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 THELINESKY are eligible for the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 promotion OR the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets 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 $200 in Bonus Bets guaranteed, plus three weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket.
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. 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 up to $1,300 in bonuses & 1-month subscription to NFL+ Premium welcome offer. The app also features an easy-to-use interface and strong rotating bonuses and odds boosts for customers throughout the year.
6. 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 up to $1,000 in bonus 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.
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+ |
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline:
Below are some key moments in Kentucky’s sports betting timeline:
- September 28, 2023: Online sports betting in Kentucky launches with multiple sports betting apps going live, including BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 Sportsbook.
- September 21, 2023: Kentucky Governor’s office reveals $4.5 million was bet in the first two weekends of retail sports betting.
- September 21, 2023: Caesars KY launches a pre-live offer of up to $100 in bonus bets for customers who sign up early.
- September 11, 2023: Kentucky officials defend inexperienced sports betting regulators.
- September 7, 2023: Retail sports betting in Kentucky goes live.
- August 28, 2023: Kentucky sports betting apps go live with their pre-launch offers.
- July 10, 2023: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announces the rollout dates for when the new sports betting sites will go live. Retail sportsbooks can begin taking bets on Sept. 7 and online sportsbooks can launch on Sept. 28.
- May 23, 2023 — Kentucky sports betting operators will be charged a tax that goes to the state’s permanent pension fund.
- May 16, 2023: Caesars Sportsbook partnered with Keeneland Racetrack and Red Mile Gaming & Racing. Caesars plans to open a retail sportsbook location in Lexington as part of the deal.
- May 8, 2023: Mage is crowned the winner of the Kentucky Derby following the scratch of the favorite, Forte.
- April 18, 2023: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission began discussing regulations for the sports betting industry. The KHRC will serve as the regulator of online sports betting.
- April 13, 2023: FanDuel becomes an official sports wagering partner of the Kentucky Derby.
- March 31, 2023: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551, legalizing sports betting in Kentucky.
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
Retail and online sports betting have officially launched in Kentucky! Online sportsbooks launched on Sept. 28, 2023.
Online sports betting launched in Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2023.
BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 are all available to wager on in Kentucky.
Kentucky does not have any pro sports teams, but you can bet on teams like the Titans, Grizzlies, and Predators from neighboring Tennessee.
Yes, betting on Kentucky college sports and events is permitted in Kentucky.
Yes. Retail sports betting is live in Kentucky. It launched on Sept. 7, 2023.
Yes. Kentucky Derby bets can be made in person at the racetracks or via mobile apps like FanDuel Racing.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will oversee Kentucky sports betting.