Kentucky Sports Betting: Claim $5,500 from 8 Online KY Underscoregs

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Kentucky sports betting has been legalized. Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on March 31, 2023, with it set to take effect on June 28, 2023. After almost five years of debate, KY bettors can now access regulated sportsbooks. Retail wagering began on Sept. 7, 2023, followed by online wagering on Sept. 28, 2023.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is responsible for regulating all sports betting in the state. Each of Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks has the potential to host retail sportsbooks, with the opportunity to partner with up to three mobile sports betting operators. This allows for a total of 27 potential online sportsbooks in the state.

There are currently eight active online betting sites in Kentucky, including bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and FanDuel.

Kentucky sports betting key developments and updates

Kentucky sports betting promos and bonuses

There are currently eight online sportsbooks operating in Kentucky, such as DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel. As sports betting in Kentucky is still in its early stages, most platforms are offering beginner-friendly “bet and get” rewards as sign-up incentives.

Below is the complete list of available offers, along with their corresponding promo codes:

You must be 18 or older and currently located in Kentucky to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Top Kentucky sports betting sites

On September 28, 2023, legal sports betting sites and apps in Kentucky officially launched. There are currently eight options available for KY bettors, featuring some of the top names in the industry. With up to 27 online sportsbooks allowed to operate in the state, Kentucky bettors will have plenty of choices for the foreseeable future.

Below are the offerings from sportsbook operators in Kentucky for both new and existing bettors, along with our top recommendations.

DraftKings Kentucky

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $150

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Given the operator’s proven track record of quickly entering new markets, it comes as no shock that DraftKings Kentucky is among the initial wave of legal sportsbooks to debut in Kentucky. DraftKings, a name now synonymous with the industry, offers a user-friendly betting app and a variety of top-notch sportsbook promotions and bonuses to entice new players and keep current ones happy. There is no need for a DraftKings promo code to take advantage of its welcome offer.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Curious to discover more about DraftKings Kentucky? Check out our comprehensive DraftKings review.

FanDuel Kentucky

Bet $5, Win $200 in Bonus Bets

Only new customers are eligible for this offer. You must deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.

Claim $200

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel has established itself as a top online sports betting platform in the country, earning spots on our list of the best Kentucky Derby and horse racing betting sites. Kentucky bettors can expect a premium user experience with access to a variety of sports markets, a top-notch betting app, convenient banking options, exceptional customer support, and top-tier security. There is no need for a FanDuel promo code when registering for this renowned sportsbook, and both new and existing users can look forward to daily boosts and bonuses throughout the summer.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

For a comprehensive understanding of what FanDuel offers, delve into our in-depth FanDuel review.

Caesars Kentucky

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Terms and conditions apply

Claim $1,000

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Caesars, known as the top-rated sportsbook in multiple states, has expanded its global brand by launching a successful online sports betting product in the U.S. With the recent licensing by Kentucky regulators, Caesars Kentucky is now offering a generous first bet insurance welcome bonus, one of the top promos and bonuses in Kentucky sports betting, along with its premier loyalty rewards program. Don’t forget to enter the active Caesars promo code – SBRBONUS1000 – when signing up.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

For in-depth analysis and expert insight, be sure to check out our review of Caesars.

bet365 Kentucky

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Adults 18 and over. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim $150

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Bet365, a company based in the U.K., entered the U.S. market by launching in New Jersey in 2019. Currently operating in nine states including Kentucky, bet365 provides competitive odds, great boosts, and two attractive welcome bonuses. New customers in Kentucky can take advantage of the bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS to choose between a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Explore our detailed bet365 review for insights into one of Kentucky’s top sportsbooks. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

BetMGM Kentucky

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days. This offer is valid for new customers only. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

BetMGM has established itself as the leading destination for parlay betting, boasting a wide range of options compared to other sportsbooks. Kentucky residents can take advantage of numerous betting markets, live in-game betting, smooth banking transactions, ongoing promotions, and early cash out features that set BetMGM apart from its competitors. To take advantage of the operator’s new-player offer, use the current BetMGM bonus code: SBRBONUS.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-2 business days

Explore our in-depth review of BetMGM to learn more about this sportsbook.

Legal Kentucky sports betting options

Kentuckians now have a wide variety of betting options with the availability of legal online and retail sports betting. Currently, there are eight operators with online sites and apps, and four are operating in physical locations throughout the state.

Kentucky’s expected online and mobile sportsbooks

Land-based KY sportsbooks

Kentucky sports betting neighbors

If you’re looking to place bets while traveling outside of Kentucky, it’s worth noting that six of the state’s seven bordering states have legalized sports betting. Here are some important details about each state for those interested in wagering.

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Virginia

According to a report from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, over 1 million sports bettors in Kentucky attempted to place bets through online sportsbooks and betting apps from neighboring states between March 1 and March 30, 2023. However, geofencing software used by operators blocked these bets. Despite this, the Chamber predicts that these numbers could result in significant tax revenue in the future.

How to start betting in Kentucky

Some may choose to bet on the University of Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship, while others may prefer wagering on the Kentucky Derby or betting on the Cincinnati Reds to win their next game. No matter your preference, with the launch of Kentucky sports betting sites and sportsbook apps, you can now bet to your heart’s content.

We have compiled an easy-to-follow guide to assist you in getting ready to make your first legal bet.

1. Select a licensed Kentucky sportsbook 

To begin selecting a betting site, it is important to first locate a regulated sportsbook that meets your requirements. A good starting point is to compare FanDuel and DraftKings. Kentucky offers a few choices, so reviewing the welcome bonus, in-game options, range of bet types, and customer service is crucial before finalizing your choice.

After selecting a sportsbook, be sure to download its corresponding betting app onto your phone to enhance your betting experience.

2. Register online

To proceed, you must create a new account either on a computer or through the mobile app. During registration, you will need to provide essential personal details like your full name, address, email address, date of birth, and social security number, the latter of which is used to confirm your identity.

Following that, you will need to generate a distinctive username and password. Passwords must consist of a minimum of eight characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

After registering, proceed to the cashier to make your initial deposit. Kentucky online sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, third-party services such as PayPal, and other e-wallets. Don’t forget to enter any necessary promo codes to receive welcome bonus rewards.

4. Select and finalize your bet

Once you have funds in your sportsbook account, you can explore the various betting markets available. Select your favorite options and add them to your bet slip before submitting it to place your wager. Beginners may want to stick to familiar territory, such as Kentucky and Louisville betting lines, and focus on common bet types like moneylines, point spreads, and point totals. Experienced bettors can explore more advanced options like same-game parlays, live in-game betting, teasers, and futures.

5. Withdraw your winnings

After winning your bet, you may want to request a withdrawal to enjoy your winnings. Simply return to the cashier and make your request. The process for online sportsbook payouts can take up to five business days to deposit funds into your account. If you choose to receive a physical check by mail, it may take up to 15 business days to arrive at your residence.

Kentucky sports betting handle

On September 21, 2023, Kentucky regulators published a report detailing the initial success of the state’s physical sportsbooks. Within the first two weeks of legal retail betting, a significant $4.5 million had been wagered.

Now that online wagering is up and running in Kentucky, it is anticipated that the state’s revenue will significantly increase, with a portion of the funds being allocated to state projects.

2024

2023

What’s missing from Kentucky sports betting?

Even though Kentucky allows for a wide range of sports betting options, there are certain markets and events that retail and online sportsbooks may be restricted from offering.

Politics ❌

Since the launch of sports betting apps, it is illegal to bet on politics in Kentucky as federal law prohibits online and retail sportsbooks from offering odds on political events.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Kentucky’s official sports wagering catalogue does not include entertainment award ceremonies such as the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys, meaning that betting on these events is not allowed.

Esports ✅

With the legalization of retail sports betting in Kentucky, esports betting is now allowed. Those with knowledge of video game tournament betting will have an advantage when placing bets on legal KY sportsbooks.

What about daily fantasy sports?

Despite the extensive efforts to legalize online sports betting in Kentucky, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests continue to operate in a legal gray area, allowing individuals to place bets on platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

Kentucky college sports betting 🎓

Former Rep. Adam Koenig, also known as Kentucky’s “sports betting OG,” has been a driving force behind numerous bills and amendments to lift the ban on in-state college betting. Thanks to his efforts, bettors in the Bluegrass State can now place wagers on teams like the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals.

Kentucky bettors can now place bets on football games, as the state’s sportsbooks are offering odds on all the exciting NFL matchups with the season in full swing.

Kentucky sports leagues and teams to bet on

While Kentucky may not have any major professional sports teams, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. Fans can also support regional pro sports franchises like the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Memphis Grizzlies, and Nashville Predators, providing ample opportunities for sports betting on the big four leagues.

Remember, it is important to bet with your head, not your heart, whether you are a fan of the Wildcats or the Bengals. While it is important to support your team, it is crucial to make informed decisions when placing bets. Take the time to manage your bankroll, research each matchup thoroughly, and consider factors such as weather conditions, injuries, and roster changes.

Because of the high demand for professional horse racing in the state, particularly the Kentucky Derby, local bettors may also show interest in other niche sports such as F1 racing and Major League Soccer.

Underscoreg by category

Kentucky sports betting law

Legal Kentucky sports betting was introduced in two phases through HB 551. Land-based sportsbooks were allowed to start retail wagering on September 7, 2023, followed by the launch of online wagering on September 28, 2023.

Check out these key points about the current state of sports betting in Kentucky:

• Sports betting in Kentucky is regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) and is only permitted for individuals 18 years or older.• Legislation allows for up to 27 online sports betting licenses and all nine racing tracks in Kentucky will have retail sportsbooks.• Currently, eight sportsbooks are operational in the state.• In Kentucky, legal college sports betting includes wagering on in-state teams.• Bettors in the state are taxed at a 6% rate on winnings exceeding $5,000.

Kentucky sports betting taxes

After the recent passing of House Bill 551, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear promptly took to Twitter to highlight the benefits for taxpayers. He emphasized that the state would retain revenue from sports betting to fund infrastructure, education, and local communities.

Existing horse tracks with retail sportsbooks are required to pay a $500,000 initial license fee and $50,000 for annual renewals. Online operators partnering 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 is taxed at 14.25%.

Individuals who win over $5,000 are subject to a 6% state tax and a 25% federal tax. It is crucial to maintain accurate records of your betting to minimize your tax liability.

Legal sports betting in Kentucky is expected to bring in approximately $23 million in annual tax revenue, following in the footsteps of Tennessee’s market which generated $68 million in tax revenue for 2022.

Kentucky sports betting quick facts

Responsible Kentucky sports betting

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is in charge of regulating all sports betting in the area due to its proven track record of effectively overseeing wagering activities. The KHRC’s duties and goals, including ensuring the integrity of horse racing betting, seamlessly transition to the state’s emerging sports betting industry.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is responsible for evaluating operator applications, issuing licenses, conducting audits, enforcing regulations, and imposing fines when necessary. In addition, the KHRC spearheads efforts to promote responsible gambling practices and address issues related to problem gambling. Under Kentucky sports betting law, 2.5% of tax revenue is allocated towards funding resources for problem gambling treatment, prevention, and support.

Call the National U.S. gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

List of Kentucky sports betting resources

The Kentucky General Assembly website serves as the official online platform for the state’s legislative branch.

Official website for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the regulatory body overseeing sports betting in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling provides a website with resources for responsible gaming.

Underscoregs to avoid in Kentucky

Kentucky residents can now access secure and legal online sportsbooks, making it easier to avoid registering with risky offshore operators. These unregulated platforms have a history of engaging in identity theft, fraudulent behavior, and scams, with neither federal nor state governments overseeing their activities.

The initial round of licensed Kentucky betting sites have undergone comprehensive evaluations and assessments by the state regulatory authority. These operators have paid substantial fees to obtain their licenses and have submitted detailed operational plans to ensure maximum security and reliability.

Here are a couple of instances of illegal offshore sites and the difficulties they have created for customers:

Growth of sports betting 📈

The repeal of PASPA by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 led to a rapid increase in legal sports betting across the country. Nearly thirty states have now legalized various forms of sports betting, with popular regulations including licensing for online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Visit our legal sports betting tracker to learn more about the status of sports betting in any state of your choice.

In the last two years, Ohio and Massachusetts have experienced highly successful online betting launches, providing sports fans with an additional avenue to support their favorite teams while also generating much-needed revenue for the states through licensing fees and taxes.

On March 11, 2024, North Carolina officially welcomed legal sports betting, introducing eight top sportsbooks to the state. With major events such as the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments taking place throughout the summer, the enthusiasm and options for sports betting fans are on the rise.