Kentucky Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: November)

Kentucky sports betting is available online and in person, covering professional leagues and college sports. Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law in March 2023, enabling sportsbook apps and retail locations to begin accepting wagers in September of the same year.

Residents of the Bluegrass State can start placing sports bets using one of the top 10 sites for online betting in Kentucky. We’ll discuss the features that set these sportsbooks apart from the rest. Also, we explore the current KY gambling landscape and highlight where to find the best bonuses and promotions.

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Kentucky Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: November)

Kentucky is one of the most gambling-friendly states in the US, with both online and retail sports betting legal and live. Betting on horse racing is also available and very popular in the Bluegrass State. Before anything, let’s overview the current state of sports betting in Kentucky.

Category Status Details
Online Sports Betting Legal
Legal Since March 2023 Sports betting is legal
State Population 4.5 million [2020] Population as of 2020
Retail Sports Betting Legal
Legal Sports Betting Age 21 years old N/A
College Sports Betting Betting on high school sports is prohibited
Betting on Horse Racing Legal
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) DFS companies exist in a legal gray area
Esports Betting Legal
Latest Legislative News No ongoing legislative efforts N/A
Tribal Casinos No tribal casinos
Commercial Casinos No commercial casinos

List of the Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites 2024

If you want to wager on sports in the Bluegrass State, we recommend using one of the top 10 Kentucky online sports betting sites. These offshore sportsbooks are fully licensed and safe to play at, and they provide more expansive market coverage of collegiate sports and significantly higher bonuses.

  1. BetOnline – No. 1 Overall KY Sportsbook in 2024
  2. Bovada – KY Sportsbook for NBA Betting
  3. MyBookie – Ideal for NFL Betting in KY
  4. Everygame – Recommended for Soccer Betting
  5. BetUS – Best for KY Sports Betting Predictions
  6. Sportsbetting.ag – Regular Contests with Massive Prize Pools
  7. BetWhale – Excellent for Esports Bettors
  8. XBet – Claim Cash Rebates on Horse Racing Losses
  9. TG Casino – Best Crypto Sportsbook in Kentucky
  10. BUSR – Top Pick for Horse Racing Betting & the Triple Crown

Top Kentucky Sportsbooks 2024 Reviewed

Discover the features and offerings that make our top 5 Kentucky sportsbooks stand out. We’ll also highlight areas for improvement.

1. BetOnline – No. 1 Overall KY Sportsbook in 2024

  • Established: 2001
  • Licensed In: Panama City, Panama
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/✅

BetOnline Kentucky sports betting site

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

Kentuckians looking for the best site to wager on their favorite sports can call BetOnline home. This Kentucky sports betting site, launched in 2004, offers an entertaining experience with several exciting features. First, the platform’s betting options are numerous, with competitive odds for over 25 sports, including popular sports like football and basketball, and niche options like boxing and golf.

Join free-entry contests like $10k NFL Survivor, $200k NFL Megacontest, $10k NCAA player props predictor, and more for your chance to win big!

In addition, a wide range of markets is on offer, including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and futures. In addition, BetOnline provides opportunities to wager parlays, same-game parlays, teasers, and if bets. KY residents can also enjoy building custom props, enhanced odds on select games, esports live streaming, and live sports betting options on the site. KY bettors can also wager on the NFL Draft using this platform, an option not found on native apps.

Esports bettors in Kentucky will appreciate BetOnline’s dedicated esports page, where diverse wagering lines are available for Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, GT League, Warcraft 3, and more. Furthermore, this Kentucky sportsbook has regular contests, a racebook, and VIP rewards for returning players. There are also a range of sports-specific promotions which can be claimed using BetOnline promo codes.

  • NCAAB Cardinals & Wildcats Markets: 4.8/5.0
  • Horse Racing Betting Lines: 5.0/5.0
  • Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
  • Local Payment Options: 4.7/5.0
  • Live Streaming: 5.0/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
  • Bonus & Promotions: 5.0/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
No strings sign-up offer 50% up to $250 FREE250 N/A $50 Cannot be used in the racebook
Pros:
  • Competitive odds available for over 25 sports
  • Parlays, SPGs, teasers, and if bets
  • Live sports streaming
  • Dedicated racebook and Esports page
  • Props builder for custom props
Cons:
  • No e-wallet options like PayPal

 

2. Bovada – KY Sportsbook for NBA Betting

  • Established: 2011
  • Licensed In: Curaçao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌

Bovada Kentucky sportsbook

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies fans in Kentucky will love wagering on Bovada, a top-rated Kentucky sports betting site established in 2011. The Curacao-licensed site boasts an impressive range of NBA wagers with attractive odds covering the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball.

Invite a friend and score a 200% referral bonus up to $200 when they make a first deposit on Bovada.

The prop bet options include lines like First Basket Scorer, Player to Score 50+ Points in a Game, Stephen Curry Over/Under 30.5 Points, Jayson Tatum vs. Jimmy Butler Points, and Russell Westbrook to Record a Triple-Double. Bovada also provides futures markets, such as NBA Championship winner, NBA MVP winner, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. There are numerous betting options on this site.

Bovada’s Parlay Booster enhances odds on select games in the NBA and other major leagues and sports. The live betting suite allows you to bet on ongoing games, wagering on events as they unfold. If you move over to the racebook, you’ll get access to many horse races from tracks worldwide. Sign up to Bovada today, enter the Bovada promo code, and claim a 50% welcome bonus.

  • NCAAB Cardinals & Wildcats Markets: 4.7/5.0
  • Horse Racing Betting Lines: 4.8/5.0
  • Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
  • Local Payment Options: 4.7/5.0
  • Live Streaming: N/A
  • Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
  • Bonus & Promotions: 4.9/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Crypto sign-up offer 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 5x $20 Not available for use on poker games
Pros:
  • Holds a valid Curacao license
  • Odds covering the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball
  • Exciting props and futures wagers
  • Parlay Booster for enhanced odds on select games
  • Standalone Racebook for horse racing fans
Cons:
  • The welcome bonus can be improved

 

3. MyBookie – Ideal for NFL Betting in KY

  • Established: 2014
  • Licensed In: Curaçao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/✅

MyBookie Kentucky sports betting site

Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0

Launched in 2014, MyBookie is another leading site for Kentucky sports betting, especially for NFL supporters. The KY sportsbook comes with several features that enhance the NFL betting experience. First is the range of promotions on offer, including a 100% welcome bonus, a 50% reload offer, a 200% referral bonus, and a VIP program. The promos, which can be claimed using MyBookie bonus codes, can help boost your bankroll and potential payouts.

University of Kentucky Wildcats fans can enjoy competitive odds and exciting Squares contests for more game-day fun.

Then, MyBookie provides Squares contests where you get to test your NFL and NCAAF knowledge and prediction skills against other bettors. You can enter the games with as little as $1.25 and compete for massive prize pools of up to $10,000. Additionally, the platform’s live betting allows you to capitalize on the changing odds of live NFL games and earn a profit.

If you’re seeking more fun ways to make money, you can try out MyBookie’s Money Bag picks. Here, the sportsbook assigns a random team or player to your bet. This adds an element of surprise to your betting, as you don’t know who or what you’re betting on until after placing the wager. Furthermore, the site supports multiple payment options, including dozens of cryptocurrencies, allowing for faster and more convenient transactions.

  • NCAAB Cardinals & Wildcats Markets: 4.6/5.0
  • Horse Racing Betting Lines: 4.7/5.0
  • Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
  • Local Payment Options: 4.6/5.0
  • Live Streaming: 5.0/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.6/5.0
  • Bonus & Promotions: 4.6/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Welcome offer 100% up to $1,000 MB100 10x $50 N/A
Pros:
  • Wide range of bonuses and promotions
  • Squares contest testing your NFL and NCAAF knowledge
  • Dedicated live betting suite with live streaming option
  • Money Bag picks to add more fun to betting
  • Multiple payment options
Cons:
  • Doesn’t have a mobile app

 

4. Everygame – Recommended KY Sportsbook for Soccer Betting

  • Established: 2022 (1983 as “Intertops“)
  • Licensed In: Curaçao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 15+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌

Everygame Kentucky online sports betting

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

One of the pioneers of Kentucky sports betting, Everygame was founded as far back as 1983. The site is best for Kentuckians who want to wager on FC Cincinnati, Major League Soccer, the Premier League, the Champions League, and other major soccer competitions worldwide.

Bet on the three UEFA soccer competitions and stand a chance to win up to $1,000!

Upon visiting Everygame, you’ll immediately appreciate the platform’s user-friendly and intuitive interface, allowing seamless navigation. The sleek design ensures that finding and placing bets is both quick and easy. Additionally, you’ll find diverse soccer betting lines on offer, including moneylines, handicaps, and totals. Numerous props and futures options across domestic and international competitions are also available.

Another impressive feature of Everygame is that many of the regular markets are also available on the live betting page. Thanks to the site’s fast loading times, odds are updated in real-time, allowing you to take advantage and earn a profit. Moreover, this Kentucky sports gambling site has several exclusive promotions catering to soccer bettors, including deposit bonuses, odds boosts, free bets, and cashback offers. Remember to enter Everygame bonus codes to claim these promos.

  • NCAAB Cardinals & Wildcats Markets: 4.5/5.0
  • Horse Racing Betting Lines: 4.7/5.0
  • Safety & Security: 4.6/5.0
  • Local Payment Options: 4.5/5.0
  • Live Streaming: N/A
  • Live Betting: 4.7/5.0
  • Bonus & Promotions: 4.6/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Sign-up offer 100% up to $500 WELCOME500 8x $20 Horse racing wagers do not count toward rollover
Pros:
  • A pioneer of Kentucky betting
  • User-friendly and intuitive interface
  • Various soccer betting lines and markets
  • Dedicated live betting page
  • Soccer exclusive promotions
Cons:
  • No live streaming option

 

5. BetUS – Best for KY Sports Betting Predictions

  • Established: 1994
  • Licensed In: Mwali, Comoros Union
  • No. of Sports Markets: 20+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌

BetUS KY sportsbook

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

BetUS is another highly rated site for sports betting in Kentucky, founded in 1994 and licensed in Mwali, Comoros Union. The KY sportsbook comes with the unique BetUS TV, which features YouTube shows across all major sports. In these videos, you can watch expert handicappers, like Sean Green and Alex Christenson, analyze games and provide betting picks and predictions for various sports, from the UFC to college football to NASCAR.

Stay ahead of the game with in-depth analyses, expert picks, and the latest sports news in The Locker Room.

You may leverage information from BetUS-TV’s insightful shows to make bet picks across any of the site’s 25+ sports covered. Moneylines, spreads, handicaps, totals, props, and outrights are available, with parlays, SGPs, and live betting options. Also, there are enhanced odds on select games and a feature to help you build your custom props quickly.

Horse racing enthusiasts in Kentucky can explore BetUS’s racebook and wager on races from tracks worldwide. Before wagering as a new customer, you can claim a sizeable 125% sports/casino welcome bonus to help start your journey. Subsequently, you can take advantage of reload offers and VIP rewards. Just enter BetUS promo codes to claim these bonuses. Apart from sports, you can also bet on politics, entertainment, and financials on BetUS.

  • NCAAB Cardinals & Wildcats Markets: 4.4/5.0
  • Horse Racing Betting Lines: 4.6/5.0
  • Safety & Security: 4.5/5.0
  • Local Payment Options: 4.4/5.0
  • Live Streaming: N/A
  • Live Betting: 4.6/5.0
  • Bonus & Promotions: 4.5/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Welcome bonus 125% up to $2,000 JOIN125 14x $100 N/A
Pros:
  • BetUS-TV for picks and predictions
  • Parlays, SGPs, and live betting on offer
  • Odds Booster and Props Builder
  • Racebook for horse racing fans
  • Contests are available
Cons:
  • The website is sometimes slow and glitches

Top Kentucky Online Sports Betting Platforms Compared

The table below compares the features and offerings available at our top 10 sites for online betting in Kentucky.

Sportsbook Sport Bonus Promo Code No. of sports markets Live Betting Live Streaming Parlays  SGPs
BetOnline $250 in free bets FREE250 25+
Bovada 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 25+
MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip MB100 25+
Everygame 100% up to $500 WELCOME500 15+
BetUS 100% up to $2,000 JOIN125 20+
Sportsbetting.ag 50% up to $500 WELCOME 25+
BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 15+
XBet 50% up to $200 XBWELCOME50 25+
TG Casino 200% rakeback up to 10 ETH N/A 35+
BUSR 100% up to $2,500 SPORTS100FP 25+

How We Select the Best KY Sportsbooks

Below, we’ll let you in on the key criteria we considered when selecting the top 10 sites for online betting in Kentucky.

Safety & Security

We selected sites for US sportsbooks that are licensed in reputed jurisdictions like Curacao, Panama, Anjouan, and Mwali. We also checked that the sites have generally positive reviews from other bettors online. In addition, we verified that the sportsbooks have security features in place, such as SSL encryption, 2-factor authentication, and responsible gambling tools.

Sports Betting Markets

Our featured sites for sports betting in Kentucky provide a diverse selection of betting markets across many sports. From major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS to niche sports and international competitions, we look for platforms that provide extensive betting options.

Line Selection

We handpicked sites for online betting in Kentucky that offer a wide range of betting lines, including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and futures. We also check that parlays, teasers, and live betting options are available. Additionally, we prioritize platforms with quality odds so that you can get the best bang for your buck.

Bonuses & Promotions

Each Kentucky sports betting site listed on this page provides several lucrative promotions to help add extra funds to bettors’ bankrolls and potentially enhance their payouts. These include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free bets, cashback, and VIP rewards. We also considered favorable bonus terms like reasonable rollover requirements.

Payment Methods

We looked for betting sites in Kentucky that offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. We also paid attention to the speed of withdrawals and transaction costs.

Customer Support

All our recommended Kentucky sports betting sites provide multiple customer support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support, as well as comprehensive FAQ sections. The support agents, who are available 24/7, offer prompt and helpful responses to any issues or questions that may arise.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky sports betting is legal both online and in person. After multiple failed attempts over the years, Rep. Michael Meredith finally got HB 551 over the finish line on the last day of the 2023 legislative session. The bill advanced in the Senate in March, leading to the launch of retail sports betting on September 7. Online wagering followed suit, going live just 11 days later.

As of November 2024, there are eight state-regulated Kentucky sportsbooks and around ten brick-and-mortar locations. That said, most of the KY betting apps have limited wagering options and promotions. Also, they typically don’t allow payments using cryptocurrencies and specific international payment methods like Neteller and ecoPayz.

For a less restricted and more enjoyable wagering experience, you should use our top 10 recommended offshore sportsbooks. These sites are fully licensed in reputed jurisdictions, available to all Kentuckians, and safe to play. By wagering at these sportsbooks in Kentucky, you get to enjoy more betting markets, more diverse payment options, and bigger bonuses.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Kentucky?

The minimum age for online and retail Kentucky legal sports betting is 21. That said, persons aged 18 years old are permitted to wager on horse racing in the Bluegrass State.

Additionally, you must be physically located within the state of Kentucky to place bets. KY sportsbooks have a geolocation technology feature that checks whether you’re within state borders before allowing you to start betting.

Is DFS Legal in Kentucky?

No, daily fantasy sports are not explicitly legal in Kentucky. However, DFS platforms continue to operate in a legal gray area. The HB 551 Kentucky sports betting bill did not include legislation to regulate daily fantasy sports. As a result, while DFS is available in KY, it works in an unregulated environment.

Some popular DFS sites in the Bluegrass State include:

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Underdog
  • Fantasy Draft

Latest News on Kentucky Sports Betting Legislation

Betting in Kentucky is legal, but this achievement didn’t happen overnight. Before sports betting became regulated, there were many twists and turns. Let’s take a closer look at Kentucky’s path to making sports gambling a reality.

  • March 29, 2024: NCAA president Charlie Baker sends a letter to KHRC requesting a ban on collegiate prop bets in the state. The request is currently under review.
  • September 18, 2023: Online sports betting in Kentucky goes live.
  • September 7, 2023: Retail sports betting launches in Kentucky.
  • March 2023: Rep. Michael Meredith files HB 551, which passes in the Senate, legalizing Kentucky sports gambling.
  • 2021: HB 241 is another attempt to legalize online sports betting in Kentucky, but the bill doesn’t get enough support.
  • 2020: Rep Adam Koenig files HB 137, which passes a House committee but does not advance to a floor vote because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 2019: KY lawmakers introduce HB 175 to legalize Kentucky online sports betting. However, the bill doesn’t get past the House.
  • May 2018: The Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, allowing individual states, including Kentucky, to legalize sports betting.

Sports Betting KY Taxation Laws

In Kentucky, you have to pay taxes on your sports betting winnings. If you win money when wagering online, you’ll be taxed at a rate of 9.75%. Meanwhile, in-person sports gambling attracts a higher tax rate of 14.25%. These are state taxes.

Besides state taxes, you must also pay federal taxes on your gambling winnings. The IRS requires you to report all your betting profits on your tax return, which are taxed up to 24%.

Kentucky’s tax rates are in the middle range compared to other states. For comparison, New York taxes online sports wagering winnings at 51%, while Iowa taxes at 6.75%.

Bonuses Available at the Best Kentucky Betting Sites

The best Kentucky sportsbooks provide a range of promotions to help give you extra funds and enhance your potential winnings. These include welcome bonuses, reloads, rebates, free bets, and odds boosts.

Below, we’ll highlight the bonuses available at our featured Kentucky betting sites.

Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Reload Bonus No-Sweat Bets Odds Boosts Cash Rebates Crypto Promos
BetOnline $250 in free bets 50% risk-free live bet Parlays, futures, and props $50 risk-free player prop wager
Bovada 75% up to $750 Parlay booster % of cashback depends on position on Rewards ladder 75% deposit bonus up to $750
MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip 50% up to $1,250 Daily specials
Everygame 100% up to $500 20 x $50 parlay free bets 50% up to $1,000
BetUS 100% up to $2,000 100% up to $2,500 Odds booster 150% up to $2,000
Sportsbetting.ag 50% up to $500 25% up to $250 Up to $100 on live wagers Daily booster $100 risk-free player prop wager 100% crypto welcome bonus up to $1,000
BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 Unlimited 50% match bonus $50 player prop Daily Booster 250% first deposit bonus
XBet 50% up to $200 5% crypto re-up bonus up to $100
TG Casino 200% rakeback up to 10 ETH + 50 free spins 200% rakeback up to 10 ETH + 50 free spins
BUSR 100% up to $2,500 50% up to $1,250 100% up to $1,000 bonus

Most Popular Sports & Teams to Wager on in KY

Although Kentucky has no professional sports teams, state residents are still passionate about sports. They support pro teams from neighboring states and avidly follow college sports, particularly basketball and football. Also, Kentuckians have a deep-rooted passion for horse racing. Let’s find out the popular sports and teams for online betting in Kentucky.

NFL

In Kentucky, NFL fans often follow nearby teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have been one of the top teams in the NFL in recent years, reaching the Super Bowl in 2021. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Rams and remain without a Championship. Cincinnati also made the AFC Championship in 2022 but got defeated by eventual Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs.

With the Bengals in impressive form nowadays, Kentuckians will be looking to place bets on the 11-time AFC champions. The Titans are also faring well and could attract some NFL betting action from KY residents. MyBookie is the best Kentucky sports betting site for betting on the Bengals and Titans in the Bluegrass State.

MLB

The MLB is another popular league to bet on in Kentucky, with many residents supporting the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals. Kentuckians love to bet on these two sides, especially in the playoffs when the action gets more intense.

The St. Louis Cardinals are the better of the two teams, with a staggering 11 World Series championships to their name, the second most in MLB history. KY residents can enjoy MLB betting on the Reds and the Cardinals at Sportsbetting.ag, where you get to enjoy diverse markets, regular comps, and competitive odds.

NBA

Since Kentucky does not have a local NBA team, the state often cheers for the nearby Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant and Tyrese Haliburton rack up points and assists every game, making them attractive options for NBA betting.

Bovada is one of the best sites for sports gambling in Kentucky. The sportsbook provides Parlay Boosters to enhance the odds of select NBA games and additional promotions to boost your bankroll.

NHL

Hockey isn’t as prominent in Kentucky, but many fans still follow the Nashville Predators and the St. Louis Blues from nearby states. The Blues secured the Stanley Cup title in 2019 and have the most playoff appearances outside of the ‘Original Six.’

On the other hand, the Predators have yet to win the Stanley Cup, but they won the Conference championship in 2017. If you’re looking to wager on these teams in Kentucky, BetUS is your best option. The site offers expert predictions via BetUS TV and generous welcome offers to enhance your NHL betting experience.

College Football

College football is a big deal in Kentucky, with the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals boasting strong followings. The Wildcats compete in the SEC and attract substantial betting interest in games against rivals like the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida.

BetOnline is the best site for college football betting in Kentucky, thanks to the range of betting options available. In addition to moneylines, spreads, and totals, you can also explore several team and player prop bets. Outright betting odds are on offer as well.

College Basketball

College basketball is arguably the most beloved sport in Kentucky, thanks mainly to the enormous successes of the Wildcats and Cardinals. The former, from the University of Kentucky, has won four NCAA titles and regularly produces players who go on to be high picks in the NBA Draft. Their games, especially during March Madness, see lots of college betting activity.

Likewise, the Cardinals are another storied team with two NCAA championships. Games between these two KY sides are called “Battle for the Bluegrass” and are favorites for bettors nationwide. Sportsbetting.ag is our recommended Kentucky sportsbook for betting on the NCAAB and these archrivals.

Soccer

Soccer may not yet be big in Kentucky, but it’s gaining traction slowly, especially in Major League Soccer and even international competitions. Many KY residents support FC Cincinnati, one of the top teams in the MLS. They finished the 2023 season on top of the Eastern Conference standings and will be looking to win the Championship soon.

If you’re looking to enjoy soccer betting in the Bluegrass State, Everygame is your best bet. The site has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, allowing you to place bets quickly, and a live betting suite for wagering on ongoing games. Also, it offers odds for 3-way moneyline, handicap, totals, props, and futures.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is a major part of Kentucky’s identity, with the Kentucky Derby being one of the world’s most famous races. Churchill Downs is a well-known racetrack worldwide, hosting racing events all year round.

BUSR is our recommended sportsbook for betting on horse racing in Kentucky. The site has a dedicated racebook with a wide range of betting lines on several races from tracks worldwide. Also, you can pocket a 100% welcome bonus on signing up.

Payment Methods at the Best KY Sportsbooks

Top-rated Kentucky sports betting sites support various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Find out the popular options available at our featured sites for betting in Kentucky.

Payment Method About Examples
Cryptocurrencies
  • Instant payouts
  • Low or no transaction fees
  • Secure payment
  • Bitcoin
  • Bitcoin Cash
  • Litecoin
  • Ethereum
Traditional Payment Methods
  • Widely accepted
  • Attract transaction fees
  • Payouts may take days to complete
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Bank transfers
  • Payment vouchers
E-wallets
  • Fast payouts within 24 hours
  • Enhanced security
  • Easy to use and manage
  • PayPal
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • ecoPayz

Deposit Options

The table below shows the payment options available for deposits at our rated Kentucky sports betting sites.

Sportsbook Bitcoin Altcoins E-wallet Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
MyBookie
Everygame
BetUS
Sportsbetting.ag
BetWhale
XBet
TG Casino
BUSR

Withdrawal Options

Find out the options for withdrawing funds at the best Kentucky online sports betting sites below.

Sportsbook Bitcoin Altcoins E-wallet Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
MyBookie
Everygame
BetUS
Sportsbetting.ag
BetWhale
XBet
TG Casino
BUSR

Mobile Wagering & Kentucky Sports Betting Apps

BetOnline NCAAF mobile site

According to Statista, the global number of smartphone users is projected to increase by 30.6% between 2024 and 2029, reaching 1.5 billion. This significant rise in mobile phone usage is a major reason why sports betting apps are growing in popularity. These apps are becoming increasingly favored by Kentuckians because of their ease of use, live betting options, real-time updates, exclusive promotions, and more.

Although our recommended Kentucky sportsbooks do not offer native apps, they all come with mobile-optimized websites compatible with Android and iPhone. These sites feature intuitive designs and fast loading times, allowing you to navigate and place bets easily. Also, by creating a bookmark on your home screen, you can make these sites function similarly to apps and access your favorite sportsbooks easily.

Pros & Cons of Sports Betting in Kentucky

Since sports betting in KY was legalized in 2023, the state and its residents have benefited in several ways. That said, sports wagering has presented some drawbacks as well. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online betting in Kentucky below.

Pros:
  • Regulated, safe, and secure gambling environment
  • Tax revenue and job creation
  • Place bets anytime, anywhere, using your mobile phone
  • Betting on college sports is allowed
  • Esports betting is legal
Cons:
  • Can not wager on the NFL Draft via native apps
  • Risk of gambling addiction

Betting in Neighboring States to KY

Kentucky is one of the most gambling-friendly states in the United States, as both online and retail sports betting are permitted. How do the sports betting laws compare to those in the states surrounding KY? Let’s explore the situation across its borders.

Indiana

Indiana lies to the north of Kentucky, and like KY, both online and retail sports betting are legal in the Hoosier State. Indiana sports betting became legal when Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law in May 2019. DFS and horse racing are also regulated in IN.

Ohio

Ohio residents can wager on sports online and in person at almost 20 sportsbook apps and many retail locations. The Buckeye State legalized sports betting in 2021, including daily fantasy sports and horse racing. College wagering is also permitted, but the Buckeyes can not make prop bets on individual college athletes.

Tennessee

Tennessee sports betting became legal in 2020 but is only available online. As of 2024, about 10 sportsbook apps are in operation in the state. While betting on pro and college sports is permitted in Tennessee, residents cannot wager prop bets on individual college athletes or teams.

West Virginia

West Virginia became one of the first states to allow online sports betting in December 2018. The state’s five casinos offer both in-person and mobile wagering. Betting on college and professional sports, esports, daily fantasy sports, and horse racing are allowed.

Missouri

Unlike neighboring states, Missouri sports betting is yet to take off as of 2024. The most recent efforts during the 2024 legislative session failed again, but there will likely be a November ballot vote. So, casinos, pro sports teams, and politicians will have a chance to decide the fate of sports betting by November 2024.

Illinois

Since launching online sports betting in 2020, Illinois has become one of the most successful and competitive states. Illinois sports betting sites offer opportunities to bet on pro sports, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and horse racing without restrictions. However, wagering on college teams is limited to moneylines, spreads, and totals. Also, residents cannot bet on in-state college teams.

Other Types of Gambling in Kentucky

Apart from sports betting and daily fantasy sports, other gambling activities are permitted in the Bluegrass State. Below are the other types of gambling available in Kentucky.

  • Racetrack casinos
  • Poker
  • The Kentucky Lottery
  • Horse racing
  • Charitable gambling

How To Sign Up With the Best Kentucky Sports Betting App

Betting in Kentucky is easy. We’ll walk you through the quick, simple steps to join our number one Kentucky sports betting site, BetOnline, and claim a welcome bonus to start wagering for real money.

  1. Visit BetOnline

    Using your preferred mobile or desktop browser, go to BetOnline’s official website. Then, click ‘JOIN’ at the top-right corner of the screen.
    Visit BetOnline
  2. Create an Account

    A registration form will appear. As requested, fill it out with your personal information and select ‘Create Account.’ Your account will be set up within seconds.
    Create an Account
  3. Deposit Funds & Claim Bonus

    After signing in to your newly-created account, you’ll be taken to the ‘Cashier’ page to make a deposit. If you deposit a minimum of $50 and enter the promo code ‘FREE250,’ you’ll receive a welcome offer worth up to $250 in free bets.
    Deposit Funds & Claim Bonus
  4. Start Playing

    Navigate to the BetOnline ‘Sports’ section, make your bet selections, and select ‘Place Bet’ to make your first bet. Wait for the outcome of the bet, and if it is successful, proceed to cash out your winnings.
    Start Playing

Best Sports Betting Site in Kentucky 2024

Sports betting in Kentucky is available online and in person. Also, the hosts of the famous Kentucky Derby allow wagering on horse racing. Gambling on college teams and athletes is permitted as well. Additionally, with no laws explicitly addressing daily fantasy sports, DFS platforms operate in KY.

For the best Kentucky sports betting experience, we recommend using BetOnline. The Panama-licensed sportsbook provides a range of betting lines across all major KY sports, offers competitive betting odds, and offers generous promotions. Furthermore, live betting options, odds boosters, and parlays are available.

KY Sports Betting FAQs

When will sports betting be legal in Kentucky?

Can you sports bet in Kentucky?

Which sportsbooks are legal in KY?

Are there any retail sports betting locations in Kentucky?

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