Kentucky Sports Betting: The Best KY Sportsbooks for 2024

Kentucky joined the ranks of states legalizing betting on sports as Governor Andy Beshear gave the green light to HB 551. Signed into law on March 31, the Bill made the Bluegrass State the 37th state to legalize this form of gambling. We will share the latest information on the best Kentucky betting sites.

As per the law, the first Kentucky sportsbooks are expected to launch by the end of the year. This development is highly anticipated by sports enthusiasts in the state who will soon have the opportunity to place bets on sports teams in a regulated environment. The top online platforms in KY are:

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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Top Kentucky Betting Sites by Category

When it comes to online sports betting in Kentucky, several websites stand out in different categories. These sites now have legal permission to operate in the state, and that allows them to bring to the table unique features and options for bettors. Here are the top Kentucky betting sites by category:

Remember to research and compare each site based on your specific requirements, such as promotions, user interface, customer support, and banking options, to find the one that suits you best. You can also follow our lead and learn the fine points of how to do such an analysis yourself.

Sports to Bet on: Top Leagues and Teams

The Kentucky sports betting sites allow enthusiasts to engage in various wagering activities. While most major sports and leagues are available for betting, it’s important to note that restrictions may apply. Even so, there’s no ban on placing wagers on college sports, just as is the case with many other top-rated betting sites in the United States.

The most important sports and leagues commonly offered for betting include professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, along with college sports such as NCAA basketball and football. However, horse racing is another avenue that brings great betting options of its own.

1. Basketball Betting – NBA, WNBA & More

The major basketball events and leagues are on the sports gambling map of Kentucky. Popular teams include the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals. Though having no NBA team, doesn’t make the Bluegrass State any worse for betting on this and other basketball leagues.

The Kentucky Wildcats have a rich basketball tradition, boasting numerous conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and national championships. They have won a record-setting eight NCAA championships and are one of the preferred wagering options for Kentucky online sportsbooks and gamblers alike.

2. Horse Racing Betting – Kentucky Derby, and More

Horse racing betting in Kentucky is legal and highly popular. Kentucky is renowned for its rich horse racing heritage, hosting prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. There are many more races you could speculate about and even watch online.

Kentucky has a long and storied history in horse racing, producing some of the most iconic and successful racehorses in the sport. Authentic, trained by Bob Baffert, won the 2020 Kentucky Derby and is one of the candidates for bettors’ trust, but there are many other great horses to wager on.

3. Football Betting – NFL, NCAA, and Others

The legal sports betting sites in Kentucky also make gambling on football events possible. This means that individuals in the state can engage in wagering on NFL matchups, including placing bets on point spreads, over/under totals, and player props.

The state has a passionate NFL fan base. The most popular NFL teams among football fans in Kentucky tend to be regional favorites, such as the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts.

4. Baseball Betting – MLB, NPB, KBO, and More

The Kentucky betting sites are welcoming of gamblers who want to make predictions on baseball events. Outright wagers on Major League Baseball (MLB) are also a possibility. Alternatively, you can try and predict the outcome of single games and even stack up several predictions in one betting slip.

Kentucky residents can enjoy betting options such as moneyline, run line, totals, and player props. The University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals have notable baseball programs that also present a good opportunity for sports gamblers.

5. Ice Hockey Betting – NHL, ECHL, and Louisville Panthers

If ice hockey is your game, you can opt for the best sports betting app in Kentucky or a a website alternative to wager on the sport. This is a wide market that gives you the chance to back predictions on the NHL and the Canadian Hockey League.

The state has seen an increase in interest and support for the sport in recent years. This is primarily due to the presence of the Louisville-based professional ice hockey team, the Louisville Panthers, who play in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League). The team’s games have attracted local fans and contributed to the growth of hockey’s popularity in the region.

Top Kentucky Betting App

Betting apps are revolutionizing the way people in the state engage in this kind of gambling. With the convenience of mobile platforms, bettors can access a wide range of markets, place wagers, and track their bets on the go. Licensed and regulated Kentucky sports betting apps provide a secure and user-friendly experience, allowing residents to enjoy their time.

Furthermore, these apps offer features like live betting, in-depth statistics, and competitive odds, making the overall betting experience that much better. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or other sports, the apps in Kentucky provide a convenient and exciting way to participate in legal wagering. Here’s the best app for that:

KY Sports Gambling Bonuses and Promotions

Unlocking exciting bonuses and promotions by Kentucky sportsbooks is very normal nowadays. These exclusive offers provide extra value and incentives for bettors in the state. From welcome bonuses to free bets and enhanced odds, these promotions give you an edge when placing your wagers. Take a look at the best offers for KY sports gamblers:

Whether you’re a new or existing customer, the top Kentucky sports betting sites reward you with offers, tailored to make your gambling experience better. After a closer look at the terms and conditions, we selected one offer as the best. More details are available in the table below:

Free Sports Betting with No Deposit – Are There Any Offers?

No deposit bonuses and free bets are enticing incentives that can make your sports betting experience in Kentucky more worthwhile. Keep in mind that such offers are a rare sight, as most online betting sites want to connect their bonuses with a real money deposit.

Nevertheless, such offers do exist, so always make sure to look at the promotional pages of the operators to see if a no deposit bonus is available. Normally, such promotions pop up when there are some kind of major sporting events.

Rest assured that we are diligently monitoring the market for any new no deposit bonuses and free bet offers in KY. We value your experience and will promptly update our information as soon as any such offers become available. Keep checking back for the latest updates and exciting promotions to enhance your betting journey.

Banking Methods

Picking a safe online sports betting site in Kentucky will enable you to access a number of convenient banking methods. From traditional methods like credit/debit cards and bank transfers to modern alternatives like e-wallets and prepaid cards, you have a range of choices to fund your betting account.

These reliable payment methods ensure seamless transactions and allow you to deposit and withdraw funds from sites for online sports betting in Kentucky. With multiple options available, you can choose the payment method that suits your preferences and enjoy smooth banking and gambling online.

Betting on Live Sports from Kentucky

The pulse-pounding world of live sports betting is one of the most exciting ways to place wagers. A safe online sports betting site in Kentucky can more than enable you to wager in real-time. What’s more, you can find good value if you are quick enough and can read the game well.

Capture the moment and seize betting opportunities with dynamic odds and a vast array of wagering options if you are up to the challenge. From predicting game-changing plays to backing your favorite athletes, live sports betting in KY offers an electrifying experience for shrewd gamblers.

Betting Shops in the State

The reforms brought by HB 551 come into effect on June 28 of this year and when that happens, there will be a six-month period in which all prospective sportsbooks will have to partner with a regulated racetrack. As is, you can place bets on horse races if you go to one of the popular racetracks.

During this transition period, it’s likely that placing bets on horse races will continue to be available at these popular racetracks. This arrangement can provide an opportunity for bettors to enjoy both horse racing and sports betting under one roof, by means of one of the sports betting apps in Kentucky.

Sports Betting Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky is set to embrace legal sports betting in June of 2023. On June 28, a six-month period will get underway, during which new sportsbooks will get established and licensed for operation. So far, the most significant event that spearheaded this sports betting reform was the signing of HB 551.

This was done by Gov. Andy Beshear on March 31 this year. One of the important things we know for now is that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will be in charge of licensing and regulation. However, as of now, there are no KY online casinos to speak of.

Legal Online Sports Betting Age in Kentucky

Strictly enforced regulations ensure that gambling is limited to individuals of legal age. As per Bill 551, the sports gambling age will be set at 21. Overstepping the law will not be taken lightly because of the narrow focus on responsible gambling. The same age restriction applies to drinking alcohol.

• Sports Betting Age
  The sports betting age in the state of Kentucky is 21.
• Legal Drinking Age
  You can drink legally in Kentucky only if you are 21 or older.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Only medical marijuana is legal in the state and to people 21 or older.

Sports Betting Taxes in Kentucky

As reported on the Kentucky government website, the new bill will introduce new excise tax of 9.75% for in-person wagers and 14.25% for online wagers. That amount is taxed on the adjusted gross revenues from betting. Tax money is believed to bring an estimated $23 million in revenue.

Upsides of Legal Sports Betting

The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky offers several advantages for the state. It can stimulate the economy by creating jobs and generating tax revenue. Sports betting can also attract tourists, benefiting the hospitality and tourism industries. The best part for regular gamblers is that regulation will ensure consumer protection, providing a safe and fair betting environment.

Additionally, legal sports betting enhances the overall sports experience, adding excitement and engagement for fans. By implementing responsible gambling practices, Kentucky can harness these benefits and establish a thriving sports betting industry that contributes to the state’s economy while prioritizing consumer well-being.

State History of Sports Betting

In 2023, Rep. Michael Meredith introduced HB 551, which was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Beshear. Online sports betting in Kentucky is set to commence later this year, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward legalization. Here’s an overview of the history of KY sports gambling.

Legality of Online Sports Betting Outside the State

The state of Kentucky is home to a few million people, and some of them, we are sure, are impatient to start betting on sports. The good news is that among the neighboring states, six out of the seven have already embraced online betting, namely Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Our Illinois online sports betting guide talks about yet another one of the states with legal online sportsbooks.

These adjacent states have already implemented online betting platforms, allowing their residents to engage in this form of gambling through digital means. However, Bluegrass State is well on its way to doing the same and offering its residents the ability to gamble at Kentucky sports betting sites.

Upcoming Regulation Changes

Stay tuned for forthcoming updates in the realm of online betting regulations. While specific changes have not been confirmed at this time, it is important for users to remain informed about potential developments in their respective regions.

As the landscape of online gambling continues to evolve, there is a likelihood of regulatory adjustments in the state of Kentucky. The big question is which operators are going to step up and agree to go through the strict licensing process.

Other Sports Betting Guides

• Indiana
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Tennessee