Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites: Get Over $2k In Bonuses - November 2026
Five sportsbooks have welcome offers live in Kentucky right now. All five of them have Kentucky sports betting welcome promos for new players. You'll find out all about them here, including what they have to offer, their range of betting markets and more. Check out what bet365, Fanatics, FanDuel and co. have for Kentucky players.
Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Promo Code: BOOKIES
Fanatics Sport Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: 21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
Promo Code: BOOKIESBG1K
BetMGM Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. After making a first deposit in the amount of at least ten dollars ($10.00), Participants will receive One (1) No Sweat Token with a maximum stake of one hundred dollars ($100) every day for the first 10 days after successful first deposit. Each No Sweat Token must be used in a single transaction. Any unused amounts will be forfeited.Each No Sweat Token expires in 24 hours. Bonus Bets expire in seven (7) days and are non-withdrawable.
FanDuel Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
DraftKings Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Kentucky senators passed HB 551 by 25 votes to 12 on March 30th, 2023, the final day of that year's session. Governor Andy Beshear signed it the next morning and online sportsbooks went live on September 28th, 2023.
The Bookies.com team has broken down each live welcome offer and what separates one Kentucky sportsbook from another. You must be 21 or older and physically in Kentucky to claim any offer on this page.
Best Kentucky Betting Sites & Apps 2026
Here are the best Kentucky betting sites and apps with their respective welcome offers for sports bettors in Kentucky:
Used 24 Times Today Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR), Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and Expire in 7 Days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
BetMGM Sportsbook KY
BetMGM Kentucky pairs an easy-to-use app with the BetMGM Rewards program. New customers can claim up to $1,000 back in bonus bets across their first 10 days.
Use bonus code BOOKIESBG1K and make a first deposit of at least $10 to receive one No Sweat Token a day for 10 days. Each token covers a stake of up to $100, expires after 24 hours and must be used in a single transaction. Any bonus bets you earn expire after seven days and cannot be withdrawn. Browse the latest Kentucky betting promo codes for more offers.
Used 24 Times Today Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR), Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and Expire in 7 Days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
DraftKings Sportsbook KY
DraftKings began as a daily fantasy sports operator and is now one of the biggest sportsbooks in the country. Its Kentucky app can look busy at first, but the layout is easy to learn and the range of markets suits first-time bettors and seasoned fans alike.
DraftKings Kentucky posts competitive odds across the major US leagues and a long list of niche sports, and it runs regular boosts for existing customers.
The DraftKings Kentucky welcome offer needs no promo code. Spend $5 or more on a first bet and you receive $150 in bonus bets, issued as $50 every seven days through click-to-claim across 14 days. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance and stakes are removed from payouts.
Used 35 Times Today DraftKings Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel Sportsbook KY
FanDuel started in daily fantasy sports and launched its sportsbook in New Jersey in 2018. It has since grown into one of the two biggest sportsbooks in the US alongside DraftKings.
The FanDuel Kentucky app and website are both intuitive and well laid out. Markets span a wide range of leagues and props, and the brand carries a strong reputation among US bettors.
The FanDuel Kentucky welcome offer needs no promo code. Wager $5 a day for five days and FanDuel pays $50 in bonus bets per day, up to $250 in total. The small stakes and daily rewards make it one of the easiest offers on this page to understand.
Used 15 Times Today FanDuel Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
The Best Kentucky Sports To Bet On
Kentucky sportsbooks cover the major US leagues and a long list of smaller sports. Here are some of the sports you can bet on at the top Kentucky sports betting apps:
- 🏎️ Auto Racing (F1)
- ⚾ Baseball (MLB)
- 🏀 Basketball (NBA)
- 🥊 Boxing
- 🚴 Cycling
- 🏈 Football
- 🏌️ Golf (PGA)
- 🏒 Hockey (NHL)
- 🏉 Rugby
- ⚽ Soccer (EPL, MLS)
- 🎾 Tennis
- 🥋 UFC (MMA)
- 🏇 Horse Racing
NFL Betting
Kentucky has no NFL franchise, yet football still draws huge local interest. Many fans follow the Cincinnati Bengals as the closest team to the state, while the Dallas Cowboys also have a loyal following. NFL odds cover point spreads and totals as well as player props, and the Super Bowl is typically the biggest betting event of the year.
MLB Betting
Kentucky has no MLB team either, but October brings the postseason and the World Series. Player props such as strikeouts and total bases are among the most popular markets. The Cincinnati Reds are the closest team for most Kentucky fans. Browse the latest MLB odds before you place a wager.
NHL Betting
Ice hockey is less popular than some other major sports, which puts the focus on totals, puck lines and player props at sportsbooks offering NHL odds. Kentucky has no NHL team of its own, but the full league schedule is available to bet on at the top Kentucky sportsbooks.
Promotions & Offers At Kentucky Online Sportsbooks
The best Kentucky sportsbook promo codes reward new customers with bonus bets, and most sportsbooks also run regular boosts and rewards for existing customers.
Welcome offers give new bettors a chance to try a sportsbook with bonus bets rather than their own cash. That makes it easier to judge the app, the odds and the bet slip before you commit more of your bankroll.
Most welcome offers in Kentucky pay out in stages. Fanatics and BetMGM spread rewards across 10 days, FanDuel pays out over five days and DraftKings releases its bonus bets over 14 days. bet365 is the exception, paying $200 in bonus bets after a single qualifying bet. Staged offers suit bettors who plan to wager daily.
Here are a few of the most common promotions and offers at Kentucky sportsbooks.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Deposit Match
Deposit match bonuses are a promotion that sees any deposit made by the bettor matched by the sportsbook. An example would be a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $500. In this instance any deposit made by the bettor would be matched up to a maximum of $500.
This type of bonus is usually a welcome incentive for new customers, though some sportsbooks also offer it to existing ones. Wagering requirements often apply before you can redeem the full amount.
The obvious benefit here is that you can get additional site credit to make more wagers. The downside is that you’ll need to wager more to get the full bonus.
Odds Boosts
An odds boost is a promotion that will offer heightened odds for a specific sporting event. This could be for any type of wager. For example, a sportsbook may offer odds of -160 for an NFL team to win a game. These NFL odds may be boosted to +100 or something similar prior to the game. The idea with these types of promotions is to build interest in a particular event.
Odds boosts are quite common and each sportsbook will usually offer boosts on a daily basis.
Referral Bonuses
A referral bonus is sometimes offered to an existing customer who can redeem the bonus once a friend joins the sportsbook. This bonus is usually in the form of site credits and is subject to some conditions. For example, the friend must make a deposit and place wagers totaling a certain amount before the bonus can be redeemed.
These bonuses are only beneficial if you are sure that your referral is going to place wagers and be active at the sportsbook from the outset.
Parlay Second Chance offer
A parlay is a combined wager on two or more separate events. Both legs of the wager must win to collect the combined bet. However, parlay protection means that if one leg lets you down, you can still get a refund up to a certain amount.
This promotion is great for those new to parlay wagering or betting on unfamiliar sports. Parlay protection usually only covers stakes up to a maximum amount, such as $25.
No Deposits
A no deposit bonus credits your account with a free bet or bonus bet just for registering. These offers are rare in the US market and none of the five welcome offers on this page falls into this category. Any that do appear usually carry wagering requirements before winnings can be withdrawn, and you'll find them right here if or when they become available.
Reloads
A reload offer is exactly what it sounds like, an offer that will top up a bettor’s account with site credit. These offers are usually for existing customers and will sometimes be based on their previous betting activity. They can come in the form of that top up just mentioned or a bonus bet.
The reload bonus will have very specific conditions such as wagering a certain amount before the full reload can be redeemed.
Kentucky Sports Teams To Bet on
Kentucky has no major league franchise. Local sporting interest centers on college programs, and the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals carry the biggest followings. Basketball is where both programs stand out, with fans following the season through to the NCAA Tournament.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Choosing The Best Kentucky Online Sportsbook 2026
Kentucky bettors now have several licensed sportsbooks to choose from, and the right one depends on what you want from an app. These are the factors that matter most when you compare them.
Great Reviews
The first port of call should be a sports betting review website just like the one you’re on right now. This will give you an unbiased review of the sportsbook including the pros and, most importantly, the cons.
Here at Bookies, we do this by gauging customer feedback on the sportsbook in question and then using it ourselves. This way we can give you a genuine opinion based on fact and not just secondhand information.
We review each legal Kentucky sportsbook after it launches in the state and update those reviews as offers and features change.
Bets Allowed
There is a wide variety of betting types offered across the majority of online sportsbooks and we explain those in detail a little further down the page.
What we will say here is that it’s important to make sure that the sportsbook you choose offers the full range of betting options.
This is not only because you want the best service possible but also because it’s always good to have multiple options so you can make the most of the odds available to maximize your chances of winning.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Great Pricing On Betting Lines and Odds
Pricing is more than the odds on a single game. Sportsbooks build a margin into every market. A spread priced at -110 on both sides costs you less than one priced at -115 on both, and over a season of regular wagers that gap adds up.
Frequent Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses
Bonuses are not just for new customers, although sometimes it might feel that way. The fact is that once the initial launch phase has passed, sportsbooks need to do all they can to keep their bettors loyal. They can do this by offering those competitive odds mentioned earlier or by running regular promotions.
Promotions can take the form of a first bet offer or a deposit match. What matters is that they are regular and reward ongoing activity on the site. We only recommend Kentucky sportsbooks that run a welcome bonus or first bet offer.
Excellence In User Interface
Building your bet should be as simple as it is in a retail sportsbook. The betting slip should be straightforward and easy to fill while the sports and odds available should be super easy to locate and understand.
Thankfully, the majority of sportsbook operators understand this and have invested heavily in the design and usability of both their desktop and mobile KY sports betting apps (if they have one).
If you’re confused and the sportsbook seems to have a steep learning curve then we’d advise you to move on to your next option. We only recommend sportsbooks that score highly on our usability tests.
Easy Deposits & Withdrawals
You will want multiple deposit and withdrawal options for your Kentucky online sportsbook. While you may tend to use one option more than any other, it’s always a good idea to have a few backup options just in case there is a problem with your primary source of funds.
Deposits and withdrawals should be convenient and as fast as possible. Withdrawal times vary a great deal depending on the method you choose, and they are one of the key factors we weigh when ranking sportsbooks.
Variety Of Customer Support
This is where some online sportsbooks can falter. Every sportsbook offers customer support, but not all offer live chat or live phone support.
While live support isn’t strictly necessary, it’s nice to have the option to speak with or chat with a rep if you have an issue that needs to be resolved immediately. Sites with live support generally rank higher in our reviews.
Deposit and Withdraw from KY Sports Betting Sites
Kentucky sportsbooks typically accept the following deposit methods.
Credit card/debit card - This is often the most popular and fastest method available whereby you simply punch in your card details and lodge money directly into your sportsbook account.
Bank Transfer - This is a direct transfer from your bank account to the sportsbook. This may take a little longer to process than card payments.
PayPal - Payments are taken directly from your PayPal account and deposited into your sportsbook account. Deposits are instant.
Other options - There may be other payment processing options offered by individual sportsbooks such as deposits made using prepaid debit cards or deposits made through retail partners.
It’s worth noting that withdrawal options can sometimes be different to deposit methods. They can also be much slower and could take anywhere from a few hours to several days to reach your account.
Every sportsbook licensed in Kentucky has passed a series of suitability checks run by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRG). All legal sportsbooks must also have the required security protocols in place to protect your personal details and your money.
Why Sign Up For Multiple Kentucky Sportsbooks?
While you may end up with a preferred sportsbook, it’s still a good idea to open up several accounts so you can compare the services on offer for yourself. Think of it like buying a car: you test drive a few before settling on the right fit.
Opening multiple accounts lets you compare apps, odds and promotions side by side. It also means a quirk or outage at one sportsbook never leaves you without a place to bet.
Get The Best Line
While many sportsbooks will offer odds on similar events, the odds may change depending on the sportsbook you choose or the time you choose to place your wager. This is why signing up with multiple sportsbooks will help you find the best value for your dollar.
Intro Betting Bonuses
Most sportsbooks will offer impressive welcome bonuses for new users. These can be quite lucrative if you meet the wagering requirements. It's not unusual to see crazy offers like a $1,000 deposit match bonus or something similar. Signing up for multiple accounts means that you can take advantage of all the offers out there.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Bet Offerings
While many sportsbooks will offer slightly different odds on sporting events, the types of bets offered are another area where things can get interesting. Sure, they'll all offer futures and moneylines but what about specific props bets? Being able to swap sportsbooks to see what's on offer means that you won't miss out on any bets that you'd like to make.
Feel The Sportsbook
Nothing will make you choose a sportsbook more than the feel of it when you're searching for odds or placing a wager. Signing up for multiple accounts allows you to get that sense of what it's like to place wagers and find specific bet types on any sportsbook.
You might find that you have a particular liking for one sportsbook simply because the wager slip is laid out in a certain way. This is something you'll never discover without taking them all for that test drive.
Sportsbook Rules
The majority of sportsbooks may look the same, offer the same odds, and even feel the same. But one area where they can differ is in their rules.
By this we mean wagering rules and conditions. Sportsbooks can settle the same bet differently, such as when a player does not play. Some void the wager and refund your stake while others count it as a loss. Read the house rules before you bet.
There are many more examples of these kinds of rules and conditions that you can use to your advantage if you take the time to try out various sportsbooks. This is yet another reason why those multiple accounts will come in so handy.
How to Sign Up for Kentucky Sportsbooks
While every sportsbook may be a little different, the sign up process for each generally tends to run along these lines:
- Hit the ‘register’ or ‘sign up’ button.
- You may be asked to choose a location if the sportsbook operates in multiple states.
- Enter your name and email address.
- Enter some personal information such as date or birth etc.
- Enter a valid mobile phone number
- Provide proof of identification such as social security number or ID.
- Enter the promo code if required.
- Verify your details.
- Make a deposit.
- Start betting.
The order may differ slightly between sportsbooks, but the process is broadly the same.
Available Sports Wagers At Legal Kentucky Online Sportsbooks
Moneyline
The moneyline bet is the most simple and straightforward of all bets. It is a wager where the bettor picks which team will win a game, or whether it ends in a tie.
Parlays
A parlay wager is when a bettor combines two or more bets into one wager. The bettor must predict the outcomes of both wagers for the parlay to pay out. Parlays can be a combination of bets on multiple events or a combination of bet types in a single event.
Totals
Also known as over/under, the totals wager is a single bet on whether or not the combined points, runs, or goals total of a game will be over or under the total set by the sportsbook prior to the game. This is an unusual bet as it takes into account the performance of both teams combined.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Point Spreads
In simple terms, the points spread is a wager that predicts the margin of victory in a single event. The stronger team or the favorite must win by a certain number of points, goals, or runs in order for the bettor to win the wager.
Alternatively, the bettor could predict that the underdog loses by fewer than the predicted margin to win the bet. This is the most popular bet in football and basketball.
Futures
A futures bet is a wager on a team or individual's performance over an entire season or tournament. For example, a bettor might bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl or the New York Yankees to win the World Series.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets are wagers made on specific events within a game. It could be the number of goals scored by a player in the NHL or the total number of yards made in an NFL game. Bettors can even bet on which minute the first score will come or whether or not an event will be affected by the rain.
Live Bets
Live bets are also known as in-play bets and are made during an event. The odds for live bets are usually quite different to those offered prior to the event. For example, a bettor might bet that the Bengals will win despite being down by 20 points in the third quarter. The odds for this wager would likely be much greater as a live bet than if it was made before the game.
Prohibited Bets
Prohibited bets are those a sportsbook cannot accept. Kentucky sportsbooks may only offer markets approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and each operator lists its approved markets in its app.
Popular Kentucky Betting Options
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are points-based contests where you pick a lineup of athletes who earn points based on their real-game performance. Kentucky regulates fantasy contests alongside sports wagering under the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and DFS sites are available to Kentucky players. See our guide to the best DFS sites for more.
Used 17 Times Today Bet365 Sports Welcome Offer Ts and Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Horse Racing
Horse racing wagering is legal in Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby. The state has nine licensed horse racing tracks, each of which can host a retail sportsbook and partner with up to three online operators.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Sports betting is legal in Kentucky, with both retail and online sportsbooks live since September 2023. HB 551 allows up to 27 online sportsbooks through partnerships between the state's nine horse racing tracks and licensed operators.
KY Online Sports Betting Legislation History
2018: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is unconstitutional allowing individual states the power to legalize Kentucky sports betting.
2019: Rep. Adam Koenig introduces his first sports betting bill which makes it out of committee, but fails in the House.
2020: Rep. Adam Koenig files sports betting legislation with the support of Governor Andy Beshear. However, the bill fails to garner enough support in the House.
2021: Kentucky Sports betting legislation fails to advance following the shortening of the legislative session due to the global pandemic.
March 2022: Rep. Adam Koenig introduces a House bill HB 606 that would legalize Kentucky sports betting at the state’s seven licensed racing tracks. The bill is passed in the House by a vote of 58-30 and is moved to the Senate.
April 2022: The Kentucky legislative session ends with no Senate vote on HB 606.
February 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith introduces HB551 which would legalize sports betting in Kentucky. The bill is sent to a House committee.
March 2023: The House of Representatives approves HB551 by a vote of 63-34. The bill moves to the Senate.
March 2023: The Senate passes HB 551 by a vote of 25-12 on March 30th, the final day of the session. Governor Andy Beshear signs the bill into law on March 31st.
September 2023: September 2023: Retail sportsbooks open on September 7th and online sportsbooks follow on September 28th.
Kentucky Sports Betting Revenue
Lawmakers projected about $23 million a year in tax revenue when they passed HB 551. Actual collections have run ahead of that figure since the market launched.
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Kentucky Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate
Kentucky taxes online sports betting at 14.25% of adjusted gross revenue and retail sports betting at 9.75%. Proceeds go toward the cost of regulation and the state's pension system.
Who Regulates Kentucky Sports Betting Sites?
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRG) regulates sports betting in Kentucky. It replaced the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and took over its responsibilities. KHRG is responsible for:
- Operator application process
- Approval of qualified operators
- Issuance of licenses
- The creation of industry regulations
How Kentucky Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States
Kentucky offers both retail and online sports betting. All seven states that border it also have legal sports betting: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Kentucky Retail Sports Betting VS Mobile Sports Betting
The main difference between retail sports betting and mobile sports betting is one of convenience.
Mobile Kentucky sports betting apps allow bettors to place wagers at any time from any location within the state. This is a significant benefit and one of the main reasons that many gamblers opt for online sportsbooks.
Retail sportsbooks suit bettors who want to watch the action live. Most have large screens showing major events and smaller screens that a bettor can watch horse races or other events on.
Responsible KY Sports Betting
Every licensed Kentucky sportsbook must offer responsible gambling tools. These typically include self-assessment tools, deposit and time limits and options to take a break or self-exclude for a set period. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ
Are Kentucky betting sites legal?
Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law on March 31st, 2023, one day after the Senate passed it. Retail sportsbooks opened on September 7th, 2023 and online sportsbooks went live on September 28th, 2023. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation regulates every licensed operator in the state.
How old do I need to be to bet on sports in Kentucky?
What is the sports betting tax rate in Kentucky?
Where can I bet at Kentucky sportsbooks?
Will I need to be a KY resident to bet online?
Who can offer Kentucky sports betting?
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