The Best Kentucky Sportsbooks

Legalizing Sports Betting in Kentucky

The journey to the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky has been a thrilling ride this far. The excitement peaked on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551, officially legalizing state sports betting. This was a landmark moment for all of Kentucky, sports enthusiasts, and bettors alike, marking a new era of entertainment in the Bluegrass State. Now Kentucky joins a list of other states have have legalized sports betting – both online and in person.

Kentuckians eagerly marked their calendars for the following major milestones. Come September 7, 2023, regulated retail sportsbooks will open their doors to the public. Finally, Kentucky residents and visitors will experience the thrill of placing bets in person, soaking up the atmosphere of a live sportsbook. But that’s not all. They’ll also welcome the launch of online betting sites later in the month, on September 28, 2023.

This development means more than just added entertainment for Kentucky. It signifies a boost to their local economy, with the potential for job creation and increased revenue from tourism and taxes. It places Kentucky on the map as an attractive destination for sports betting enthusiasts nationwide.

The legalization of sports betting in Kentucky is a game-changer. The future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see how this new chapter unfolds. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a sports fan looking to get in on the action, there’s never been a better time to be part of the sports betting scene in Kentucky.

What are the Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

While we don’t know exactly which sites will be available for Kentucky bettors, we can tell you that only the best and most trusted sportsbooks will be allowed to operate. That means these sites must meet certain criteria set by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, such as ensuring fair play and providing maximum customer security. 

Here are some of the best online sports betting sites to hit Kentucky.

DraftKings Sportsbook

As we look forward to the launch of online sports betting in Kentucky, one name stands out from the crowd: DraftKings. We’re predicting that this renowned platform will be one of the few online sportsbooks to set up shop in the Bluegrass State, and we couldn’t be more excited about the betting experience it promises to bring.

DraftKings is known for its generous promotions, and based on our research, Kentucky bettors are in for a treat. The DraftKings Kentucky promo code offer is expected to give all new customers an attractive “Bet $5, Get $150” bonus when it goes live on September 28. This instantly awards $150 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your qualifying wager wins or loses. This kind of enticing welcome offer is just what you need to kickstart your betting journey. Keep in mind that this offer could change between now and then.

But DraftKings isn’t just about promotions. It’s also about delivering an incredible betting experience. Its easy-to-use app and wide range of betting markets make it a go-to choice for novice and experienced bettors. With DraftKings, you can enjoy seamless navigation, live in-game betting, and even personalized betting recommendations based on our wagering history.

We believe that DraftKings is set to become a significant player in Kentucky’s online sports betting scene. Its enticing promotions, user-friendly app, and superior betting experience make it a standout choice for any Kentucky bettor looking to get in on the action. We can’t wait to see what DraftKings has in store for us come September 28.

Caesars Sportsbook

When it comes to legal sports betting in Kentucky, there’s another name that we’re particularly excited about, Caesars. As we eagerly anticipate the launch of online sportsbooks in the state, we predict that Caesars will be among the top platforms to debut, bringing a rich legacy of sportsbook operations and an exceptional betting experience.

One thing we’re especially looking forward to about Caesars is the promotional offers they’re expected to roll out. New customers can expect a sign-up bonus based on what we’ve seen in other states. This will likely be one of their signature bonuses for the sports betting launch.

The Caesars app has been praised for its user-friendly interface and easy navigation, giving bettors a seamless and enjoyable betting experience). It’s like being in a Las Vegas sportsbook, right from the comfort of your own home. Plus, with a wide array of betting markets, you’ll have plenty of options to place your wagers.

Caesars Sportsbook will bring Kentucky a unique and engaging betting experience. With its enticing promotions, user-friendly app, and diverse betting options, Caesars is set to become a major player in Kentucky’s online sports betting scene. We’re counting down the days when we can finally “Go Full Caesar” and dive into all the sports betting action that Caesars offers.

FanDuel Sportsbook

As we gear up for the exciting launch of online sports betting in Kentucky, one name creating a lot of buzz is FanDuel. We’re confident that FanDuel will be among the first online sportsbooks to debut in the Bluegrass State, bringing a powerhouse reputation in daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting. 

FanDuel has been a dominant player in the DFS industry for years, and it’s been thrilling to watch them transition into sports betting with such success. They’ve managed to leverage their deep understanding of sports and betting markets to create a platform that offers a superior betting experience to other sports betting apps. This is evident in their app, known for its intuitive design, quick load times, and wide range of available bets.

We can’t wait for FanDuel to roll out its Kentucky-specific offers. We expect new users to unlock up to a $1,000 bonus (aka the No Sweat Bet) with the FanDuel Kentucky promo code or their fantastic “Bet $5, Get $150” offer that will be available upon launch. They’ve great offers in other states; why not Kentucky?

We eagerly await FanDuel’s entry into the Kentucky online sports betting scene. With their DFS prowess, user-friendly app, and exceptional promotional offers, FanDuel will quickly become a favorite among Kentucky bettors.

BetMGM Sportsbook

There’s no overlooking BetMGM when it comes to Kentucky. We’re confident that BetMGM will be among the first online sportsbooks to make a splash in the Bluegrass State, bringing a reputation for excellence and a top-tier betting experience.

BetMGM has consistently been recognized for its industry-leading app. The intuitive design, easy navigation, and quick load times make it a standout amongst competitors like FanDuel and DraftKings, which also have pretty decent apps. Regardless of experience level, any bettor will find the BetMGM app simple to use and packed with features. Whether you’re looking to place a quick bet or delve deep into the statistics and trends, the BetMGM app has got you covered.

We’re also excited about the promotional offers BetMGM is expected to bring to Kentucky. While BetMGM hasn’t announced their promo since the bill to legalize sports betting was announced, we think they’ll drop a massive bonus. This attractive welcome offer is just the ticket to start your betting journey in the Bluegrass State.

We think BetMGM is set to become a contender in Kentucky’s online sports betting scene. With their superior app and enticing promotional offers, we expect BetMGM to quickly become a go-to choice for Kentucky bettors. 

Sports to Bet on in Kentucky

We get caught up in the spin of the various sportsbooks—DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM—but let’s not forget why we’re here in the first place. We want to bet on sports. Kentucky sports fans are in luck; when online and retail sportsbooks launch this September, they will have the opportunity to wager on a wide variety of sports.

NFL 

With the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky, you can place your bets on your favorite NFL teams. Whether you’re a fan of the local Cincinnati Bengals or have allegiances elsewhere, there’s no shortage of exciting matches to bet on. The options are endless, from predicting the outright winner to wagering on individual player performances (we’re huge fans of prop betting, but more on that in a minute). And don’t forget the Super Bowl, where the betting excitement reaches fever pitch.

NBA 

Basketball fans are thrilled to be able to bet on NBA games in Kentucky. The NBA offers many betting opportunities, whether you’re backing the Kentucky-born Anthony Davis or placing your bets on the high-flying Brooklyn Nets. With games almost every night during the season, there’s always a chance to get in on the action and win big.

MLB

Baseball lovers rejoice! Now that sports betting is legal in Kentucky, you can finally place your bets on MLB games. Whether it’s the regular season, playoffs, or the World Series, there are numerous opportunities to make your predictions and potentially reap the rewards. Not to mention the vast array of betting options, from money lines to run totals. Betting on MLB games is a sports bettor’s dream with all the advanced statistics and analytics involved.

NHL

While not as popular as other sports, betting on NHL games is now possible in Kentucky. From the regular season to the Stanley Cup Finals, there are plenty of thrilling matches to bet on. Whether you’re predicting the game outcome, total goals, or even the first team to score, the NHL offers an exciting and fast-paced betting experience.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is a sport that holds a special place in the hearts of Kentuckians. With legendary horse racing tracks like Churchill Downs and Keeneland, Kentucky is no stranger to the thrill of horse race betting. With online sports betting, they can take their love for horse racing to the next level, betting on races not just locally, like the Kentucky Derby but across the country and worldwide.

College Sports

Of course, college sports are a big deal in Kentucky. Whether it’s football or basketball, Kentucky residents can wager on their favorite teams with the launch of online sports betting. Whether you want to bet on the University of Kentucky Wildcats or another college team, you can now do so from your home.

Types of Sports Betting Legal Bets

As the sports betting scene in Kentucky continues to evolve, we’re excited to introduce you to various betting options that you can take advantage of. Here’s a list of some of the most popular types of sports bets that are available:

• Moneyline Bets. These are the most straightforward types of bets. You’re betting on which team will win the game outright, with odds reflecting the perceived likelihood of each team’s success.

• Point Spread Bets. Point spread betting involves picking a winner and predicting how much they’ll win. The favored team must win by more than a specified number of points for a successful bet, while the underdog must either win outright or lose by less than the specified number of points.

• Over/Under Bets. Also known as totals, these bets involve wagering on the total number of points scored by both teams combined in a game. You can bet on whether the total score will be over or under the line set by the sportsbook.

• Parlay Bets. A parlay involves combining multiple bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, but the potential payout is significantly higher than placing each bet individually.

• Prop Bets. Proposition bets, or props, involve wagering on specific events within a game that doesn’t directly affect the outcome. This can include individual player performances, team statistics, or even quirky occurrences during the game.

• Futures Bets. Futures bets are wagers placed on events that will happen in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or who will be named MVP. These bets often offer attractive odds due to their long-term nature.

• Live Bets. One of the most exciting sports bets is live bets, also known as in-game wagers. With live betting, you can bet on events occurring during a game after it has started. This allows you to get a feel for how the game is going before placing your wager.

Each type of bet offers unique challenges and rewards, and all of the Kentucky sportsbooks will offer something similar. We’re big fans of prop and live bets because they offer great potential for big wins and bring tons of excitement to the game. But it’s up to you to decide which type of bet suits your betting style and knowledge best.

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ

We get questions all the time about sports betting in Kentucky. Everything from “Is online sports betting legal in Kentucky?” to the sports betting bills recently passed. To help you better understand Kentucky sports betting, we’ve put together a list of the most common questions and their answers.

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is now legal in Kentucky. The state legalized sports betting in September 2023 after the passage of a bill by the state legislature. However, please remember that while it’s legal to place bets, you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Kentucky to do so.

What was the Kentucky sports betting bill?

The Kentucky sports betting bill, also known as House Bill 551, paved the way for legalized sports betting in the state. The bill allowed for online and retail sports betting, with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Kentucky Lottery Corporation responsible for regulation and oversight.

Can I bet on college sports in Kentucky?

Yes, you can bet on college sports in Kentucky. However, there are some restrictions. Wagering on individual performances of collegiate athletes who play for a Kentucky school is not allowed. So while you can bet on the game’s outcome, you can’t bet on how well a specific player will perform.

What are the tax rates for sports betting in Kentucky?

Kentucky sports betting tax rate is 14.25% for mobile bets and 9.75% for retail bets. These taxes fund state initiatives, including problem gambling services and education programs.

Where can I place a sports bet in Kentucky?

You can place a sports bet at any licensed retail location or through an online sportsbook approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Kentucky Lottery Corporation. Some top sportsbooks expected to launch in Kentucky include BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

Is mobile sports betting available in Kentucky?

Yes, mobile sports betting is available in Kentucky. This means you can place a bet from anywhere within the state if you’re using an app or website licensed to operate in Kentucky. Of course, you must be physically in the state and at least 21 years old to place a bet.

What help is available for problem gambling in Kentucky?

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. You can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit their website for resources. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation has also committed funds from sports betting taxes towards supporting problem gambling services.

Start Betting with the Best Kentucky Sportsbooks

From NFL to horse racing, these platforms allow you to engage with your favorite sports in an entirely new and exciting way.

Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a beginner, these Kentucky sportsbooks cater to all experience levels. 

We can’t wait to see what kind of bets you make with the best Kentucky sportsbooks. As Kentucky releases more updates and regulations on sports betting, we’ll keep you updated with the latest information.