There are eight legal online sportsbooks in Kentucky, such as DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel. New bettors have the opportunity to take advantage of various promos and bonuses from these Kentucky sportsbooks, totaling up to $6,350.
Best Kentucky sportsbook promos
Features
- Monthly new customer rewards
- Quick and easy deposits
- Mobile app available
FanDuel Faceoffis a new DFS platform from betting giant FanDuel. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.
Features
ParlayPlay Review
Once you join the site, you’ll be treated to a two-tier welcome bonus — a $5 no-deposit bonus and a 100% match on your first deposit, up to $100.
Features
Features
- Free to play social sportsbook
- Mobile only
- Diverse gaming options
Thrillzz a new DFS platform for the free-to-play user. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.
Features
Boom Fantasy Review
Boom Fantasy is a DFS platform that began its US operations in 2015. This New York-based betting platform lets you get started with a $100 welcome bonus by entering the Boom promo code.
Features
ThriveFantasy Review
Thrive Fantasy is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform launched in 2016. The NY-based operator offers a unique DFS experience, focusing on player props instead of setting salary caps for player drafts.
Features
Quick links On this page
- Best Kentucky sportsbook promos
- Kentucky sportsbook promo codes and bonuses
- How we rate and review sports betting promotions
- Kentucky online sportsbooks
- Best sportsbooks for Kentucky promos and bonuses
- Types of Kentucky sign-up offers and bonuses
- Kentucky sports teams to bet on
- Kentucky sports betting promos quick facts
- Kentucky sports betting key developments and updates
- Responsible sports betting with Kentucky promos
- Kentucky sportsbook promos and bonuses FAQs
Kentucky sportsbook promo codes and bonuses
On September 28, 2023, the top sportsbooks and Kentucky sports betting apps launched, offering eight options for KY bettors. These platforms provide excellent sportsbook promotions for both new and current users.
In the future, as many as 27 sportsbooks may enter the Kentucky market, with each of the state’s nine horse racing tracks able to partner with up to three mobile operators.
Below is the complete list of Kentucky sportsbook promo codes and welcome bonuses currently available in the Bluegrass State:
KY sportsbook | Promo code ✅ | Welcome bonus |
---|---|---|
bet365 | SBRBONUS | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 first bet |
BetMGM | SBRBONUS | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets |
Caesars | SBRBONUS1000 | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
Circa | N/A | No bonus, but high limits |
DraftKings | No code required | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets |
FanDuel | No code required | Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets |
ESPN BET | No code required | Up tp $1,500 in bonuses |
Fanatics | No code required | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets |
You must be 18 or older and currently in Kentucky to participate in gambling activities. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
1. DraftKings Kentucky bonus offer
DraftKings is at the top of the sports betting industry with its leading mobile app and unparalleled user experience. That’s why it’s no wonder that the best Kentucky sportsbook bonus available is DraftKings’ offer of bet $5 and get $150.
Below is all the information you need regarding the DraftKings Kentucky welcome bonus:
- You don’t need a DraftKings promo code to get started.
- Following registration, put down a minimum deposit and wager of $5 or more on any sports market.
- Regardless of your qualifying bet’s outcome, DraftKings will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets
- The reward comes as six (6) $25 bonus bets, which cannot be withdrawn as cash or split into smaller pieces.
- The bonus bets must be used within seven days, or they will expire.
DraftKings promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
✔️ Only a $5 qualifying wager required | ❌ Lower overall bonus amount |
✔️ Great for new players | ❌ Expires quickly |
✔️ Terms and conditions easily accessible on app |
What does the DraftKings sign-up promo mean for you?
The bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer from DraftKings is a fantastic opportunity for new bettors to dip their toes into the world of betting. No DraftKings KY promo code is required, and your $5 qualifying bet will immediately unlock $150 in bonus bets, with no odds restrictions.
How much money can you earn with the DraftKings sign-up promo?
The six $25 bonus bets from the DraftKings KY sign-up promo are not redeemable for cash and must be used for wagering on the sportsbook. If you use a $25 bonus bet on a market with odds of +200 and win, you will receive $50 in cash that can be withdrawn.
Why DraftKings’ bonus is better than the others
Not many Kentucky sportsbook promotions provide new users with such a low wagering requirement. Only risking $5 to potentially increase your bankroll by $150, in addition to any other winnings, is an excellent way to enter the sports betting world with minimal risk and high rewards.
![Screenshots of the DraftKings Underscoreg iOS app.](/images/ee8bc0c5-6d99-418a-bbf3-c5ccedcd2dcc.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
2. bet365 Kentucky bonus offer
In the past, bet365 has had a successful track record of welcoming new customers in new markets, and they are continuing this trend in Kentucky. The sportsbook is currently providing potential customers in KY with a sign-up offer of betting $5 and receiving $150 in bonus bets.
Below is a breakdown of the bonus details:
- Sign up with bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS and deposit $10 or more.
- You must claim the offer within seven days of registration.
- Make your first wager of at least $5 on any sports market.
- To qualify, your wager must have odds of -500 or greater.
- Once your wager settles — win or lose — you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets.
- If your account is inactive for 90 days, your bonus bets will expire.
You also have the option to choose bet365’s alternative new-player bonus – a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Keep in mind that you can only redeem one welcome promotion with bet365.
- Following registration and inputting the promo code, deposit at least $10 within seven days of redeeming the offer.
- You must claim the reward within seven days of signing up.
- Place your initial bet of any amount on any sports market.
- If your qualifying wager fails, you’ll get your stake back, up to $1,000, in bonus bets.
- The bonus bets will arrive within one hour of your qualifying wager settling.
bet365 promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Two offers to choose from | ❌ Odds of -500 or greater eligible to bet |
✔️ Only a $5 wager required | ❌ 7-day claim period |
✔️ Only a $10 deposit required |
What does the bet365 sign-up promo mean for you?
Newcomers to bet365 in Kentucky can take advantage of the welcome offer, which guarantees a $150 bonus regardless of whether their first bet is a win or a loss. This offer is on par with similar promotions from other competitors in the industry.
How much money can you earn with the bet365 sign-up promo?
In Kentucky, new users signing up with bet365 are required to make an initial deposit of at least $10 in order to begin. Once the deposit is made, they can place bets of at least $5 to qualify for $150 in bonus bets. These bonus bets can be used to generate actual winnings that can be withdrawn.
Why bet365’s bonus is better than the others
The KY bonus from bet365 with only a $5 wagering requirement to unlock $150 in bonus funds is a no-brainer.
![Screenshot of bet365 Underscoreg app in iOS.](/images/61ebb671-824f-420a-9161-b17540822b6e.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
3. FanDuel Kentucky bonus offer
Apart from DraftKings, FanDuel is arguably one of the most iconic modern sportsbooks. With the platform now available in Kentucky, it is offering one of the top Kentucky sports betting promotions with its “bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets” offer. Be sure to check out our FanDuel vs. DraftKings comparison guide for more information.
The most important details of the sign-up bonus are listed below:
- No FanDuel promo code is necessary.
- You must be at least 21 to wager with FanDuel in Kentucky.
- You must download the FanDuel mobile app and deposit at least $5 after registration.
- Place a wager of $5 or more on any available market. If it wins, FanDuel will provide you with $200 in non-withdrawable bonus bets.
- You will receive the bonus bets within three days of your qualifying wager settling as a win.
- The bonus bets have a lifespan of seven days and will expire if unused.
FanDuel promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
✔️ Low initial risk | ❌ Expires quickly |
✔️ Built-in flexibility | ❌ Low bonus amount |
✔️ Only $5 minimum deposit necessary | ❌ First bet must win |
What does the FanDuel sign-up promo mean for you?
One of the various Kentucky betting promotions offered by FanDuel is the opportunity to bet $5 and win $200 in bonus bets, giving new users the chance to quickly increase their bankroll. Be sure to carefully explore FanDuel’s extensive range of markets, as it is considered one of the top live betting sites, before placing your qualifying bet. And don’t forget, no FanDuel promo code is needed to take advantage of this offer.
How much money can you earn with the FanDuel sign-up promo?
Taking a chance by using the bonus to support an underdog comes with risks, but there is potential to make a significant amount of cash that can be withdrawn. On the other hand, using the bonus on a favorite is a safer option but may not result in a large payout. Ultimately, your personal preference will determine how much money you can earn from bonus funds if your selections are successful.
Why FanDuel’s bonus is better than the others
FanDuel’s offer stands out among Kentucky sportsbook promos for first-time users due to its flexibility, allowing bonus bets to be split into smaller wagers.
![Screenshot of the FanDuel Underscoreg app for Android.](/images/1411c28f-2091-4bb0-9cf6-ab7cb0d61135.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
4. Caesars Kentucky bonus offer
Kentuckians may be drawn to the exciting Las Vegas atmosphere and flashy welcome offer of Caesars when selecting a betting site. New users can receive a $1,000 first bet reward by using the Caesars promo code SBRBONUS1000.
The key components of the offer are as follows:
- You must be 21 or older to sign up with Caesars Kentucky.
- After registering, make an initial deposit of at least $10.
- Place your qualifying wager of any amount on any sports market you prefer within 30 days of registration.
- Should your first bet lose, Caesars will issue you a refund, up to $1,000, as a bonus bet.
- The single bonus bet you receive cannot be broken down into multiple wagers. It will arrive in your account within 48 hours of your losing wager settling.
- If you do not use the bonus bet within 14 days, it will expire.
- You cannot withdraw the bonus bet, nor will it be part of any real-money winnings you earn when using it as the stake.
Caesars Underscoreg promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
✔️ High-value reward | ❌ First bet must lose |
✔️ Only $10 minimum deposit | ❌ Quick expiry |
✔️ Solid for experienced bettors |
What does the Caesars sign-up promo mean for you?
The Kentucky sportsbook bonus from Caesars offers new bettors the chance to increase their bankroll significantly. With a safety net on your first wager, you can confidently bet on an underdog.
How much money can you earn with the Caesars sign-up promo?
With the Caesars KY welcome offer, you have the option to use the bonus bet to wager on either an underdog for the chance to win big or a favorite for a safer bet. The decision on which path to take and the potential earnings are based on your comfort level.
Why Caesars’ bonus is better than the others
Similar to other leading sportsbook promotions in Kentucky, Caesars’ welcome offer presents a chance to win a substantial amount. Only BetMGM’s bonus surpasses its maximum value in the state.
![Screenshot of Caesars Underscoreg for Android.](/images/488fcb28-bfc8-40bc-b71d-db7146d5a123.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
5. BetMGM Kentucky bonus offer
BetMGM is banking on its long-standing reputation in the gaming industry to attract residents of Kentucky to sign up for its platform. In addition, the sportsbook is offering a tempting welcome offer of up to $1,500 in bonus bets to entice potential bettors.
Now that the new bettor bonus for BetMGM KY is available online, here are some key points to remember.
- After signing up for your new account with BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS, you must make a first deposit of at least $10.
- You must be 21 or older to bet with BetMGM in Kentucky.
- Locate your preferred market(s) and place your initial wager. Should it flop, BetMGM will return your stake, up to $1,500, as bonus bets.
- The bonus bets you receive will be divided into 20% denominations on wagers over $50. If you wager less than $50, you will garner a single bonus bet.
- The reward will appear in your account within 24 hours, and you’ll have seven days to use it
BetMGM promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
✔️ Low initial risk of just $5 | ❌ Bonus bets not flexible |
✔️ Largest potential bonus in KY | ❌ First bet must lose to collect |
✔️ Best for experienced bettors |
What does the BetMGM sign-up promo mean for you?
When using the BetMGM sign-up bonus, you can place a more aggressive first bet knowing that the sportsbook will refund your stake, up to $1,500, in bonus bets if you lose. Be sure to enter the active BetMGM Kentucky bonus code when signing up.
How much money can you earn with the BetMGM sign-up promo?
If your first bet with BetMGM is unsuccessful, the amount of cash you can win with the bonus bets is determined by their outcomes. If all five $300 bonus bets lose, you won’t make any money. However, if any of them win, you can withdraw the profits.
Why BetMGM’s bonus is better than the others
There are very few Kentucky sports betting promotions that offer $1,000 or more. BetMGM stands out by paying out bonus bets in five increments for losing first wagers of at least $50, providing valuable flexibility.
![Screenshot of BetMGM Underscoreg app on Android.](/images/1248b2e8-74c4-4009-b48b-6c39f16b3391.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
6. Fanatics Kentucky bonus offer
Fanatics has some ground to cover to compete with the leading companies in the sports betting industry, but their $1,000 bonus offer is a step in the right direction. Before taking advantage of the Fanatics promo, it is important to understand the key terms and conditions.
- No Fanatics promo code is required.
- You must download the Fanatics Underscoreg app before activating your account.
- Place your first qualifying wager of $5 or greater and win or lose, Fanatics will match the amount wagered with bonuses (max $200).
- Repeat this process in the five days after account registration to earn up to $1,000 in bonuses.
- You can claim one bonus per day and opt-in is required after day one.
- Failure to opt in on a given day forfeits your bonus for that day only.
- Bonuses expire after seven days and can’t be withdrawn for cash.
Fanatics promo pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ $5 wagering requirement | ❌ Daily opt-in required |
✔️ Bonuses sent win or lose | ❌ Must wager for five days to receive $1,000 bonus |
✔️ No promo code necessary | ❌ Bonus expires after seven days |
What does the Fanatics sign-up promo mean for you?
With the Fanatics sign-up promo, you have the opportunity to earn up to $1,000 in bonuses, regardless of your bet outcomes. If $1,000 seems like a high amount to wager in just five days, you can opt for a minimum of $5 in bonus bets instead.
How much money can you earn with the Fanatics sign-up promo?
You have the potential to receive anywhere from $5 to $1,000 in bonus credits. The amount of cash you can earn from Fanatics’ welcome offer will be determined by the outcome of the bets you make using the bonus.
Why Fanatics’ bonus is better than the others
Fanatics is one of the few sportsbooks that provides bonuses up to $1,000, and you can earn bonus credits regardless of whether your qualifying wagers are winners or losers.
![Fanatics Screens](/images/c4f93282-1034-4f94-af85-902684091b5c.png?fm=tiff&auto=compress,format)
How we rate and review sports betting promotions
As of September 28, 2023, the first wave of legal online sportsbooks is now available in Kentucky. Our team of industry experts has dedicated countless hours to thoroughly evaluate and analyze each one. We focus on key features of sports betting platforms to create personalized ratings for our comprehensive reviews. You can trust that our assessments are thorough and informative.
When evaluating the best Kentucky sports betting promotions and bonuses, we adopt a similar methodology. Here are the criteria we consider when determining the value of any welcome bonus:
- What is the sign-up offer’s maximum value?
- Is the welcome bonus guaranteed, or does it necessitate a specific circumstance to activate?
- What is the type of welcome bonus? Is it a deposit match, bet and get, or first bet insurance offer?
- Is a promo code required?
- How challenging are the playthrough requirements, and are they achievable within a short timeframe?
- How fast does the bonus expire?
Kentucky online sportsbooks
There are currently eight online sportsbooks in Kentucky, and each of the state’s nine racing tracks will eventually have a new on-site sportsbook with legal retail sports betting live. Each track can partner with up to three online operators, meaning that Kentucky could potentially have up to 27 sports betting sites and apps in the future.
At the moment, eager bettors should manage their expectations as Circa Sports was granted an online sports betting license but did not begin operations until April 2, 2024. There are currently no other operators showing interest in Kentucky.
Kentucky online and mobile sportsbooks
KY sportsbook | Best known for | Race track partner |
---|---|---|
bet365 | Superb live betting | Sandy’s Gaming and Racing |
BetMGM | “King of Parlays” | Sandy’s Gaming and Racing |
Caesars | Lucrative welcome bonus | The Red Mile |
Circa Sports | High betting limits | Cumberland Run |
DraftKings | Industry leader | Cumberland Run |
ESPN BET | Sports network integration | Ellis Park Henderson and Owensboro |
FanDuel | Highly-rated app | Turfway Park |
Fanatics | Apparel partnerships and rewards | Oak Grove Racing and Gaming |
Best sportsbooks for Kentucky promos and bonuses
bet365 Kentucky
New players in Kentucky can now choose between two welcome offers at bet365 – either a $5 bet to receive $150 in bonus bets or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Make sure to use the bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS when signing up.
Along with the incredibly welcoming new user promotion, joining bet365 also offers a range of additional benefits for users.
Outstanding live betting: Bet365 offers an unparalleled live betting experience with a dedicated section that features a wide range of events and precise odds, available at any time of day.
Bet365 offers exceptional live streaming options in addition to its live betting feature, providing access to a wide range of events all year round. From horse racing and tennis tournaments to soccer games and more, bet365 has you covered with thousands of events to choose from.
Unrivaled sports coverage: bet365 offers an extensive range of betting markets, with a focus on major leagues like the NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL. But don’t worry, niche sports like cricket, volleyball, and rugby are also available for wagering.
FanDuel Kentucky
Kentuckians are being enticed by FanDuel with a special offer for new users: bet $5 and win $200 in bonus bets. No FanDuel promo code is required to take advantage of this promotion.
In addition to the bonus, take into account these features when signing up with FanDuel KY:
At FanDuel, you can expect competitive pricing with top odds across a wide range of sports betting markets. Additionally, the sportsbook regularly provides boosts to increase your chances of winning big.
FanDuel prioritizes security and it’s evident in their use of modern encryptions and a Betfair interface to safeguard your data.
The mobile experience on FanDuel is fantastic, with straightforward navigation, live betting, an intuitive bet slip, and more all feeling smooth and easy to use. While DraftKings may be considered the best sports betting app available, FanDuel is not far behind.
DraftKings Kentucky
DraftKings has targeted Kentucky and is currently providing new users with a special offer of bet $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets, with no promo code required.
Registering with DraftKings Kentucky offers several benefits that make it worth your while.
DraftKings has the top-rated mobile sportsbook app in the industry, offering a simple and sleek design that makes betting on the go a pleasurable experience.
Existing users at DraftKings can take advantage of numerous ongoing rewards in addition to the sign-up bonus, such as referral bonuses, profit boosts, same-game parlay offers, and more.
DraftKings offers exceptional live betting compared to other sportsbooks. With up-to-the-second odds and a wide range of prop bets, their live betting experience stands out as unique.
Caesars Kentucky
New KY bettors are now being welcomed by Caesars Underscoreg, allowing them to take advantage of a $1,000 first bet offer. To unlock the reward, enter Caesars promo code SBRBONUS1000.
There are several important factors to consider when discussing Caesars Kentucky.
There are numerous betting options available at Caesars, offering a wide range of choices for bettors. With a comprehensive menu of hundreds of options, including micro-betting through its partnership with SimpleBet, there is something for everyone at this sportsbook.
Top-notch customer service: Caesars is known for its impeccable reputation in the sports betting industry, and a large part of that is thanks to its professional customer support team. Whether you choose to communicate via live chat, phone, or email, Caesars is committed to resolving your concerns quickly and effectively.
Joining Caesars Underscoreg comes with the highly praised benefits of a top-tier rewards program. Earn points that can be redeemed for shopping, hotel stays, dining, and other perks.
BetMGM Kentucky
BetMGM is seizing the moment by offering new bettors a tempting welcome offer of up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance. To claim this offer, just use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS when signing up.
In addition to the welcome offer, there are other standout features of the sportsbook that should be noted.
BetMGM is known as the “King of Parlays” for a reason, offering same-game parlays that make building your bets easy and efficient. With all sports, leagues, and events conveniently displayed, creating your parlay has never been simpler.
There are a wide variety of banking options available with BetMGM. Whether you prefer PayPal, Play+, or PayNearMe, you’ll easily find a method that suits your needs.
BetMGM stands out for its high-quality live streaming feature, allowing users to watch tennis matches, soccer games, and more directly on the platform.
Types of Kentucky sign-up offers and bonuses
Now that legal sports betting is officially live in Kentucky, it’s likely that bettors in the state will encounter deposit matches, bet and gets, and first bet insurance offers, as these are the three most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses nationwide.
Below is a brief explanation of how each of these Kentucky betting promotions operates:
Deposit match
Deposit matches are a simple sign-up bonus for new players, as they only require making a first deposit. The sportsbook will match the deposit amount, up to a certain limit, with non-withdrawable bonus funds.
For instance, if you deposited $1,000 in real money, a betting website that offers a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 would give you an additional $1,000 in bonus funds, effectively doubling your initial deposit and increasing your total bankroll to $2,000.
Bet and get
Bet and get bonuses are popular welcome offers for new players because they usually have low wagering requirements and offer higher rewards. Simply make a first deposit and wager around $10, and the sportsbook will credit bonus funds to your account, regardless of whether your wager wins or loses.
Occasionally, there may be an extra requirement, like having to win your first bet. For instance, a recent version of FanDuel’s bonus requires you to bet $5 and win to unlock $200 in bonus bets. Be mindful of expiration dates as well, to ensure that your bonus bets don’t expire before you have a chance to use them.
First bet insurance
One of the most commonly seen sign-up bonuses today is first bet insurance, which only activates if your initial bet loses. In this scenario, the sportsbook will reimburse your stake in bonus funds, up to a specific limit.
For instance, picture a sportsbook that provides a first-bet insurance bonus with a maximum amount of $1,000. If you sign up with the site, bet $1,000 in actual funds, and end up losing, they will refund you the full $1,000, typically in the form of a single bet credit.
Make sure to review the terms and conditions for each bonus, as certain sportsbooks may permit you to divide the reward into separate bets, while others may not.
Referral bonus
Occasionally, Underscoregs provides referral bonuses specifically for existing users. To earn this bonus, you will need to refer a friend to the sportsbook using a unique code or download link. If your friend signs up using your referral code, you may receive a reward such as a bonus bet ranging from $20 to $75 or cash back. For more details on these types of rewards, refer to our best sportsbook referral bonuses guide.
Kentucky sports teams to bet on
Kentucky does not have any professional teams in the four major sports leagues. The closest options are the Louisville Bats in minor league baseball or Louisville City FC in USL Championship soccer.
Nevertheless, there are numerous professional teams in nearby states, with Cincinnati to the north and Nashville just a few hours south, standing out as major sports hubs.
NFL | NBA | MLB ⚾ | NHL |
---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati Bengals | Memphis Grizzlies | Cincinnati Reds | Nashville Predators |
Indianapolis Colts |
In Kentucky, college sports reign supreme as the ultimate “hometown team.” The University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals are the top programs, dominating in various sports, particularly basketball. With basketball being a major passion in the state, Kentucky is a hub for hardcore fans. Fortunately, the state boasts some of the finest NBA betting sites nationwide.
Sports betting by category
Explore our collection of resources dedicated to finding the top sportsbooks for individual sports and leagues.
Kentucky sports betting promos quick facts
↪️ KY apps launch date | Sept. 28, 2023 |
⭐ KY retail launch date | Sept. 7, 2023 |
➡️ Legal betting age | 18+ |
KY regulator | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission |
️ Remote registration | Yes |
Online sports betting | Yes |
Retail sports betting | Yes |
Sports betting apps | 7 |
Online casinos | No |
Online poker | No |
Daily fantasy sports | Yes |
☎️ Problem gambling hotline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
ℹ️ Gambling addiction counseling | Yes |
Kentucky sports betting key developments and updates
Apr. 2, 2024: Circa Sports finally launches in Kentucky, becoming the state’s eighth legal online sportsbook.
Mar. 26, 2024: Legal sports betting in Kentucky will be restructured under a new law, which creates the new Division of Sports Wagering, to be managed outside the existing Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
Feb. 24, 2024: Kentucky announces that 2023 finished strong, with a betting handle of $855.7 million from Sept. 28 (when legal betting began) to Dec. 31, 2023.
Sept. 29, 2023: Per GeoComply, 2.02 million geolocation checks took place in Kentucky during the state’s first full day of legal online sports betting.
Sept. 28, 2023: Online Kentucky sports betting officially goes live at 6 a.m. ET. Seven sportsbooks — Barstool, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel — open their virtual doors.
Additionally, Circa Sports announces a partnership with ECL Corbin and its Cumberland Run race track. No launch date is provided.
Sept. 27, 2023: Online Kentucky sports betting is a day away. Seven of the eight licensed sportsbooks are expected to launch, with Circa Sports as the lone holdout.
Sept. 21, 2023: Legal online KY sports betting is officially a week away, and the state is on track for a smooth launch.
Additionally, the governor’s office announces that more than $4.5 million has been wagered at retail sportsbooks over the state’s first two weekends of legal betting and that over 60,000 online sportsbook accounts have been registered.
Additionally, online sportsbooks begin accepting deposits from pre-registered users.
Additionally, DraftKings announces it will permit KY bettors who are 18 years or older to utilize its sports betting platform.
June 29, 2023: The Kentucky sports betting bill (HB 551) officially goes into effect, 90 days after the governor signed it into law. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission now has six months to establish a framework and grant licenses to online sportsbooks.
April 18, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meets to discuss the process of drafting regulations for legal sports betting. A deadline has yet to be set for the rules to be put in place.
April 12, 2023: While multiple politicians have suggested that Kentuckians will be able to place sports bets come football season, the KHRC has not backed those claims.
March 30, 2023: The Senate votes to advance HB 551, 25-12. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Beshear for final approval.
March 29, 2023: DraftKings launches its DK Horse App ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
March 13, 2023: The Kentucky House passes HB 551 by a vote of 63-34, sending it onwards to the Senate.
Feb. 22, 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith introduces House Bill 551, which would legalize sports betting in the state.
Jan. 9, 2021: House Bill 241 is introduced. Although hopes are high, the bill ultimately fails.
Responsible sports betting with Kentucky promos
In accordance with Kentucky’s sports betting legislation, House Bill 551, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is responsible for regulating all sports betting operations within the state. The KHRC evaluates applications, grants sportsbook licenses, conducts audits and security assessments, enforces regulations, and imposes penalties when necessary.
The KY Horse Racing Commission oversees responsible sports betting initiatives, including measures to address problem gambling through digital resources, prevention, and treatment options. Kentucky’s sports betting law allocates 2.5% of tax revenue to support programs for problem gambling recovery.
Kentucky’s thriving horse racing betting industry has already established a foundation of resources.
- Problem gambling hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Active counselors courtesy of the Kentucky Coalition of Problem Gambling
To stay informed about the most recent legal developments regarding sports betting in all 50 U.S. states, be sure to visit our legal sports betting state tracker.
Kentucky sportsbook promos and bonuses FAQs
What’s the best sports betting bonus in Kentucky?
The top sports betting bonus in Kentucky may vary depending on personal preferences, but the operators mentioned in this guide, such as Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, each provide valuable incentives.
Which verified Kentucky sportsbook promos are the best value?
This guide highlights the Kentucky sportsbook promos that provide the greatest value.
How old do I need to be to wager on sports in Kentucky?
To place sports bets in Kentucky, you must be a minimum of 18 years old, although many operators have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Do all Kentucky sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?
Most Kentucky sportsbooks no longer require promo codes to claim their welcome bonuses, as they are now automatically applied for new customers.
What are legal Kentucky sportsbooks’ playthrough requirements?
The playthrough requirements for bonuses at legal online sportsbooks in Kentucky can vary. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of any offer.
How many sign-up bonuses can I claim in Kentucky?
Kentucky bettors may claim one sign-up bonus per sports betting site. To avoid bonus abuse, operators will ask for your social security number during registration.