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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 KY sportsbooks including BetWhale, BetNow, BetOnline, and others. We’ll look at the pros and cons of welcome and bonus offers in the Bluegrass State.
Top Kentucky Sports Betting Sites in July
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- Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
- How old do you have to be to sports bet in Kentucky?
- Can I deposit to a Kentucky sportsbook with a credit card?
- Can I bet on Kentucky college teams?
- Can I bet on a Kentucky sportsbook from out of state?
- Are there responsible gambling tools at Kentucky online sportsbooks?
- Show Full Guide
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- Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
- How old do you have to be to sports bet in Kentucky?
- Can I deposit to a Kentucky sportsbook with a credit card?
- Can I bet on Kentucky college teams?
- Can I bet on a Kentucky sportsbook from out of state?
- Are there responsible gambling tools at Kentucky online sportsbooks?
Top 10 KY Sports Betting Sites for 2026
Our top team of experienced sports betting professionals has come up with a list of the top 10 online sportsbooks in Kentucky. These sites all offer great features, bonuses, a comprehensive range of payment methods, and stress-free no-KYC betting.
List of the Best Online Sportsbooks in Kentucky
- BetWhale – Huge $6,000 crypto welcome bonus
- BetNow – Online sportsbook with top UFC opening lines
- BetOnline – Kentucky sportsbook with exclusive Mega Parlay
- BUSR – Great sportsbook option for fans of horse racing in Kentucky
- BC Game – Access popular wagers via BC Game’s Bet Feed Feature
- Bet105 – Renowned Kentucky betting site for reduced juice
- Everygame – Kentucky online betting site with 20% parlay boosts
- MyBookie – Kentucky sportsbook offering unlimited referral bonuses
- Xbet – Fast-paced sports wagering via Quick Bet
- BetUS – Kentucky online sportsbook covering 35 sports
Top 5 Kentucky Sportsbooks Reviewed
We have put together our top five Kentucky sports betting apps for sports bettors to enjoy. Basically, each has a range of bet types on various sports events, so read on to see how they compare overall.
1. BetWhale – Huge $6,000 Crypto Welcome Bonus
- Established: 2023
- Deposit methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex), Discover, Neosurf, Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USDC, Ripple (XRP), Flexepin, Solana, Dogecoin, BNB, PayPal.
- License: Government of Anjouan
- Same Game Parlays: ✅
Why we chose BetWhale Sportsbook
BetWhale has quickly established itself as one of the best offshore sports betting sites available to Kentucky players. The platform offers a robust range of betting features, however, its standout welcome bonus of up to $6,000 for crypto deposits makes it even more appealing.
Kentucky bettors will appreciate BetWhale’s extensive sports coverage, with a strong focus on major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA. The site features more live betting markets than many of its offshore competitors, and further, the odds are consistently competitive, or at least on a par with rival sportsbooks. Cashout options are available across most markets.
Banking at BetWhale is seamless, offering both fiat and cryptocurrency payment methods. Crypto users, especially those depositing with Bitcoin, typically enjoy payouts within 24 hours. In addition to multiple welcome bonus options, BetWhale rewards ongoing users with weekly reload bonuses and cashback promotions.
Pros:
- New $6,000 crypto welcome bonus
- Weekly reload bonuses + cashback deals
- Prop bets, Teaser bets, and Same Game Parlays
- Speedy crypto withdrawals
- Impressive live betting coverage
Cons:
- No live chat or phone support
2. BetNow – Get The Most Competitive Sports Odds
- Established: 2015
- Deposit methods: Credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, person-to-person
- License: Curacao Gaming Commission
- Same Game Parlays: ✅
Why we chose BetNow Sportsbook
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. Also, 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
3. BetOnline – Best Overall Kentucky Online Sports Betting Platform
- Established: 2001
- Deposit methods: 16 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), debit/credit cards, wire transfer, person-to-person, money order
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
- Same Game Parlays: ✅
Why we chose BetOnline Sportsbook
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.
As one of the best sportsbooks, BetOnline offers a generous welcome bonus, and user-friendly navigation. BetOnline is our top choice for Kentucky sports betting; however, 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
4. Bet105 – Renowned Kentucky Betting Site for Reduced Juice
- Established: 2020 (relaunched in 2024)
- Deposit methods: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Binance Coin (BNB), Litecoin (LTC)
- License: Curaçao eGaming license
- Same Game Parlays: ✅
Why we chose Bet105 Sportsbook
Bet105 is the ideal sports betting site for sharper punters in Kentucky. This crypto-exclusive betting platform regularly offers provably fair odds compared to rival sportsbooks – for example, they will offer -105 instead of the more commonly available -110. Furthermore, unlike at many online sportsbooks, there are no betting limits applied to stakes.
And that’s not the only place Bet105 stands out from the crowd. By eliminating traditional banking methods and operating purely with cryptocurrencies, it offers faster transactions and enhanced privacy.
The welcome bonus at Bet105 is one of the smallest around, but they more than make up for it with regular promotions around the big sporting events. At the time of writing, there are active promotions around Sunday’s live betting events ($35 free bet), 25% cashback on UFC, and 15% boosts on UFC parlay bets.
Pros:
- Crypto exclusive sports betting platform
- Demonstrably better value odds
- Huge range of ongoing promotions
- Live in-play scoreboards and statistics
- Slick, fast, and uncomplicated site design
Cons:
- Small $25 welcome bonus
5. Everygame – Diverse Sports Betting Markets
- Established: 1996
- Deposit methods: Credit/debit cards, 4 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin), Payz, EZeeWallet
- License: Curacao Gaming Commission
- Same Game Parlays: ✅
Why we chose Everygame Sportsbook
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
Top Kentucky Sports Betting Sites Compared
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Bet Builders | Same-Game Parlays | Prop Bets | Teaser Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetWhale | 200% up to $6,000 (crypto deposits only) | WHALECOME | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetNow | 200% Up to $1,000 | CRYPTO200 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetOnline | $250 in free bets | FREE250 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BUSR | 50% up to $1,500 | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BC Game | 120% up to $1,600 (first four deposits) | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bet105 | Deposit $20 and get $25 Free Bet | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Everygame | 100% Up to $200 | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | MYB50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| XBet | 50% up to $200 | XBWELCOME50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetUS | 200% up to $2,500 | JOIN200 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Kentucky Online Sports Betting Updates – July 2026
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. |
| Kentucky’s Legal Betting Age | 18; 21 |
| Kentucky Sports Betting State Regulator | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) |
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline
- 2025 – New data suggests a dramatic shift in sports betting trends, with $2.4 billion wagered on sports vs $196 million on horse racing.
- 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.
Kentucky Sports Betting Laws
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.
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.
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.
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 We Review Betting Sites
How to Sign Up and Bet at Kentucky Sports Betting Sites
To simplify the registration process, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide for our top-ranked KY sportsbook, BetWhale. The process is essentially the same on most platforms.
Step 1: Choose a Kentucky Sports Betting Platform
You can choose any of the recommended sportsbooks from our list. For BetWhale, just head to the home page and hit the sign-up button in the top right corner.Step 2: Create a Sportsbook Account
.Input a chosen username, email address, and a secure password.Step 3: Add Personal Details
Follow the steps and add your first name, last name, gender, and date of birth, then click the gold colored next button.Step 4: Add Address and Playing Currency
Finally, add your address details, and choose the currency you want your account to be denominated in.Step 5: Claim Your Bonus and Start Playing
You can now add funds into your new sports betting account and start wagering on your favorite teams, players, and sports.
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:
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 horse racing betting in Kentucky and nationwide.
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”.
Basketball betting 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.
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 betting on NFL.
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.
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 surrounded by neighboring states where sports betting is legal. This may have accelerated the legalization of sports betting in the Bluegrass State. The latest neighbouring state to give online sports betting the green light is Missouri, where operators are scheduled to go live on December 1, 2025.
Sports Betting in Kentucky's Neighboring States
Choose state
Illinois provides commercial casino gaming through 10 riverboat casinos and five land-based casinos, all regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). The Riverboat Gambling Act, approved by the Illinois legislature in 1990, allowed the IGB to issue up to 10 riverboat casino licenses. In 2019, a new gaming law broadened the market by permitting up to six additional land-based casinos in various parts of the state, including Chicago. This law also allowed Illinois racetracks to seek licenses to become racinos, which can offer electronic gaming machines and table games.
Furthermore, the 2019 legislation made sports betting legal at both existing and forthcoming casinos and racinos, as well as at up to three off-track betting facilities at major sports venues throughout Illinois. Both casinos and racetracks can operate mobile sports betting across the state.
Indiana offers commercial casino gaming at six riverboat casinos, four land-based casinos, and two racinos, all featuring electronic gaming machines, table games, and sports betting. These 12 commercial casinos fall under the oversight of the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).
The Riverboat Gambling Act, passed by the Indiana legislature in 1993, allowed the IGC to issue up to 10 casino licenses. In 2003, legislation was approved for an 11th commercial casino in a “historic hotel district,” leading to the establishment of the French Lick Resort Casino.
In 2007, state legislation permitted the installation of up to 2,000 electronic gaming machines at each of Indiana’s two racetracks. Further legislative changes in 2015, amended in 2019, allowed these racetracks to offer live-dealer table games.
In 2019, a new law enabled sports betting at commercial casinos and racinos, as well as at off-track betting facilities associated with racinos.
Missouri hosts commercial casino gaming at 13 riverboat casinos, all of which feature electronic gaming machines and table games, under the regulation of the Missouri Gaming Commission.
In 1992, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment permitting “gambling excursion boats” on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, contingent on approval from voters in the communities hosting the casinos. A 2008 state constitutional amendment established that no new commercial casinos can be introduced to Missouri’s market beyond the existing 13 properties unless voters approve through a statewide constitutional referendum. This is the same for sports betting in Missouri.
Ohio features commercial casino gaming at four casino resorts and seven racinos. The resorts offer electronic gaming machines, table games, and sports betting, while the racinos provide electronic gaming devices and sports betting. The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees the casinos, while the Ohio Lottery Commission regulates the racinos.
In 2009, voters in Ohio approved a ballot measure permitting commercial casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. By 2011, an executive order allowed electronic gaming devices, specifically video lottery terminals (VLTs), at Ohio racetracks. Each racino can host up to 2,500 electronic gaming devices, half the limit for the state’s casinos.
In December 2021, the Ohio legislature sanctioned land-based sports betting in Ohio at casinos, racinos, major sports arenas, and through kiosks at licensed retail locations serving alcohol. By the end of 2023, Ohio had 15 land-based sportsbooks and 19 mobile betting platforms in operation.
Tennessee does not have any commercial casino facilities but does offer sports betting exclusively through online platforms, regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council.
In 2019, a state law was enacted allowing commercial gaming operators to apply for an unlimited number of licenses to provide online sports betting. Tennessee’s approach was unique as it became the first U.S. state to restrict sports wagering solely to online operations, without any physical sportsbook locations.
Legal online sports betting launched in November 2020. By the end of 2023, the state maintained 12 online sports betting platforms, the same number as the previous year.
Virginia features commercial casino gaming at one permanent land-based casino, which offers electronic gaming machines, table games, and sports betting for Virginia residents. Additionally, there are two temporary land-based casino facilities that provide only electronic gaming devices and table games. The state also supports online sports betting through 17 licensed sportsbook platforms, an increase from 14 the previous year.
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation permitting up to five casinos in designated cities, contingent on local voter approval. The first casino opened in Bristol in July 2022, followed by others in Portsmouth and Danville in January and May 2023, respectively.
That same year, Virginia lawmakers approved a separate statute allowing qualified operators to acquire permits for statewide online sports betting. Both casino gaming and mobile sports betting in Virginia are regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board.
West Virginia hosts commercial casino gaming at four racinos and one land-based casino. Each of these five venues offers electronic gaming machines, table games, and sports betting, all regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
The state’s journey into commercial casino gaming began in 1994 when the West Virginia legislature approved the use of electronic gaming devices at licensed racetracks, pending local approval. In 2007, racinos received permission to introduce table games. A year later, voters sanctioned casino gaming at The Greenbrier, a historic hotel, and the following year, table games were authorized there as well.
In anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court potentially overturning a federal ban, West Virginia’s legislature legalized land-based and online sports betting in March 2018. By the end of 2023, there were eight online sportsbooks and eight online casinos in operation, compared to nine sportsbooks and seven online casinos the previous year.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting in Kentucky has never been so 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 BetWhale. The extensive sportsbook offers fantastic features such as same-game parlays, teaser bets, and odds boosts, providing a comprehensive betting experience. New users can kick off their sports betting journey with an attractive $6,000 welcome bonus, making it easier than ever to join in on the action.
125% Deposit Boost up to $1,250
- Attractive 125% Deposit Match Bonus
- Top Odds on NFL, NBA, and NHL
- 1,000's of Markets Across All Sports
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:
