Kentucky Sports Betting: Legal KY Sportsbooks & Legislation Updates
Kentucky sports betting is legal and live. Online sportsbooks launched on Sept. 28, 2023, and eight apps, including DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Circa, and Caesars, now offer sign-up bonuses and promotions to new users in the state.
Both online and retail sports betting are available throughout Kentucky, with the state launching in-person betting on Sept. 7. Read on for the latest news and information on Kentucky sports betting, including how to sign up, reviews of the top online sportsbooks, and more.
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Kentucky sports betting brings together a new online wagering market and one of the country’s most historic horse racing states. Bettors can choose from legal betting sites such as BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, DraftKings, and more, as mobile betting is available statewide. There are also plenty of retail sportsbooks tied to the state’s racetracks and gaming venues.
Best Kentucky sports betting apps June 2026
With sports betting live in Kentucky, you can sign up at various online sportsbooks below. State regulations require bettors to be 18 or older, but most online sports betting sites in Kentucky require their customers to be 21 or older. Prediction markets, daily fantasy, and horse racing is also available in the state.
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Kentucky sports betting snapshot
| Is sports betting legal in Kentucky? | Yes. Legislation passed in March 2023, and online betting launched on Sept. 28. |
| What legal sports betting sites are live in Kentucky? | DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, ESPN Bet, Circa, BetMGM, Fanatics, and Caesars are live in Kentucky. |
| What sports are legal to bet on in Kentucky? | Bettors can wager on pro leagues as well as college sports. The state does not allow betting on high school sports. |
| Who can bet on sports in Kentucky? | Anyone older than 18 and inside state lines can legally bet under state law. However, some sports betting sites require users to be 21 or older. |
| Who regulates Kentucky sports betting? | The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation |
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky sports betting is legal both online and at in-person locations. Retail sports betting launched in the state on Sept. 7, 2023, followed by online and mobile betting on Sept. 28.
Comparing the top sports betting sites in Kentucky
With up to three online sportsbook skins available for each of Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks, there could one day be as many as 27 sports betting apps in the state. Eight such platforms are live.
Here is a breakdown of the top legal Kentucky sportsbook apps and the best sportsbook promos from each:
- Best for promotions: Caesars. Many sportsbooks offer bonuses or rewards, but Caesars offers a combination of promos, bonuses, and odds boosts few sportsbooks can match. The Caesars Rewards loyalty program is an added perk that lets new and existing users collect credits to use on the app or at Caesars hotels and casinos.
- Best NFL betting site: FanDuel. One of the most popular sports betting apps nationwide, FanDuel’s simplicity is one of its strongest selling points. New users can navigate the app easily, and existing users receive a fast, intuitive experience. On top of that, FanDuel has some of the most competitive NFL odds and a deep list of available prop markets.
- Best for live betting: DraftKings. DraftKings has a few features that make it stand out, including its free-to-play betting pools. But one of the app’s main calling cards is its menu of live betting options.
- Best for available sports: BetMGM and bet365. Both of these regularly offer betting on niche sports like darts, cornhole, lacrosse, and snooker as well as all the major sports.
1. BetMGM Kentucky
One of the top options for sports bettors in multiple states, BetMGM Sportsbook is also available in Kentucky, with a welcome bonus for new customers. BetMGM is partnered with Sandy’s Gaming and Racing in the state and combines a well-known name in gambling with an intuitive app that provides bettors with competitive odds and some unique features. The “edit my bet” function adds a level of flexibility.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Flexibility before and after placing bets
- Best feature: Edit My Bet
- Retail partner: Sandy’s Gaming and Racing
- Welcome bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. Use the BetMGM bonus code BETLSR.
2. Bet365 Kentucky
Bet365 Sportsbook partnered with Sandy’s Gaming and Racing to operate in Kentucky and offers two welcome bonus options for new users. Already a well-known sportsbook worldwide, bet365 is expanding in the US and offering a user-friendly app, daily odds boosts, and display personalization. Though easy to use, the app can sometimes be buggy when navigating between sections.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds and an easy-to-use app
- Best feature: Personalized display
- Retail partner: Sandy’s Gaming and Racing
- Welcome bonus: Bet $10, Get $365 in bonus bets win or lose with the bet365 bonus code LSRBET.
3. FanDuel Kentucky
One of the top sports betting sites on the market today, the FanDuel Sportsbook promo for Kentucky bettors offers a chance at up to $350 in bonus bets. The online sportsbook also offers an intuitive app for beginning and veteran bettors. With some of the most competitive odds around, FanDuel is a top choice for many, with its same-game parlay feature being particularly popular. FanDuel should also have a large presence in Kentucky, having already partnered with two of Churchill Downs’ racetracks.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: User-friendly app
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- Retail partner: Churchill Downs
- Welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $350 in bonus bets if your bet wins. No code necessary; click to claim.
4. Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky
Launched alongside the other original sportsbooks in Kentucky, Fanatics Sportsbook is partnered with Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel as its retail partner in the state.
One of the newer sports betting apps in the market, Fanatics Sportsbook launched with some interesting features for new users. FanCash, the sportsbook’s loyalty program, allows bettors to build up extra funds as they bet. Customers can then redeem those funds for bonus bets at the sportsbook or to buy merchandise on the Fanatics retail site. The “Discover” page also curates a sports betting experience for each user. Same-game parlays are also available.
While reviews of Fanatics’ customer service are generally positive, the app can sometimes be quite buggy and slow, and user reviews also reflect those overall usability issues.
- App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: New app with interesting features
- Best feature: FanCash
- Fanatics Sportsbook promo: Bet and get up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets. No code necessary; click to claim.
5. DraftKings Kentucky
Already known to Kentuckians for its daily fantasy offerings, DraftKings Sportsbook is also one of the top sports betting platforms in the country. Regarding the app, DraftKings’ pools feature allows bettors to compete in tournament-like events with friends, and its live-betting offerings are among the best in class. The DraftKings promo code for new users also provides access to up to $1,200, one of the highest maximums in KY. DraftKings is partnered with the Cumberland Run racing track in Kentucky.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Contains a few features unique to DraftKings
- Best feature: Live betting
- Retail partner: Cumberland Run
- Welcome bonus: Up to $1,200 in bonuses. No code necessary; click to claim.
6. Caesars Kentucky
Already a recognizable hotel/casino brand, Caesars Sportsbook offers one of the best apps in the country, headlined by the Caesars Rewards program. The sports betting app lacks some of the flash of some competitors, but it makes up for it by offering plenty of promotions and bonuses for bettors. Caesars has a promotion for Kentucky bettors available now with the code LSRDYW.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Promotions and bonuses are usually top-of-class.
- Best feature: Caesars Rewards
- Retail partner: Red Mile Racing
- Welcome bonus: Bet $1, double your winnings on next 10 wagers; use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSRDYW.
How to get started with the best Kentucky sportsbook bonuses
No matter which legal Kentucky sportsbook app you ultimately choose, the process of getting started will be pretty much the same and should be quick and easy. Here’s what to do:
- Download and install the app on your mobile device.
- Register for an account.
- Add money to your account.
- Place your first wager.
Types of bonuses and promotions
Although sportsbook promos can change often, they usually fall into one of the categories listed below. It’s also helpful for bettors to know about the types of bonuses and promos, what each term means, and how they work. Here are some of the most common promos that you’ll come across:
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook will match a deposit — generally the first — up to a certain amount in site credits. Those credits are for use on the sports betting site, and you will not be able to withdraw the credits as cash until you complete a playthrough requirement.
- Odds boost: An odds boost means that the book is taking the initial line and increasing the odds to make the potential return more appealing for bettors. Boosts can be applied to any bet, and the sportsbook will usually select a few each day to boost and feature.
- First bet promo: You must place a first wager that meets the sportsbook’s conditions. If you lose, the sportsbook will give you credits equal to your bet, which you can use to wager again. You may need to complete a playthrough to withdraw the bonus funds. If you win the initial bet, you receive no bonus, but you still collect the profit from your win as normal.
- Rewards programs: Receive points for each dollar you wager. Depending on the sportsbook and the program, you may be able to redeem these points for anything from more bets to branded merchandise to casino and hotel perks.
Complete list of Kentucky sports betting sites
Below is a chart showing the approved online sportsbooks in Kentucky and their retail partners. This list will change as more sports betting sites strike deals in the state. Currently, one of the biggest ommissions is BetRivers Sportsbook. As of June 2026, eight sports betting apps have received approval for licenses in Kentucky.
| Sports betting site | Racetrack Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Sandy’s Racing & Gaming | Live for mobile |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Sandy’s Racing & Gaming | Live for mobile |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Red Mile Racing | Live for mobile and retail |
| Circa Sportsbook | Cumberland Run | Live for mobile |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Cumberland Run | Live for mobile and retail |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel | Live for mobile |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Churchill Downs | Live for mobile |
| ESPN Bet | Ellis Park Racing & Gaming | Live for mobile |
More Kentucky Betting Sites
Sports betting may grab most of the headlines, but it’s far from the only wagering option available in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky residents can also participate in fantasy contests, prediction markets, and the horse racing industry that has long been part of the state’s identity.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Kentucky
Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Kentucky. Players can enter traditional fantasy contests and pick’em-style games through a variety of operators, including DraftKings DFS, FanDuel Fantasy, Sleeper, Betr Picks, and other fantasy sports platforms.
Prediction Markets in Kentucky
Prediction markets are accessible to Kentucky residents through platforms such as FanDuel Predicts, Polymarket, and Kalshi. These services allow users to trade contracts tied to future outcomes in sports, politics, economics, and other events rather than placing traditional sportsbook wagers.
Parimutuel Betting in Kentucky
Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is fully legal in Kentucky and has deep roots in the state’s horse racing industry. Residents can bet on races at iconic tracks such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Turfway Park, while online racebooks like FanDuel Racing provide access to horse racing from Kentucky and around the world.
Kentucky horse betting
Horse racing is woven into Kentucky’s identity in a way that few sports are anywhere else in the United States. The Commonwealth is widely regarded as the center of the American horse racing industry, producing some of the sport’s most famous races, breeding operations, and wagering events. Every spring, the Kentucky Derby attracts a global audience and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in betting activity, making it one of the largest wagering events on the racing calendar.
Everyone knows Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. The 2026 edition continued the race’s status as the crown jewel of American horse racing, drawing national attention to Churchill Downs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in wagering activity across legal betting platforms. As the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby remains one of the biggest annual betting events in both horse racing and the broader gambling industry.
Churchill Downs may be the state’s most recognizable track, but Kentucky’s horse racing footprint extends well beyond Louisville. Keeneland in Lexington is one of the country’s premier thoroughbred venues, while Turfway Park, Ellis Park, The Red Mile, and Kentucky Downs all play important roles in the state’s racing ecosystem.
Bettors can wager in person at racetracks and simulcast facilities throughout Kentucky or use online racebooks such as FanDuel Racing and TwinSpires to bet on races from around the world. The state’s deep racing tradition also helped pave the way for legal sports betting, as Kentucky’s racetracks serve as the foundation of its regulated sports wagering market.
Kentucky sports betting law
Under the new Kentucky sports betting law, the market had to go live within six months of the legislation’s effective date. With the effective date of June 28, 2023, the state had until Dec. 28 to get sports betting off the ground. Regulators later announced launch dates of Sept. 7 for retail betting and Sept. 28 for online sports betting.
Sports betting bill HB 551 passed in the Kentucky Senate by a 25-12 vote on the last day of the legislative session, effectively legalizing sports betting in the state. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the bill fewer than 24 hours after passage. Below are a few of the critical features of the bill:
- Legislators gave Kentucky’s nine horse racing tracks sports betting licenses. Each track is allowed up to three online skins, meaning there could be as many as 27 online sportsbooks in the state down the road.
- Bettors can place their bets at any of the approved retail locations and on licensed websites and apps from anywhere in the state.
- The bill lists a tax of 14.25% for online sportsbooks and 9.75% on in-person sports betting revenue. Unlike previous bills, HB 551 dropped online poker and daily fantasy sports.
- Betting on most college and professional sports is legal. Betting on youth sports is not.
- The state will use 2.5% of the money that it raises through sports-betting taxes for addiction-related treatment and education. Whatever money is left over — after the state pays for the operating costs — will go to the state’s pensions.
- BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, FanDuel, and Fanatics require bettors to be 21 or older, while DraftKings, bet365, and Churchill Downs keep the minimum age at 18.
Popular sports to bet on in Kentucky
College basketball is king in Kentucky, with two prestigious programs at the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.
Original versions of Kentucky sports betting bills prohibited betting on in-state college teams, but legislators removed that clause from the final bill.
There are no major professional sports teams in Kentucky, but the NFL is still quite popular in the state. As a result, Cincinnati Bengals odds and Indianapolis Colts odds are among the most popular options at sportsbooks. Here are some of Kentucky’s favorite pro teams:
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts
MLB: Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals
NBA: Indiana Pacers
NHL: Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues
Retail sports betting locations in Kentucky
Kentucky’s retail sports betting market is built around the state’s horse racing industry, with sportsbooks operating at racetracks and affiliated gaming facilities across the Commonwealth. Bettors can place wagers in person at the following locations:
- Derby City Gaming & Hotel (4520 Poplar Level Road, Louisville)
- Derby City Gaming Downtown (140 S. 4th St., Louisville)
- Ellis Park Racing & Gaming (3300 US Highway 41 N., Henderson)
- The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland (244 Penny Lane, Williamsburg)
- The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run (777 Winners Lane, Corbin)
- Newport Racing & Gaming (1723 Monmouth St., Newport)
- Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (777 Winners Way, Oak Grove)
- The Red Mile (1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington)
- Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (7500 Turfway Road, Florence)
Coming soon: Sandy’s Gaming and Racing in Ashland and Ellis Park in Owensboro.
What’s happening in Kentucky sports betting right now
Kentucky’s sports betting market continues to mature following its 2023 launch, with online sportsbooks now firmly established across the state. Major operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, bet365, and Circa Sportsbook continue competing for bettors through promotions, rewards programs, and expanded betting offerings.
The state’s horse racing industry remains closely tied to sports betting, with racetracks serving as the foundation of Kentucky’s regulatory framework. As the market develops, regulators continue to oversee both retail and mobile wagering while operators work to expand their presence through partnerships with Kentucky’s racing and gaming facilities.
Kentucky sports betting timeline
- 2026: Kentucky enters its third full year of legal sports betting, with online and retail sportsbooks operating across the Commonwealth through partnerships with the state’s horse racing industry. Mobile wagering continues to drive the majority of betting activity.
- 2025: Kentucky’s sports betting market continues to expand as operators compete for customers through promotions, rewards programs, and new betting features. The state further integrates sports wagering into its broader gaming and horse racing ecosystem.
- 2024: Circa Sportsbook launches in Kentucky, while additional operators and retail locations continue to expand the market. Lawmakers also approve changes that create an independent regulatory structure for sports betting oversight.
- 2023: Kentucky finally legalizes sports betting when HB 551 passes on the final day of the legislative session. Gov. Andy Beshear signs the bill into law, retail sportsbooks launch on Sept. 7, and online sports betting follows on Sept. 28 with eight operators entering the market.
- 2022: Rep. Adam Koenig’s sports betting bill becomes the first such proposal to pass a chamber of the Kentucky Legislature. The House approves HB 606, but the measure stalls in the Senate before the session ends.
- 2021: Beshear again voices support for sports betting, yet multiple legalization proposals fail to gain traction as lawmakers remain divided on gambling expansion.
- 2020: Gov. Andy Beshear publicly endorses sports betting legalization and backs Rep. Adam Koenig’s HB 137, but despite committee approval and growing momentum, the bill stalls before reaching a floor vote.
- 2019: Kentucky lawmakers introduce several sports betting bills, including a proposal from Rep. Adam Koenig that combines sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and online poker. None of the measures receive enough support to pass.
- 2018: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA, Kentucky establishes a legislative work group to study sports betting regulation and develop recommendations for a potential legal market.
- 2017: Sen. Julian Carroll introduces one of Kentucky’s first modern sports betting bills. The proposal would have placed sports betting under the oversight of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and helped lay the groundwork for future legalization efforts.
Kentucky sports betting FAQ
Yes. Sports betting is legal online and in person at several locations in Kentucky. In-person sports betting launched in the state on Sept. 7, 2023, and online sports betting followed on Sept. 28.
Bettors can place wagers on legal Kentucky sports betting apps from anywhere in the state.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees sports betting in the state.
Yes. Whether you want to bet on Kentucky Wildcats basketball or Louisville Cardinals football, in-state colleges are a part of the approved menu of sporting events in Kentucky. See the entire catalog here.
The minimum gambling age is 18. Although it’s not clear or explicit, the reason behind the 18-year-old requirement is likely the dominance of horse racing and wagering in the state, which only requires bettors to be 18. Most Kentucky sportsbooks, however, maintain the more widely used legal age of 21.
No. Currently, no sportsbooks are licensed at the federal level in the US, only at the state level. Any website that suggests betting from anywhere in the US is allowed is a website that operates offshore. It is not legal for those sites to accept bets from US citizens, and such sites offer no protection to those who bet on them.