betting in Kentucky has looked bright. Kentuckians have now been placing wagers at retail sportsbooks for over a year, with mobile platforms predicted to dominate in the future.
Of course, legitimate offshore betting sites have been available in Kentucky for many years. With both offshore sites and commercial online sportsbooks operating within the Bluegrass State, KY residents can look forward to many more years of exciting sports betting opportunities.
Responsible Gambling in KentuckyResponsible Gambling in Kentucky
Here at GamblingSites.org, we understand the importance of promoting responsible gambling. Sure, sports betting is supposed to be fun, but it doesn’t come without risks. For some people, gambling can become more than a hobby and develop into an addiction.
If you think you might be addicted to betting, or you know a problem gambler, we urge you to seek professional guidance. The following organizations can help:
- Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Problem Gambling Program
- Kentucky Council of Problem Gambling, Inc.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER)
- List of Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in Kentucky
Kentucky Gambling Legal Resources
- Kentucky.gov – Sports Wagering
- Kentucky Gambling Laws – FindLaw
- State of Play Kentucky – American Gaming Association
- Chapter 147, HB 511 – Legislative Research Commission
- The Impact of Sports Betting in Kentucky – Spectrum News
Kentucky Sports Betting Sites Summary
We can’t wait for you to explore the best online sports betting sites in Kentucky! Residents of the Bluegrass State can access both retail and offshore sportsbooks, but we favor offshore sites because of their generous bonuses, reliable banking options, and bigger limits.
While we rank Bovada as the best online sportsbook for Kentuckians overall, each of our recommended sites delivers the goods. So, what are you waiting for? Head to one of our top-rated sites, create an account, and start betting on sports in Kentucky today.
About the AuthorTaylor Smith EditorTaylor Smith is a skilled iGaming writer and content editor. He started writing for GamblingSites.org in 2017 and became a content specialist in 2022. He majored in radio and film in college. After a transition to writing about online gambling, he now has over ten years of experience in the field. Yes, he’s heard your Taylor Swift jokes.
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