Kentucky Sports Betting: Top Legal Sportsbooks and Betting Apps

Top 5 Kentucky sports betting apps reviewed

There are currently nine legal KY betting apps available: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Prime Sports. You can download each of these apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and immediately start using them, so long as you're within Kentucky's state lines.

Here are what we consider to be the top five options in the Bluegrass State:

1. DraftKings KY 👑

DraftKings is a leading name in the sports betting industry and with good reason. With DraftKings officially now entering the Kentucky market, the offer from a mobile betting experience stands out from the competition — it's a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets and over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket welcome offer. This means that new users only have to bet $5 and win or lose, receive $300 in bonus bets and a voucher for an NFL Sunday Ticket discount.

DraftKings is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for bettors to navigate and place wagers on various sports and leagues. The app's extensive coverage ensures that users can access popular sports like basketball, football, and baseball, as well as niche sports and international events. Live betting options will add to the excitement, allowing users to bet on games as they unfold.

For more information on why this is one of the best sportsbooks you can choose, check out our full DraftKings review, including verified info about DraftKings promo code bonuses.

2. FanDuel KY 🔵

FanDuel is a prominent player in the sports betting industry and has earned its reputation as one of the best betting apps on the market, competing closely with DraftKings.

The FanDuel Kentucky betting app has gone live in the state, and it offers the same exceptional mobile betting experience it has in other states already. FanDuel's mobile app stands out with its user-friendly design and intuitive interface, allowing users to easily navigate various sports and betting markets.

The app provides a seamless and enjoyable betting experience. It boasts features like live betting, secure payment options, and dedicated customer support. New FanDuel users can claim a bet $5, win $300 in bonus bets if the bet wins welcome offer. No FanDuel promo code is required. 

Read more about the FanDuel online sports betting app in our detailed FanDuel review.

3. Caesars KY 🏛

Caesars is a renowned name in the gambling industry and has established itself as one of the best sports betting apps. The Caesars mobile app is known for its sleek design and easy-to-use navigation, making it easy for bettors to find and place wagers on a wide range of sports. 

The app provides a diverse selection of sports markets, including basketball, football, baseball, and more, catering to the preferences of Kentucky sports enthusiasts. There's also one of the best sportsbook promos in the industry — Bet $1, get twenty 100% profit boosts. You must use Caesars sportsbook promo code SBR20X to claim it.

With live betting options, secure payment methods, and reliable customer support, Caesars ensures users have a seamless and enjoyable betting experience. Find out even more by heading over to our Caesars review.

4. BetMGM KY 🦁

BetMGM is another industry giant active in Kentucky. It gives bettors all the usual options, featuring vast markets on the major North American pro sports. It also has a swath of soccer, rugby, motorsports, and golf wagering markets.

The app's best features include live betting, secure payment methods, and reliable customer support. BetMGM is also known for its competitive odds, attractive promotions, and exclusive bonuses — including a $1,500 First Bet Offer (if your first wager loses). Just use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS when you sign up.

Like all other Kentucky sports betting apps, the BetMGM online sportsbook is now fully available in the state. Read our in-depth BetMGM review to find out more.

5. bet365 KY 🟢

The bet365 Kentucky mobile app is worth adding to your sportsbook rotation. The operator has been one of the most steady leaders in the industry for more than 20 years due to a simple interface and impressive global sports coverage.

bet365 Kentucky shines when it comes to live betting and streaming, offering users a seamless experience. Its plethora of betting markets only enhances the enjoyment, allowing for wagers on almost any event in real-time.

Following the sportsbook's official launch, first-timers can use bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS to claim a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets offer OR a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. You can only claim the bet365 welcome bonus in the mobile app.

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns.  New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

To learn more about the platform now that it has welcomed Kentucky, read our bet365 review.

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns.  New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply

Want to explore Kentucky sportsbooks outside of our top five? Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook promo code page. Fanatics Sportsbook is currently offering new users their choice of three different promotions - up to $100 back on football game days, $1,000 in No Sweat Bets or bet $50, get $250 in FanCash. You don't need a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to claim this deal.

Compare Kentucky Sportsbook Apps

Below is a list of the top Kentucky sportsbook apps and what iOS and Android users think of each operator.

Other Kentucky sports betting apps with bonuses

Nine online sportsbooks are active in the KY market, including DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel. Even though Kentucky sports betting has now been around for a while, most platforms are still opting to tender lucrative sign-up bonuses for new players. 

Here is the full list of available offers, along with their attached promo codes:

*Min. first deposit and wager of $500+

18+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Kentucky sports betting recent updates

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky sports betting is now legal. On March 31, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law, setting the stage for it to take effect on June 28, 2023. After nearly five years of back and forth, KY bettors finally have access to regulated sportsbooks — retail wagering launched on Sept. 7, 2023, while online wagering went live on Sept. 28, 2023.    

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting activity in the state. Each of KY’s nine horse racing tracks — all of which will eventually house retail sportsbooks — can partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators, paving the way for 27 possible online sportsbooks.

Currently, nine online betting sites are active in Kentucky: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Prime Sports. 

Kentucky sports betting summary

How to start betting in Kentucky

For some, it may be a futures ticket on the University of Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship. For others, it may be placing a wager on the Kentucky Derby or betting on the Cincinnati Reds to win their next game. Whatever your draw to betting, you can wager to your heart’s content now that Kentucky sports betting sites and Kentucky sportsbook apps are live.

We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help prepare you for placing your first legal bet.

1. Select a licensed Kentucky sportsbook 

The first step in choosing a betting site is to find a regulated sportsbook that caters to your needs — comparing FanDuel vs. DraftKings is a good place to start. Kentucky provides a handful of options, and evaluating the welcome bonus, in-game offerings, variety of bet types, and customer support is essential before making your decision. 

Once you have chosen a sportsbook, download its associated betting app to your phone for the most seamless experience.

2. Register online

The next step is to sign up for a new account, which you can do on a desktop or via the mobile app. The operator will require you to present basic personal information such as your full name, address, email address, date of birth, and social security number — the latter helps verify your identity.

After that, you’ll be asked to create a unique username and password. Passwords should be at least eight characters long and combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

Following registration, it’s time to head to the cashier to make a first deposit. Kentucky online sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, third-party services like PayPal, and other e-wallets. Remember to enter any promo codes required to claim welcome bonus perks.

4. Select and finalize your bet

With funds filling your sportsbook account, you can look around and dissect the available betting markets. Add your preferred choices to your bet slip and submit it to finalize your wager. Novice players may want to focus on what they know best — like Kentucky and Louisville betting lines and the three most common bet types in moneylines, point spreads, and point totals — while veterans can stretch their wings with same-game parlays, live in-game betting, teasers, and futures.

5. Withdraw your winnings

If you win your bet, you’ll likely want to request a withdrawal and enjoy the spoils. Head back to the cashier to make your request. It typically takes even the best online sportsbook for payouts up to five business days to drop funds in your preferred account. Keep in mind that requesting a physical check to be mailed to your residence may take up to 15 business days.

Kentucky sports betting handle

Kentucky regulators released a report on Sept. 21, 2023, on the early performance of the state’s brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. Retail betting had been legal for two weeks at that point, resulting in an impressive $4.5 million in handle.

With online wagering live, Kentucky’s numbers have provided a sizeable chunk of revenue that will be redirected into state projects.

2025

2024

2023

Kentucky sports leagues and teams to bet on

Although Kentucky isn’t home to any major professional sports teams, bettors can place plenty of action on the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. Regional pro sports franchises, such as the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Nashville Predators, should satiate those looking to wager on one or more of the big four leagues.

But don’t forget — whether you bleed Wildcats blue or Bengals orange, wagering with your brain rather than your heart is vital. It’s great to support the home team but don’t let emotional attachment lead you when filling out a bet slip. Learn how to manage your bankroll and do your homework on each matchup, paying attention to weather forecasts, injury updates, and depth chart changes.

Due to the popularity of professional horse racing in the state, namely the Kentucky Derby, local bettors may also emphasize other niche sports like F1 racing and Major League Soccer.

Sportsbook by category

Legal Kentucky sports betting options

With legal online and retail sports betting now available, Kentuckians have a plethora of betting options to dig into. Currently, nine operators are available via their online sites and apps, and four are active in numerous physical locations.

Kentucky’s online and mobile sportsbooks

Land-based KY sportsbooks

What you can't bet on in Kentucky

While the Kentucky sports betting landscape is fairly generous, there are some other markets and events retail and online sportsbooks may or may not be permitted to offer.

Politics ❌

Federal law does not allow online and retail sportsbooks to offer odds on political events. So, betting on politics in Kentucky is illegal now that sports betting apps have launched.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Entertainment award ceremonies, like the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys, are not mentioned in Kentucky’s official sports wagering catalogue. Therefore, you cannot wager on these events.

Esports ✅

Esports are legal to wager on now that retail sports betting is live in Kentucky. Those who know the ins and outs of video game tournament betting will have a leg up on legal KY sportsbooks.

What about daily fantasy sports? 🏈

For all the effort put into legalizing online sports betting in Kentucky, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests remain in a gray market, meaning you can wager on them at outlets like DraftKings and FanDuel. For more information, check out our guide to the best DFS sites in Kentucky.

Responsible Kentucky sports betting

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting activity in the region since it has “demonstrated a long and successful history of regulating wagering.” The responsibilities and visions — such as horse racing betting integrity — of the KHRC translate easily to Kentucky’s new sports betting landscape.

The KHRC reviews operator applications, grants licenses, performs audits, enforces laws, and issues fines as necessary. It also leads initiatives to encourage responsible betting and curb problem gambling. KY sports betting law banks 2.5% of tax revenue to put towards problem gambling resources, treatment, and prevention.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Kentucky sports betting neighbors

Six of Kentucky’s seven border states have also legalized sports betting. Here are some key pieces of information on each if you’re eager to wager while travelling outside the Bluegrass State:

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Virginia

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce reported that between March 1 and March 30, 2023, more than 1 million sports bettors in Kentucky tried to place a wager via online sportsbooks and sports betting apps they signed up for in neighboring states. Due to geofencing software employed by operators, those KY bettors were prevented from making any bets, but those numbers could translate into thousands of dollars in tax revenue this time next year.

Kentucky college sports betting 🎓

Former Rep. Adam Koenig, known as Kentucky’s “sports betting OG,” not only spearheaded several bills over the years but created amendments to remove the ban on in-state college betting. Now, Bluegrass State bettors have the opportunity to wager on the likes of the Kentucky Wildcats or the Louisville Cardinals.

Betting on football is also now a reality for KY bettors. With the NFL season underway, the state’s sportsbooks are offering odds on all the juicy matchups.

Kentucky sports betting law

Legal Kentucky sports betting underwent a two-phase rollout courtesy of HB 551. Retail wagering at land-based sportsbooks began on Sept. 7, 2023, while online wagering started on Sept. 28, 2023.

Review these highlights of the legal Kentucky sports betting landscape:

• The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulates sports betting. 
• Only those 18 or older are permitted to bet on sports in Kentucky. 
• Legislation authorizes up to 27 online sports betting licenses. 
• Kentucky's nine racing tracks will all house retail sportsbooks. 
• Nine sportsbooks are live in the state.
• Legal college sports betting in Kentucky includes wagering on in-state teams. 
• The state taxes individual bettors at a 6% rate on winnings of over $5,000. 

Kentucky sports betting taxes

When House Bill 551 was newly passed, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear wasted no time broadcasting via Twitter how it would benefit taxpayers, noting that the state would “keep those [sports betting] dollars to support our roads and bridges, schools and communities.”

Now, existing horse tracks opening retail sportsbooks must pay an initial license fee of $500,000 and kick in $50,000 for annual renewals. Online operators that partner with the nine racing tracks must pay a $50,000 license fee and $10,000 for yearly renewals. Retail sportsbooks are taxed at a rate of 9.75%, while online sportsbook revenue are taxed at 14.25%.

For individual bettors, winnings of more than $5,000 are taxed at 6% by the state and 25% by the federal government. It’s important to keep an accurate account of your betting activity to reduce your tax burden.

Legal sports betting in Kentucky is projected to generate $23 million in annual tax revenue. The estimate is based on neighboring Tennessee’s market, which saw $68 million in tax revenue for 2022.

List of Kentucky sports betting resources

The Kentucky General Assembly: Website for the state legislature.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission: Website for KY's sports betting regulator.

Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling: Website for responsible gaming resources.

Sportsbooks to avoid in Kentucky

Kentucky bettors now have safe and legal online sportsbooks available to them. That should make resisting the urge to register with an offshore sportsbook an easier task. Neither federal nor state governments regulate such operators, which have been known to commit identity theft, fraudulent activity, and scams.

With the first batch of legal Kentucky betting sites live, each has been thoroughly reviewed and critiqued by the state’s governing body, has paid significant fees to earn its license, and has had to provide detailed plans for how it runs its operations, making it as secure as possible. 

Here are a few examples of illegal offshore sites and the troubles they’ve caused customers:

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Last year, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.

However, all eyes will be on Missouri in 2025, with legal sports betting set to launch in the Show-Me State sometime in mid-to-late summer. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates as they're announced by following our Missouri sportsbook promos page.

The states closest to offering legalized sports betting next are Oklahoma and Hawaii, but we don't expect either until the first half of 2026 (at the earliest).