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The best Kentucky sports betting sites let bettors place wagers on favorites like the Kentucky Derby, football, basketball, and more. Since legal sports betting passed in March 2023, online betting in Kentucky has never been easier.
Here, we’ll cover top sportsbooks and the best bonus offers in the Bluegrass State.
Top Kentucky Betting Sites in December
- All
- Crypto Sportsbook
- Racebook
- Live streaming
- Odds boost
- Parlay insurance
BetOnline Sports US |
$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins |
$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins
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BetOnline Sports US
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FREE250
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BetWhale Sports US |
125% Deposit Bonus - Up to $1,250 to Bet on Sports |
125% Deposit Bonus - Up to $1,250 to Bet on Sports
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BetWhale Sports US
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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BetNow Sports US |
100% Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000 |
100% Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000
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BetNow Sports US
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BN100
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Everygame Sports US |
100% Welcome Bonus up to $500 |
100% Welcome Bonus up to $500
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Everygame Sports US
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WELCOME500
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MyBookie Sports US |
50% up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip |
50% up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip
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MyBookie Sports US
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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CoinPoker Sports US |
100% Welcome Bonus |
100% Welcome Bonus
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CoinPoker Sports US
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READW
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BetUS Sports US |
125% Sign Up Bonus + Up to 30 Risk Free Bets |
125% Sign Up Bonus + Up to 30 Risk Free Bets
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BetUS Sports US
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Sportsbetting US |
Double Your Money Up to $500 on Your First 2 Deposits |
Double Your Money Up to $500 on Your First 2 Deposits
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Sportsbetting US
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Xbet Sports US |
First Deposit Bonus Up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip |
First Deposit Bonus Up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip
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Xbet Sports US
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- Show Full Guide
Top 3 Kentucky Sportsbooks Reviewed
We have put together our top five Kentucky sports betting apps for sports bettors to enjoy. Each has a range of bet types on various sports events, so read on to see how they review overall.
1. BetOnline – Best Overall Kentucky Online Sports Betting Platform
- Website: https://betonline.ag/
- Established: 2001
- Deposit methods: 16 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), debit/credit cards, wire transfer, person-to-person, money order
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
BetOnline offers more than 20 sports to bet on, primarily catering to North American bettors with numerous markets for football and basketball. Bettors will find a wide range of betting options, from moneyline and spread bets to props and futures, ensuring there’s something for everyone. BetOnline’s standard sports welcome bonus matches 50% up to $1,000 on an opening deposit, with a reasonable 10x rollover requirement. However, ongoing promotions for returning customers are limited.
While credit/debit card users face a 6% deposit fee and slower withdrawal times, Bitcoin and 15 other cryptocurrencies offer fee-free, instant deposits and withdrawals, enhancing the betting experience. BetOnline also provides 24/7 live chat support, with additional options via phone or email, and a helpful FAQ section.
With a strong sportsbook, generous welcome bonus, and user-friendly navigation, BetOnline is our top choice for Kentucky sports betting, though more ongoing promotions would be a welcome addition.
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- Extensive sports betting markets
- VIP Loyalty Rewards program offered
Cons:
- Deposit fees for certain payment methods
- No debit/credit card withdrawals available
2. Everygame – Diverse Sports Betting Markets
- Website: https://everygame.eu/
- Established: 1996
- Deposit methods: Credit/debit cards, 4 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), Payz, EZeeWallet
- License: Curacao Gaming Commission
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
Everygame offers a strong sportsbook with over 15 sports to bet on, including popular North American options like football, baseball, and ice hockey, though it lacks horse racing. While the site provides standard betting markets such as moneyline and totals, the range is limited, with futures being the only additional option. The sportsbook’s welcome bonus matches 100% of your first deposit up to $500, which is less generous than competitors, but with 8x rollover requirements, potential winnings are accessible faster. Plenty of cash prizes and free bets are also available.
There are no deposit fees with any payment method, but for withdrawals, Bitcoin and Altcoins are the fastest and cheapest options. Checks carry a $50 fee and can take up to five business days. The site’s 24/7 live chat service is responsive, although the FAQ section could be improved.
Overall, Everygame’s long-standing reputation and promotions make it a solid choice for fans of North American sports, despite the lack of horse racing.
Pros:
- Strong brand reputation in the sports betting industry
- Highly responsive live chat feature
- Daily bonuses and free bets are available regularly
- No deposit fees for any deposit method
Cons:
- Lacking extensive betting markets
- No racebook available
3. BetNow – Competitive Odds
- Website: https://betnow.eu/
- Established: 2015
- Deposit methods: Credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, person-to-person
- License: Curacao Gaming Commission
Our Verdict: 9.6/10
BetNow offers only seven sports, primarily focusing on popular North American options like football, but it does feature a separate racebook for major horse racing events. Despite the limited selection, the sportsbook impresses with its wide range of markets, allowing bets on specific quarters and covering numerous leagues and countries. The quality-over-quantity approach is evident.
BetNow’s 100% welcome bonus on deposits up to $1,000 is one of the most generous in the industry, though it comes with a 20x rollover requirement. Ongoing cash prizes and rebates further enhance the betting experience.
There are no deposit fees for traditional banking methods, but Bitcoin offers faster withdrawals and higher limits for both deposits and withdrawals. While live chat is a bit tricky to locate, the service is excellent, and BetNow also provides support via email and phone.
Although it lacks a broad selection of sports, BetNow offers competitive odds, in-depth markets, and a generous welcome bonus, making it a great option for fans of popular North American sports.
Pros:
- Fast Bitcoin withdrawals
- Racebook available for bettors
- No deposit fees across the board
Cons:
- The range of betting markets is disappointing
- No withdrawals for debit/credit cards
Kentucky Online Sportsbooks Compared
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Number of Sports Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 50% Up to $1,000 | BET1000 | 20+ |
| Bovada | $750 Sports Bonus | N/A | 20+ |
| BetWhale | 125% Up to $1,250 | N/A | 12 |
| BetNow | 100% Up to $1,000 | BN100 | 6+ |
| Everygame | 100% Up to $500 | WELCOME500 | 15+ |
Kentucky Online Sports Betting Updates – December 2024
Kentucky is one of the newest states to legalize sports betting. Therefore, we’re keeping our ears to the ground for any news regarding the state’s latest offerings and legislative changes. If there’s anything you need to know about Kentucky sports betting, we’ll be sure to add it to the table below.
| Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky | Yes! Kentucky Sports Betting is Legal at Both Online and Retail Sportsbooks. |
|---|---|
| When Did Sports Betting Become Legal in Kentucky? | HB 551 was signed on March 31, 2023. |
| Online Sports Betting Launch in Kentucky | September 28, 2023.
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| Kentucky’s Legal Betting Age | 18; 21
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| Kentucky Sports Betting State Regulator | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) |
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline
- 2024 – Betr gains access to Kentucky’s sports betting market and plans to launch soon, while Circa Sportsbook launched on April 1. Kentucky’s legislature overrode Gov. Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 299, establishing an independent sports betting regulator, and Keeneland Race Track announced no sports betting kiosks for the spring racing season.
- 2023 – Kentucky Rep. Michael Meredith’s sports betting bill, HB 551, passed with a 25-12 Senate vote on the final day of the 2023 session, granting nine horse racing tracks licenses with up to three online skins each. In-person sports betting launched on Sept. 7, with online betting following on Sept. 28, featuring eight licensed sportsbooks.
- 2022 – Rep. Adam Koenig introduces a sports betting bill for the fourth year, removing the Kentucky Speedway and in-person registration requirements. While the bill passes the House with a 58-30 vote, it dies in the Senate without a vote, though it gives hope for future efforts as Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer expresses optimism for future support.
- 2021 – Gov. Andy Beshear reaffirms his support for sports betting, stating it should have been legalized years ago as neighboring states benefit from Kentucky bettors. Inspired by his stance, three bills are introduced in the Kentucky House, including Rep. Adam Koenig’s, but none pass the initial committee, delaying sports betting for another year.
- 2020 – Optimism for Kentucky sports betting was high in 2020, with Gov. Andy Beshear backing Rep. Adam Koenig’s HB 137. Despite Koenig moving the bill through committee with key changes, including allowing in-state college betting, it stalled in the House and failed to pass before the legislature adjourned on April 15.
- 2019 – Four sports betting bills are introduced, with Rep. Koenig’s becoming the favorite and the first to pass a committee vote, aiming to legalize sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and online poker. However, with Gov. Matt Bevin’s lukewarm support and legislative resistance to gambling, the 60% vote requirement in non-budget years proves too high to pass the bill.
- 2018 – A month after the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA, Kentucky lawmakers formed a nine-member panel to draft and file legislation for legal sports betting.
- 2017 – In summer 2017, Sen. Julian Carroll introduces a bill to allow the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to regulate sports betting, with a $250,000 licensing fee and a 20% tax on wagers.
Kentucky Sports Betting Law
On March 30, 2023, Kentucky’s House Bill 551 passed the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, legalizing sports betting. A previous attempt failed, but the new law ensures the state’s horse racing interests control the market. Kentucky has already seen over $655 million in sports betting wagers in its early months.
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What is the Legal Age to Bet in Kentucky?
Thanks to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s precedent, Kentucky’s sports betting legislation set the legal sports betting age at 18, the second state behind Wyoming to set the low limit. Horse racing bettors over the age of 18 were already able to bet at any of the racetracks in the state of Kentucky. Thankfully, legislators made sure to keep the legal sports betting age universal in Kentucky’s sports betting bill.
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Kentucky Gambling Taxes
Kentucky sports betting tax rates are 9.75% for retail and 14.25% for online sportsbooks, with taxes based on your total annual winnings. Regulated sportsbooks must report winnings over $600 to the IRS, while offshore sportsbooks are not required to. Since offshore bettors may not pay taxes, it’s best to consult a tax professional to decide whether to report your winnings.
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Prohibited Bets in Kentucky
Kentucky’s sports betting bill doesn’t offer the full range of markets but, unlike New York and New Jersey, it allows wagering on in-state college sports. The only prohibited bets are on political events, such as elections or gubernatorial races.
How to Sign Up and Bet with Kentucky Sportsbooks
Once you have chosen your desired sportsbook from our featured KY sports betting sites, you will need to sign up to begin your sports betting venture. Gratefully, this is a simple process with any of our suggested online providers. Follow these straightforward steps to create an account:
Choose a Sports Betting Site
Head to your preferred sportsbook homepage. For this walkthrough, we’ll be using BetOnline, our top rated Kentucky betting site. Simply click here and you’ll be on your way.Create a Betting Account
Most Kentucky sportsbooks will have a ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Join’ button towards the top right corner of the screen. Click this option. From there, you will need to enter your personal information, including name, date of birth, address, etc. Once you are done inputting your details, click ‘Create Account’. If you’re wary of a sportsbook asking for your personal information, don’t worry. The information collected is standardized across the industry. Once you have entered your details, your information will be verified. In most cases, this is a prompt service, helping you bet on sports within minutes!Fund Your Account & Enter a Promo Code
Once your account has been verified, you can deposit money for sports wagering. Choose your desired welcome offer and ensure that you are using the correct promo code. Make sure you deposit enough to qualify for this bonus and enter a promo code if necessary. Then select your preferred payment option. There may be multiple welcome offers available depending on your chosen banking method.Start Playing
Now that your account is verified and funded, you are ready to start betting!
Best Sports to Bet on in Kentucky
Although Kentucky does not have any major professional sports teams, we know how much sports are enjoyed in the Bluegrass State. Whether it’s college sports or the Kentucky Derby you want to bet on, these are our best sports to bet on in Kentucky:
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Kentucky Derby Betting
The Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, Louisville, is a prestigious Grade I stakes race and the first leg of the Triple Crown. Three-year-old thoroughbreds race just over 2,000 meters, earning it the nickname “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Also known as “the Run for the Roses,” it’s a major event for bettors in Kentucky and nationwide.
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Basketball Betting
The Kentucky Wildcats were the most dominant team in the early history of the NCAA Tournament. They also had one of the greatest teams in history in the 1990s, before winning the championship in 2012. In between these eras, the Louisville Cardinals were dubbed the “team of the 1980s”.
Clearly, basketball is the dominant sport in Kentucky. You can bet on the Wildcats, Cardinals, or any NBA/NCAA team on a range of markets, including moneyline.
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Football Betting
College football arrived late in Kentucky, while there are currently no active NFL teams. However, football is still hugely popular within the state. Many choose the Cincinnati Bengals as their favorite team during the NFL season due to proximity. You can bet on the Bengals or any NFL/NCAA team on numerous markets, including totals. Discover more about NFL betting.
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Baseball Betting
Kentucky has four teams competing in the Minor League, including the Louisville Bats in the International League. Whether you can bet on this level of baseball will vary between bookmakers. However, Major League Baseball betting is available with all sportsbooks.
Sports Available in Kentucky
All of our top-ranked sportsbooks have the major North American sports and live betting available. However, as we have outlined within our mini-reviews, some offer more sports and markets than others. Below is a breakdown of this information:
| Betting site | Number of Markets | Top Sports Available | Live betting |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 20+ | NFL, NBA, NCAA, NHL | ✅ |
| Bovada | 20+ | Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey | ✅ |
| BetWhale | 12 | Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Basketball | ✅ |
| BetNow | 8+ | Football, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey | ✅ |
| EveryGame | 15+ | Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Hockey, Golf | ✅ |
Kentucky Sportsbook Payment Options
Most online sportsbooks have a range of payment options available for depositing and withdrawing funds. Depositing with traditional banking methods and Bitcoin is available across the board. However, the former may have fees attached, while withdrawing may not be an option. Below is a breakdown of payment options for Kentucky sportsbooks:
| Payment Method | Info | Pros | Cons | Popular examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto | Widely available | Lower minimum deposit amounts Fast withdrawals |
Volatile currency Confusing for beginners |
Bitcoin, Ethereum |
| Traditional | Widely available | Fast deposits Payments from your bank account |
Slow withdrawals Deposit/withdrawal fees may apply |
VISA, Mastercard, AMEX |
| eWallets | Sometimes available | Greater protection Fast deposits |
Deposit/withdrawal fees may apply Not always available |
PayPal, PaySafe |
How Kentucky Sports Betting Compares to Neighboring States
Kentucky is almost surrounded by neighboring states where sports betting is legal. This may have accelerated the legalization of sports betting in the Bluegrass State. The only exception to this is Missouri, as the table below demonstrates:
| State | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Legal |
| Tennessee | Legal |
| Virginia | Legal |
| West Virginia | Legal |
| Ohio | Legal |
| Indiana | Legal |
| Missouri | Not Legal |
How We Rate Sportsbooks in Kentucky
Finding the best outlet for Kentucky sports betting is not an easy task. Thankfully, here we have scoured the market to find the best options for you, using our specific set of metrics. This includes testing welcome offers, betting markets, payment options, and more.
- Range of Sports Available – Kentucky sportsbooks need to offer a range of sports to bet on. Those offering popular North American sports and Kentucky Derby betting markets have been rated higher by us. Likewise, we want to see several markets available to bet on rather than standard ones.
- Available Betting Bonuses – Although welcome bonuses can appear similar on the face of it, terms and conditions can alter them significantly. We have tried to find the best options for different bettors’ needs. We understand some would prefer smaller deposits and lower rollover requirements, while others prefer more generous bonuses regardless of any drawbacks.
- Deposit & Withdrawal Options – We understand that the days of people only using traditional fiat options are long gone. As such, Kentucky sportsbooks offering a wider variety of payment options have been rated higher. We have also assessed the market to find operators with no or low deposit & withdrawal fees.
- Safety and Security – All of our suggested offshore sportsbooks have approved sports betting licenses. With SSL encryption data and KYC verification systems, your personal information and banking details are safe.
- Customer Support – 24/7 live chat service is a relatively standard feature for online sportsbooks these days. We would certainly mark a site down if this was not offered. We also expect to see alternative telephone and email addresses provided. We have tested all customer support and ranked them accordingly based on the service we received.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting in Kentucky has never been easy since it was legalized in March 2023. With a range of providers to choose from, you can benefit from multiple welcome bonuses and promotions.
However, our number one choice is BetOnline. With an extensive sportsbook and excellent customer service, your betting experience will be full of choice and support should you require it. The generous welcome bonus will fund your initial betting journey.
Sign up To Claim 50% Welcome Bonus Up To $250 + 100 Free Spins
- Official betting partner of La Liga, Golden Boy, and the LFA, offering Pick'em and Survivor
- The earliest moneylines, with access to odds before events commence
- Cutting-edge live in-play sportsbook, with multi-view options
Responsible Gambling
You must remember to gamble responsibly when sports betting. This includes setting a staking budget and never chasing losses. Try to take breaks between betting periods, and never gamble when emotional or intoxicated. Betting should be seen as an enjoyable hobby, not a stressful investment.
If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can seek help from the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER. We have listed some other resources below:
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/kentucky/
- https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
- https://www.gamtalk.org/
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