Online Gambling in Kentucky: Guide to Top Sites in 2024

If you’re looking for the best platforms for online gambling in Kentucky, you’ve come to the right place. We regularly monitor all the changes in regulations and rank the top sports betting, DFS, and lottery platforms. We look at criteria such as lucrative bonuses and promotions, app interface, and more. Use our list to pick the best gambling site for you.

Matt Speakman, Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Matt Speakman is a Connecticut-born and raised betting expert with a soft spot for the Patriots. He is also a proud member of the online-gambling.com team. You can read his articles on a broad range of topics, including sports betting and DFS.

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Online Gambling Sites in Kentucky – Top Products

To engage in legal online gambling in Kentucky, you need to find a platform licensed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. However, we know that picking an operator that suits your unique needs is more complex. To facilitate the decision process, we’ve examined the legality of various gambling products and the most appealing features of betting sites.

Online Sportsbooks

On March 31, 2023, Kentucky became the 37th state to legalize sports betting.^[1] As a result, horse racing tracks were allowed to operate retail betting lounges and online betting platforms. Since then, one sportsbook has risen above the competition by offering more than 20 sports, daily odds boosts, detailed live stats, and many more unique benefits.

After a lengthy legal battle, online sports betting in Kentucky is finally a reality. If you’re 18 or older and have selected a licensed platform, you can bet on US and international sports events. In addition, the top sites provide access to college leagues from the NCAA, niche markets Jai Alai, and other KHRC-approved events.

Daily Fantasy Sports

The legality of DFS in Kentucky is a grey area, as a bill to legalize the activity gained the majority favor in the House vote but didn’t receive enough support from the Senate. Currently, the local authorities don’t outlaw this game of skill. Until further rulings are made, players can participate in daily fantasy sports competitions. Just make sure to pick a reputable platform.

Despite the controversy over some gambling regulations in Kentucky, most reputable operators in the state have daily fantasy sports platforms. These best DFS sites in KY organize popular tournaments and cover various leagues, including the NHL, NFL, NBA, and many others. They also offer competitive bonuses, fast withdrawals, and innovative apps.

Online Lottery

Although Kentucky has some of the strictest gambling laws in the US, it’s somewhat ahead of the curve regarding online lottery options. Many states have a lottery but do not allow residents to purchase tickets via the official website. In the Bluegrass State, the situation is in online players’ favor.

Furthermore, the online lottery in Kentucky offers downloadable apps, unique deposit promotions, and instant-play games. Players can also purchase tickets for popular draw lotteries like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Kentucky Cash Ball lotteries without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Online Casinos

There used to be over 100 Kentucky online casinos, but in 2008 all of them were seized by the state, which declared that they offered unlawful forms of gambling. Currently, casinos are still illegal in the Bluegrass State, but you could try instant racing machines, which are very similar to slots, at one of the local land-based racinos.

Online Poker

Although some consider poker a game of skill, the KY legislature doesn’t see it this way. Players can try online poker, but only in social casinos. Currently, real money play is unavailable, but that may change in the future. As sports betting has been approved recently, we won’t be surprised if legislators also authorize other forms of online gambling.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in Kentucky

The best Kentucky gambling sites we’ve selected provide generous yet fair bonuses. Their competitive welcome offers are a key reason they’ve received such high ratings, as most players look for a boost when they first start betting online. Bookmakers and DFS platforms can provide that while keeping the wagering requirements low, the validity long, and the minimum deposit from $5 to $20.

You should also consider what type of promotion you are claiming and which gambling products it’s valid for. If you are a beginner or need clarification on the bonus aspects you need to examine to find a suitable offer, we’re here to help. Our experts deeply understand essential terms like wagering requirements, validity, and contribution and have explained them in relation to a few types of bonuses.

Deposit Bonuses

This type of promotion is only available to new players. To claim it, you need to register at one of the best Kentucky online gambling sites and meet the minimum deposit requirements. In return, most operators will offer you a 100% bonus match that you can use to wager on various sports. However, bets on niche markets and events might not contribute towards meeting the wagering requirements, so read the terms and conditions carefully.

No Deposit Bonuses

There are also offers that allow you to claim a bonus without depositing real money. They’re known as no-deposit bonuses and are pretty rare. However, a few DFS and sports betting operators in Kentucky can grant them to new players who have just registered. Just remember that this is not a gift, and wagering requirements apply.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

If you prefer to play on your phone, you have two options – download a native app or access the gambling platform through a mobile browser. Most betting apps we examined are available for iOS and Android, so device compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. You just have to pick an app that runs smoothly, has intuitive navigation, and offers easy mobile payments.

The operator highlighted in this section provides an excellent example of a sportsbook app offering all these benefits. While testing it, we established that it loads quickly and experiences no lag, even when updating live betting stats. The app also provides some excellent bonuses for new and existing players, as well as benefits like biometrics login and custom notifications.

Live Gambling in Kentucky

According to the local gambling laws, live online casinos are illegal. That means you can’t play real dealer games like roulette, blackjack, or baccarat online or in person – at least not for real money. Currently, the only form of real-time gambling you can engage in on the Internet is live betting.

Sportsbooks will allow you to wager on events that are already taking place and provide live stats for each game. It’s a more dynamic form of betting, but keep in mind that the constantly changing odds might also be harder to track and analyze. That’s why we advise beginners to familiarize themselves with the platform and the bet types it offers before starting with live betting.

Furthermore, some online gambling sites in Kentucky will let you modify the settings for in-play betting when it comes to odds changes. That’s why you need to be aware of what you prefer – automatically accepting all odds changes, accepting only higher odds, or always being asked for approval.

Deposits & Withdrawals

The best Kentucky gambling sites provide multiple trusted payment methods. Being partnered with popular e-wallets like Paypal and debit card providers like Visa is a sign the betting site has solid SSL encryption and proper safety measures.

In addition to offering payment method diversity, a top-rated operator should also offer excellent payout terms. For example, it’s normal for betting sites to require a minimum deposit of $5 to $20, but when it comes to cashouts we give higher scores to operators that set no limits. We also try to only recommend platforms with fast processing.

Odds & Payouts

One essential step when gambling with real money is finding an operator with good payouts. However, this is more relevant when it comes to rating the best slot sites in the US, as they focus on games, which have RTP rates. Understanding the sports odds is much more critical in the Kentucky gambling market, which consists predominantly of betting sites.

In short, they express the likelihood of outcomes in a sports event and are typically represented as fractions or decimals. Meanwhile, the payout rate of a casino game indicates the expected return to players over an extended period. Both are theoretical figures, but while RTP rates are set, sports odds are dynamic and can fluctuate based on betting activity.

You can use the average payout rates we’ve outlined to orientate towards a market that experts consider more favorable overall. However, no operator provides a guarantee of winning, and you should make betting decisions after examining factors such as team/player statistics, head-to-head records, lineups and tactics, public perception, and so on.

How to Gamble Online in Kentucky

Online sports betting was only recently legalized in Kentucky, and even though DFS platforms have been around for some time, it’s normal to need clarification on how to register and start playing. The most crucial step is choosing a licensed operator, but in this section, you can also find detailed guidance on what comes after you register.

A good strategy for beginners is to start by placing small bets. Taking it slow and giving yourself time to learn about the betting market in Kentucky will help you avoid unpleasant situations and developing unhealthy gambling habits. Remember that playing should be for fun. We advise you to always stick to a budget and only bet what you can afford.

Advantages of Online Gambling in KY

Legal online gambling in Kentucky offers much convenience, especially if you don’t have any land-based betting venues in your area. With a good Internet connection, you can play from any location and claim generous bonuses. Of course, land-based gambling has pros, so we’ve compared the two to help you discover which suits you better.

Naturally, offline gambling provides more opportunities to interact with others, and winnings are paid out instantly. However, with the advancement in online gambling technology, modern operators can almost match the speed of transactions. In addition, mobile gaming allows players to bet while out with friends and watching a game in real-time, so the social aspect can also be replicated.

Land-Based Sportsbooks, Racetracks & Lottery Retailers

The oldest form of gambling in the state was horse racing. The first Kentucky Derby took place in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville.^[2] Famous as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the event is held annually on the first Saturday of May and enjoys wide popularity in the US.

Besides Churchill Downs, there are six other racetracks in Kentucky. Oak Grove Racing & Gaming, Keeneland in Lexington, and Kentucky Downs in Franklin are among the state’s most popular horse racing venues. If you want to place a wager, you can also visit The Red Mile in Lexington, Turfway Park in Florence, and Ellis Park in Henderson.

Retail sportsbooks will be open soon as well. According to the news, Lexington’s Keeneland Racetrack and Red Mile Gaming & Racing will partner with Caesars Sportsbook to introduce in-house sports betting in the state.^[3] The legislators have agreed that Kentucky can host up to 27 betting venues, while the online gambling platforms shouldn’t be over 3 per track.

Kentucky Gambling Laws

Local gamblers may not have access to the best roulette sites in the US, real money poker platforms or any other casinos, but at least they can easily visit some of the most iconic racetracks in history. In addition, racinos offer instant racing machines that resemble slots, so there are alternatives you can take advantage of.

However, if land-based gaming is not for you, you have a few options for online gambling in Kentucky. In 2023, sportsbook sites became legal, so betting on the NFL, NBA, NHL, and other famous leagues is the first one. DFS platforms are also available, even though their legality is a bit of a grey area.

Finally, since 2016, you can play the Kentucky lottery online. The best part is that residents can purchase tickets both on desktop and mobile. The state lottery has developed a sophisticated app that allows you to buy tickets, claim exclusive second-chance promotions, find the nearest retailers, and store your favorite wagers.

Gambling Guides for Other States

• IN Online Gambling Guide
• TN Online Gambling Guide
• OH Online Gambling Guide
• WV Online Gambling Guide

History of Gambling in Kentucky

Since the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875, the Bluegrass State has maintained a close relationship with the sport. Pari-mutuel betting is prevalent, but this wasn’t always the case. In 1931, a ban on horse racing was proposed, but the state courts vetoed it. Today, horse races, online sportsbooks, DFS platforms, and the lottery are legal.

In 2023, local players welcomed the long-awaited legalization of sports betting. You can now bet at online gambling sites in Kentucky or at retail sportsbooks. However, casinos remain strictly forbidden, except for a few charitable and fund-raising games, the Kentucky Lottery, and instant racing machines at racetracks.

State Facts & Statistics

It is almost impossible to choose one thing that Kentucky is known for. Once famous for its dueling, the state has since emerged as one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing destinations. In addition, some of the most iconic baseball bats of all time are produced in Louisville.

Legal Gambling Age in the State

Kentucky has a few legal forms of gambling, and these come with age restrictions. To wager on sports, play the lottery, or place a bet on a horse race, players must be at least 18 years of age. However, players must be at least 21 to enter a racino like Kentucky Downs. It is common for states to have two minimum ages, especially in places that sell alcohol on casino floors.

• Legal Gambling Age
  You must be at least 18 to play lotteries or place bets and 21 to enter a racino.
• Legal Drinking Age
  The legal drinking age in Kentucky is 21 years or over.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Currently, possessing weed is illegal. In 2025, the medical use of cannabis in KY will be allowed.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

Gambling can be fun, but only when done responsibly. If you don’t follow the guidelines set by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, the experience can have adverse effects on your mental and financial health. Therefore, we encourage you to stick to a predetermined budget and avoid chasing losses.

If you already struggle with problem gambling, you can seek support from popular responsible gambling organizations like Gamblers Anonymous. It organizes regular meetings in Louisville, Lexington, and Florence for those who want to change their gaming habits and life for the better.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

Changing laws in America takes time, but Kentucky is steadily moving toward offering more gambling options to state residents. For example, 2023 marked a new beginning with the authorization of sports betting. We expect the local market to continue to develop as the launch of several retail sportsbooks and top legal gambling sites has been announced.

Unfortunately, there is no news about the legalization of casinos or online poker, but we’ll let you know if that changes. Our team stays up-to-date with all new or proposed KY gambling laws, so you can trust us to have accurate information.

References

1. Government of Kentucky, (03/31/2023), Gov. Beshear Signs Historic Legislation Legalizing Sports Betting, Retrieved December 13, 2023.
2. Library of Congress, (2015), The First Derby Day, Retrieved December 13, 2023.
3. Clay, John, (05/16/2023), Keeneland announces deal with Caesars Sportsbook to be sports gambling platform, Retrieved December 13, 2023.