Kentucky Sports Betting

Yes! Online sports betting fully launched last year and state bettors have multiple legalized sportsbooks to choose from!

Kentucky Sports Betting Key Takeaways

I compiled the most important key takeaways for sports betting in the Bluegrass State. Take a look before getting started!

Latest Sports Betting Updates in Kentucky:

2023

• September 28: 🚨 Sports betting is now live on available mobile apps and desktop betting sites! 
• September 21: The KHRC announced new additions to the Kentucky sports betting catalog: Formula 1 (F1), National Rugby League (Australia), Professional Fighters League (PFL), Bellator MMA, and the Universal Tennis League
• September 7: Retail sports betting officially launched on Sept. 7, 2023.
  • Fanatics began online pre-registration for KY users on Sept. 7 as well.
• August 30: BetMGM opens mobile pre-registration in KY.
• August 28: Pre-registration for sports betting in Kentucky opened on Aug. 28, 2023, (11 days) before its retail launch on Sept. 7 and online sports betting launch on Sept. 28. FanDuel and bet365 became the first sportsbooks to allow pre-registration in KY.
• August 22: Approved online and retail sportsbooks are announced by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Kentucky?

Kentucky is one of the few states that permits legal sports betting for residents aged 18+. However, many sportsbooks have decided to remain at 21+. 

Who Regulates Kentucky Gambling?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates gambling in the Bluegrass State, so bettors can trust their sportsbook accounts are secure.

Details of the Kentucky Sports Betting Bill

HB 551 is the law of the land in KY, and allows for:

• • Online and retail betting available (at racetracks)
  • Online betting is taxed at 14.25%
  • Nine licensed horse tracks are allowed to offer in-person betting and up to three sportsbook "skins"
  • Up to 27 possible sportsbooks can operate in KY
  • Betting is allowed for anyone 18+, but some books are keeping their player base 21 and older only.

KY Sports Betting Background

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into a law on March 31, 2023. Following the bill signing, there was a three-month wait for the law to officially take effect on June 28, 2023. On June 29, Gov. Beshear mentioned plans for launching by the start of the then-upcoming NFL season.

Once HB 551 was officially in place, the race for sports betting in Kentucky reached the home stretch as top mobile sportsbook companies have already made plays for in-state licensing. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, who was appointed the sports betting regulator, is confident that they're ready to go - and as of September 28, 2023, betting is live in the state both in-person (launched September 7, 2023) and online.

The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky has been a multi-year journey. Let's take a look at the process that led to HB 551, which delivered online sports betting to Kentucky.

2023

2023 saw representatives like Rep. Michael Meredith propose new sports betting bills after a collective failure to legalize the practice four years and counting. Fifth time's the charm, as HB 551 was able to get enough signatures on both sides of the aisle to advance, and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear in early April 2023. 

Then, all that was left to do was for regulators at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to issue online sports betting licenses to eligible operators, which took some time.

In late June, Gov. Beshear announced plans of launching sports betting in Kentucky by the start of the upcoming NFL season, which has become a reality! Check out the promos above for info on how to sign up and start betting.

2022

The Kentucky General Assembly ended its 2022 session in mid-April without passing a bill to legalize sports betting, despite support from Gov. Andy Beshear and leadership in both chambers. It’s the fourth year in a row where legislation has fallen short, and passing a bill next year will be even harder.

Rep. Adam Koenig’s bill would have legalized retail and online sports betting through racetracks and casinos and generated an estimated $22.5 million in annual revenue for the state.

It passed the house in March but failed to get enough Republican support in the Senate. With most Senate Democrats on board, there appeared to be enough Senate Republicans in favor to meet the 20-vote threshold for passage. The Kentucky GOP typically doesn’t vote unless there’s consensus among themselves, and sources close to the legislature said they came up just four votes shy of meeting that majority. Lawmakers were forced wave the white flag for 2022.

Most of Kentucky’s neighbor states have already legalized sports betting. More than a third of Kentucky counties border its legal neighbor states, which is about 2.4 million people. Last year those states made a combined $173.1 million off sports betting taxes—about $34 million a state.

18+ Betting Allowed in KY

Like many other states, the minimum betting age is 18+. Despite this, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM have all confirmed that minimum betting age in Kentucky is 21+.

Count Kentucky among a strong minority of states that has extended sports betting privileges to persons just eighteen and up. As the sports betting in the US has scaled up, 21 was adopted as a near-universal age requirement. However, KY has bucked that trend.

Why you might ask? It comes down to horse racing. Kentucky has a strong horse racing tradition and the legal betting age for horse racing is 18. Therefore, regulators felt it didn't make sense for horse racing to have a lower age of entry than sports betting. 

Keep an eye on each specific online sportsbook in Kentucky, though. While they may be legally allowed to offer betting to those 18+, sportsbooks won't have to accept younger customers. Most KY online sportsbooks, in their continued focus on responsible gaming, have a minimum age of 21.

Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in Kentucky

As one of the newest online sports betting states, Kentucky also offers other gaming opportunities for state residents.

Retail Sports Betting

There are eight casinos & racetracks within Kentucky that have partnered with a sportsbook to offer in-person betting locations for residents.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports has been a topic of contention since last year, where we saw several states banning pick'em style games since they were considered a form of sports betting.

At this time, DFS hasn't been deemed illegal in Kentucky, so players can participate in DFS contests if they are 18+ years old, which is uncommon in legal betting states in North America.

Kentucky Horse Betting 

Kentucky is well known for it's legalized horse betting, as the state hosts the most popular horse race in North America - the Kentucky Derby. Legal horse betting can be done at several racetracks, OTB sites, and online racebooks in KY.

Lottery

The Kentucky Lottery Corporation regulates legalized lottery games within Kentucky.

Kentucky may soon be home to as many as 27 different KY online sports betting apps, and there are already several apps live today offering online sports betting to eligible bettors. There are currently nine horse racing tracks in the state of Kentucky, and each is now eligible to host as many as 3 online sports betting skins.

bet365 and DraftKings have teamed up with Action Network to offer BetSync, allowing you to link your existing (bet365 & DraftKings) accounts directly to your Action login. Once your sportsbook is connected, the bets made at the sportsbook will automatically sync to your Action profile. Action Network BetSync eliminates the process of manually entering your picks, so don't forget to read our BetSync guide.

The following nine online sportsbooks are live in the Bluegrass State:

bet365

Bettors can now register online for bet365 Kentucky! This launch is bet365’s sixth legal online betting state in the U.S. Additionally, bet365 is partnered with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming (owned by Revolutionary Racing).

bet365 Bonus

Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

OR

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets!

bet365 Bonus Code

TAN365

Terms & Conditions

New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, NJ, IA, CO, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, OH only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required.

New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, NJ, IA, KY, IN, LA, CO, NC, VA, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. Bet Credits wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our bet365 Bonus Code and review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky is a mobile partner of Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

Fanatics Promo

Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!

Fanatics Promo Code

No promo code required

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Fanatics Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

Fanatics Terms & Conditions

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, OH, MI, NC, NJ, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV). Must apply this Promotion in your bet slip & place and settle $5+ cash wager with odds of - 200 or longer to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you sign up. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Add'l Terms apply, see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

BetMGM

BetMGM Kentucky is now live for online betting in KY with two offers! The King of Sportsbooks secured a mobile and retail market access agreement with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky. Although BetMGM is providing their online sportsbook in Kentucky, there is also a new massive retail sportsbook planned in Ashland at Sandy's Racing and Gaming facility. 

BetMGM Bonus

Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus!

OR

Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

TANMATCH1500

OR

AN1500

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information about BetMGM and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements and satisfy the (10x) playthrough requirement. Deposit Match unavailable in OH. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

DraftKings Kentucky

DraftKings Sportsbook is partnered with ECL Corbin (Cumberland Run and the Mint Gaming Hall) to operate it's mobile and retail sports betting platform alongside it's DFS offerings in Kentucky. Sign up and redeem the exciting offer below today!

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit with our Exclusive Promo Code!

DraftKings Promo Code

TANBONUS

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks

DraftKings Terms & Conditions

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: dkng.co/bball. Ends 1/5/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DraftKings.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Kentucky brings its exceptional sports betting app to the Bluegrass State through a mobile & retail market access agreement with the Red Mile and Keeneland race tracks. Notably, Caesars is among the majority of betting apps that will only allow customers who are 21+ to bet through them, despite the legal age for KY betting being set at just 18. 

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Bet $1+, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION22DYW

Action Network Score

9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook Terms & Conditions

21+ only. New users and first $10+ wager only. Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY only. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IL, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV: Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

ESPN BET

ESPN BET is the coolest new sportsbook to add to your portfolio. They already boast many daily boosts and special event promos throughout the app. Check out our promo details below on how to get the ESPN BET new user bonus!

ESPN BET Promo

Get a $1,500 First Bet Reset!

ESPN BET Promo Code

TANBONUS 

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about ESPN BET and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
ESPN BET Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

ESPN BET Terms & Conditions

New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, or WV in order to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Circa Sportsbook Kentucky 

Circa Sports has partnered with Cumberland Run to offer its mobile app to users in KY! Las Vegas-based sportsbook Circa launched in Kentucky on April 1, 2024. With their existing presence in Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa, the Bluegrass State is now Circa's fifth market. 

Kentucky DFS Apps

Residents of Kentucky can also play multiple DFS apps in addition to online sportsbooks.

PrizePicks Kentucky

Users can play PrizePicks in Kentucky. Sign up with the exciting offer below!

PrizePicks Bonus

Place a $5 Lineup, Get $50 Instantly - No Strings Attached!

PrizePicks Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our PrizePicks promo code and reivew for more in-depth information about PrizePicks and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
PrizePicks vs Other Sportsbooks

Boom Fantasy Kentucky

Boom Fantasy offers Pick ‘Em: Toss-Ups (Over/Under), Longshots, Favorites, and Matchups.

Boom Fantasy Promo 

Get a Risk-Free Entry up to $100!

Boom Fantasy Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

Rating Coming Soon.

Vivid Picks Kentucky

Vivid Picks offers pick'em games where you can compete with your friends and earn badges!

Vivid Picks Promo 

Get a Deposit Match up to $250 + $25 Secured Play!

Vivid Picks Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

Rating Coming Soon.

Betr Picks Kentucky

Betr Picks is an exciting option for players to select over and unders on players from several sports leagues.

Betr Sportsbook Promo 

Get a 100% First Deposit Match up to $200 + Free Pick!

Betr Promo Code

ACTION2

Action Network Score

8.9/10. Check out our Betr Promo Code review for more info on how the mico-betting app works.

Dabble Fantasy Kentucky

Dabble is one of the newest DFS apps that offers up to 100X your entry amount if you win!

Dabble Fantasy Promo 

Get a Free $25 on Sign up - No Deposit Necessary!

Dabble Fantasy Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

8.9/10. We recommend reading our Dabble Promo Code and review for more details on this new DFS app.

OwnersBox Fantasy Kentucky

OwnersBox Fantasy is another great DFS option that offers all features Kentucky players.

OwnersBox Promo

Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $500 with your First Deposit!

OwnersBox Promo Code

ACTION1

Action Network Score

Rating Coming Soon.

SuperDraft Kentucky

SuperDraft is an exciting DFS option that offers Multiplier, Champion Mode, Super 15, and Salary Cap contest for users!

SuperDraft DFS Promo 

Sign Up & Get A Free Pick For A Chance To Win $2,500!

SuperDraft Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

Rating Coming Soon.

StatHero Kentucky

StatHero is another great option for sports fans!

StatHero Promo 

StatHero Promo Code

Action Network Score

Rating Coming Soon.

Social Sportsbooks in Kentucky

Social sportsbooks are similar to traditional sportsbooks - but players can only place wagers with sweepstakes coins.

Fliff Social Sportsbook Kentucky

Fliff Social Sportsbook is the closest platform to a sportsbook that residents and visitors can use. As one of the first of its kind, Fliff offers betting lines and XP Rewards.

Fliff Sportsbook Promo

Spend $100, Get up to $500 in Fliff Coins!

Fliff Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

8.6/10. We recommend reading our Fliff Promo Code and review for more details on the social sportsbook app.

Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Fliff vs Other Sportsbook Apps

Sportsbooks Partnered with Kentucky Venues

Below, you'll find the retail betting locations that have been approved to open physical sportsbooks in Kentucky. Most of these are open for in-person betting: 

Why Sign Up for KY Sports Betting Sites?

Kentucky sports betting sites are regulated and safe to use, so you can rest assured your sportsbook accounts are safe!.

Banking with KY Sports Betting Sites

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in KY

Kentucky has eight retail sportsbooks available in the state. Take a look at the best retail betting options below!

• Churchill Downs Racetrack
• Cumberland Run Harness Track
• Ellis Park Racing & Gaming
• Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel
• Red Mile Racetrack
• Keeneland Racecourse
• Sandy's Gaming & Racing
• Turfway Park Racing & Gaming

While Kentucky is yet to be home to a professional sports team, it has no shortage of college teams to bet on.

NFL Game Odds: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming NFL game: Updated December 12, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

College Sports Teams in KY

Kentucky is a hub for college basketball and football. The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals consistently field great teams –– which allows for interesting bet opportunities.

College Football Betting in KY

Kentucky is often overshadowed in college football circles by neighbors Louisiana and Alabama, but the Bluegrass State is on the rise. Kentucky has been a rising force in the SEC with Mark Stoops at the helm, and Louisville is showing signs of life in the ACC. Plus, there are a number of smaller schools sprinkled throughout the state that are available for college football betting in the state.

Kentucky Wildcats Football

Kentucky Wildcats football finished with a 7-6 record last season and a Gator Bowl appearance. The Wildcats are coached by Mark Stoops and play their home games at Kroger Field.

Kentucky Wildcats Odds

Louisville Cardinals Football

Jeff Brohm led the the Louisville Cardinals in his first season as the coach to a 10-4 record and Holiday Bowl appearance. The Cards host their opponents at the L&N Stadium.

Louisville Cardinals Odds

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football had a successful season last year after finishing with a 8-5 record and a Famous Toastery Bowl win. The Hilltoppers are coached by Tyson Helton and play their home games at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Odds

Eastern Kentucky Colonels Football

Eastern Kentucky Colonels football and head coach Walt Wells finished with a 5-6 record last season. The Colonels play their home games at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels Odds

College Basketball Betting in Kentucky

Kentucky is, at its core, a basketball state. The Wildcats are second to UCLA in Men's Basketball National Titles with 8, and Louisville has been excellent over the years.

Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball

The Kentucky Wildcats finished last season with a 23-10 record and second round exit from the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats play their home games at Rupp Arena.

Kentucky Wildcats Odds

Louisville Cardinals Men's Basketball

The Cardinals finished last season with a disappointing 8-24 record. The Cards will enter the new season with their new coach Pat Kelsey. Louisville hosts their opponents at the KFC Yum! Center/

Louisville Cardinals Odds

Murray State Racers Men's Basketball

The 12-20 Murray State Racers look to bounce back after a disappointing season with their head coach Steve Prohm. The Racers' home arena is the CFSB Center.

Murray State Racers Odds

Other Sports Events in Kentucky

Each May, people flock to the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, for the world-famous Kentucky Derby. The most talented Thoroughbred horses in the world compete in the one and one-fourth mile-long race. Because of this, a ridiculous amount of bets are placed on it. Horse gambling is legal in Kentucky, so betters can easily gamble on which horse they think will win.