Kentucky Sports Betting Apps

Sports betting is officially live in Kentucky. Retail sportsbooks launched first on Sept. 7, 2023, and online sportsbooks launched on Sept. 28, 2023.

Kentucky is home to some of the best sports betting sites, including BetMGM Sportsbook, bet365 Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and more.

With online sportsbooks being live, new users can take advantage of the top Kentucky sportsbook promos and offers on the market.

This Kentucky sports betting guide will give you all the information you need to know about wagering in the Bluegrass State.

Top Kentucky Sports Betting Promo Codes

Here are the best Kentucky sports betting apps.

1. BetMGM

BetMGM Sportsbook launched in Kentucky in September 2023. It is a popular sports betting app with TV spots featuring the likes of Jamie Foxx, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kevin Garnett. Billed as “the King of Sportsbooks,” popular features include the “Lion’s Boost” and same game parlays.

The BetMGM sign-up offer is up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Additional terms.

Use TheLines promo code THELINES to obtain the offer.

2. Bet365

Bet365 Sportsbook has continued its US expansion with a September 2023 Kentucky launch. The sportsbook partnered with Sandy’s Racing and Gaming for market access. Bet365 customers will notice profit boosts, early payouts, and same game parlay+. New users who sign up using the code THELINES are eligible for the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 promotion OR the Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose promotion.

3. FanDuel

The FanDuel Sportsbook app is one of the top-performing brands in just about every market it enters. The book is a familiar name to the Kentucky sports betting crowd currently using the DFS or horse racing products. FanDuel Sportsbook customers will notice promos centered around different pro sports, such as Dinger Tuesdays (where bonus bets are in play), profit boosts, and same-game parlays.

New users who sign up for a FanDuel Sportsbook account can score a welcome bonus of bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins. No promo code is needed, simply click on the FanDuel Sportsbook link on this page to get started. *T&Cs below.

• 21+ and present in KY
• A minimum $5 deposit and minimum $5 first real-money wager are required
• Welcome offer applies to first online wager only
• Wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) live on the platform
• First bet must win to get $250 in bonus bets
• Users will receive $250 in Bonus Bets within 72 hours of the qualifying wager settling
• Bonus Bets are non-withdrawable and expire seven (7) days after receipt
• Bonus Bet stake not returned as part of winnings
• Limit of one bonus per person

4. Caesars

Caesars Sportsbook is now live! Kentucky sports bettors can rely on Caesars for competitive odds and daily odds boosts. The book has every major sporting available to bet on and the best rewards program of the sports betting apps listed above. Use promo code THELINES1000 to claim the new user offer of a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook

The newest app on the block, Fanatics Sportsbook, launched in Kentucky in September 2023. New Fanatics KY customers can take advantage of a strong welcome offer of bet and get up to $1,000 in no sweat bets. Fanatics took over PointsBet’s operations, announcing its intention to give customers a high-speed app to discover marquee events and markets more easily via its navigation menus. The rewards program, dubbed FanCash, also brought something unique to the market. FanCash can be redeemed for bonus bets, like at most sportsbooks, but it can also be redeemed for discounts on apparel at Fanatics.

6. DraftKings

DraftKings Sportsbook has launched in Kentucky. It is one of the industry’s most popular sports betting apps, and DraftKings KY users can take advantage of strong offers like the current up to $1,250 in bonuses promo. This total bonus includes: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly! PLUS 20% match up to $1,000 (25x playthrough) PLUS $50 Bonus Bet with $5 deposit.

The app also features an easy-to-use interface and strong rotating bonuses and odds boosts for customers throughout the year.

Kentucky Sports Betting Apps Update

Kentucky legalized sports betting in 2023 with the passing of House Bill 551. This provided the pathway for legal sports betting apps to launch in the state.

Kentucky Info	What We Know
Kentucky Sports Betting	Launched
Launch Date	September 2023
Sports Betting Apps	Up to 30
DFS	Yes
Horse Racing	Yes
College Sports Wagering	Yes
Legal Betting Age	18-21+

TheLines will continue providing updates regarding Kentucky sports betting, including news regarding launch dates for future sports betting apps.

TwinSpires is a no-go for Kentucky sports betting

At one time, TwinSpires Sportsbook, previously BetAmerica, would’ve been an absolute sure thing to launch in Kentucky. Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) is a publicly traded company that owns several racetracks (including the namesake one in Louisville, where the Kentucky Derby takes place every May). It also owns casinos and was once in the online sports betting and online casino business. CDI decided to exit the online gambling space in 2022, ending any possibility of a TwinSpires Sportsbook launching in its home state.

Who Can Bet On Kentucky Sports?

Legal Age: The legal betting age in Kentucky is 18+; however, some operators may require bettors to be 21+ to use their apps.	Remote Registration: Online sportsbooks allow customers to sign up for a new account remotely via the book’s site or mobile app.	Within State Lines: To legally wager on a Kentucky sports betting app, bettors will need to be within state lines. Apps use geolocation services to determine a bettor’s location.
Sports Betting Apps: Kentucky legislation allows for up to 30 online sports betting apps in the state.	Retail Sportsbooks: Retail sportsbooks must launch within one of the state’s nine racetracks or facilities. Retail sportsbooks are open in Kentucky.	Taxable Winnings: Gambling winnings are taxed at 6% in Kentucky. Winnings of over $5,000 will be subject to a federal tax rate of 25%.

Kentucky Sports Betting Licenses

The nine racetracks and one speedway within the Bluegrass State will be eligible to apply for a Kentucky sports betting license, including a retail sportsbook. Besides offering in-person sports wagering, each license holder can partner with up to three online sports betting operators. TheLines will update the table below as partnerships are announced. Cumberland Run, which is a new harness racing track, is targeted for a mid-2023 opening. Revolutionary Racing is the other new racetrack under construction, but it will not open this year.

Sportsbook Partner(s)	Racetrack/Facility	City
	Churchill Downs	Louisville
Mobile: Circa Sports, DraftKings Retail: DraftKings	Cumberland Run	Corbin
Mobile: ESPN BET Sportsbook	Ellis Park	Henderson
	Keeneland	Lexington
	Kentucky Downs	Franklin
Mobile: Fanatics Sportsbook	Oak Grove Racing & Gaming	Oak Grove
Mobile & Retail: Caesars Sportsbook	The Red Mile	Lexington
Mobile & Retail: BetMGM	Revolutionary Racing	Ashland
Mobile: FanDuel	Turfway Park	Florence
	Derby City Gaming	Louisville
	Derby City Gaming	Downtown Louisville
Mobile: ESPN BET Sportsbook	Ellis Park	Owensboro
	The Mint Gaming Hall	Bowling Green
Mobile: FanDuel	Newport Racing and Gaming	Newport
Mobile: BetMGM, Bet365 Retail: BetMGM	Sandy’s Racing and Gaming	Ashland

How to Download Kentucky Sports Betting Apps

Finding and signing up for a Kentucky sports betting app is short and simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to making your first real money wager in minutes. 

1. Select the sportsbook app you want to download

Kentucky sports betting apps are available for download in the Apple App or Google Play store. Another option will be clicking the links on this page to go directly to the sportsbook and sign up.

iOS users can find Kentucky sports betting apps available in the App Store. Click on “get” then “open.” Android users will need to go through the Google Play store. Once you find your desired sportsbook, tap “install.”

2. Register for an account

After downloading a Kentucky sportsbook app, you can begin the registration process. It can be completed in a matter of minutes. New customers will be asked to provide the following information:

• Name
• Email Address
• Home Address
• DOB
• Gender
• Last four digits of SSN
• Create a password

3. Set up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of protection sportsbooks use to protect a player’s account and reduce the risk of fraud. Once you log in, customers will be asked to provide a unique six-digit code provided via an authenticator app or text message.

4. Claim your new user offer and enter promo code

TheLines’ sportsbook promo page provides the best sign-up offers available to new users. If you’re new to online sports betting, this is an opportunity to earn bonus bets or bet credits. These offers are usually only available to new users after an initial deposit, so it’s important to look over the available offers when registering for an account. Some sportsbooks have a playthrough requirement before the site credits or bonus funds are available for withdrawal.

5. Deposit funds

Kentucky online sportsbooks offer numerous deposit methods that can be completed in minutes. Popular options include:

• Credit/debit card
• ACH
• PayPal
• Gift card
• Venmo
• ApplePay
• Cash at the cage

With many of the above options, the funds will be available almost immediately once the deposit is approved. Most sportsbooks have a minimum deposit requirement, which is usually $10. When using a credit card, you will find the funds appear in your account almost immediately. You’ll want to check with the bank that the card is associated with to make sure you will not be hit with any fees.

An ACH acts like a direct deposit into your bank account, but the funds might not be available immediately. Methods like PayPal and Venmo are other safe options if you’re looking to deposit money quickly.

6. Place a wager

Now, you can place your first bet using a Kentucky sportsbook app. Like in the retail book, there are several different types of wagers. Three of the more popular bet types are moneyline (pick the winner straight up), point spread (team must win or lose by a set number of points), and total (the total game score must fall over/under a set number). No matter what betting option you choose, you can wager amounts that are in your comfort zone, such as $5 or $10.

7. Withdraw winning funds

When you’re ready to withdraw funds, the Kentucky sports betting apps make the process quick and painless. Many of the deposit options listed above are available to make a withdrawal. Operators also list approximately how long the withdrawal will take before the funds appear in your bank account or credit card statement. Debit cards take less than 24 hours, while a check by mail can take up to two weeks. There are often minimum amounts required to make a withdrawal.

What can you bet on in Kentucky? 

The KHRC has posted a list of approved and non-approved Kentucky sports betting events. Pro and college sporting events, like Super Bowl betting and March Madness wagering, are permitted.

Event	Yes/No
NFL betting	Yes
NBA betting	Yes
MLB betting	Yes
NHL betting	Yes
NCAA basketball	Yes
NCAA football	Yes
NASCAR racing	Yes
PGA Tour	Yes
MMA	Yes
Political Elections	No
Academy Awards	No
Emmy Awards	No
High School Sports	No

Popular Sports Teams In Kentucky

Unlike neighboring Ohio and Tennessee, Kentucky is one of those states without professional sports teams. However, the scenario will have no impact on finding the best NFL betting sites offering NFL odds. With the Bluegrass State neighboring Ohio (Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals), Tennessee (Tennessee Titans), Missouri (Kansas City Chiefs), and Indiana (Indianapolis Colts), there are plenty of alternatives.

With NBA betting, there are the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Cleveland Cavs.

Kentucky College Sports Teams

Unlike pro sports, NCAA men’s basketball and football are an extremely big deal in Kentucky. When it comes to March Madness futures, the University of Kentucky is typically among the favorites. Louisville, Murray State, and West Kentucky are a few of the other DI schools.

Louisville, Kentucky, and Western Kentucky football teams are all coming off seasons in which they played in college bowl games.

You can find the latest Kentucky Wildcats odds on our site.

Geolocation and why it’s important for Kentucky sports betting apps

Kentucky sports betting apps use a company like GeoComply to provide geolocation technology. Using this service, operators such as DraftKings or FanDuel will conduct a location check to make sure the person placing the bet is located within Kentucky state lines. The registration and deposit process can take place from anywhere. However, the actual wagers must be made in the same state where the sportsbook is licensed.

Kentucky sports betting rules and regulations

Kentucky might not have any land-based casinos, but it’s home to seven racetracks (with two more under construction). As a result, the legal gambling age is 18 and over (versus 21 and over in states like New Jersey and Indiana). Some gambling jurisdictions do not permit wagering on college teams or events taking place within state borders. Kentucky will not be one of those states. When the 2025 NCAA Tournament comes to Lexington in 2025, sportsbooks will be permitted to offer odds on every game, no matter which teams are playing.

Sports betting will take place at retail sportsbooks as well as sportsbook apps.

How Much Money Is Bet In Kentucky?

The Kentucky sports betting market is an active market that sees revenue from both online and retail sportsbooks. Local Kentucky sportsbooks managed to rake in $72.5 million in wagers for the first month of activity. This is a strong showing considering online sports betting was only live for four days in September, the Kentucky launch month. $68 million were wagered at online sportsbooks with the remaining $4.5 million coming from retail operations.

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky

Kentucky sports bettors have access to several responsible gambling tools, including:

• Access the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website.
• The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network is available 24/7. The toll-free helpline is 800-522-4700.
• Gamblers Anonymous is another national self-help organization with a 12-step program centered around helping individuals address problem gambling.
• State resources such as the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling like the kycpg.org website.

Kentucky sports betting apps include Responsible Gambling (RG) and Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) logos. This lets gamblers know the app is approved and monitored by state regulators versus an illegal offshore operator.

Kentucky sportsbook apps + RG tools

Mobile sportsbook apps include added features within the product to protect the customers. Here are some examples of what sportsbooks offer as RG resources.

Sportsbook App	Permanent/Temporary self-exclude	Minimum/Maximum Deposit Limits	Minimum/Maximum Betting Limits	Cool-Off Period	Reality Check/Time Limits
DraftKings Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Caesars Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
FanDuel Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
BetMGM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Kentucky sports betting apps FAQs