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UKKentucky Sportsbooks — Complete Guide to Kentucky Online Sports Betting
Kentucky sportsbooks have been operating legally in the state since 2023, following the passage of House Bill 551. That move has made the online gambling scene far more lively, especially with offshore sites in the mix offering crypto support and massive promotions.
Continue reading as we walk through everything worth knowing about Kentucky online sports betting. We will point you to the platforms that accept residents, what each one offers, which sports you can bet on, and how taxes apply to winnings.
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
Sports Betting in Kentucky — Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best KY Betting Site | Bovada |
| Best Bonus for Kentucky Residents | 75% up to $750 |
| Payment Methods (Min. Deposits) | Credit Cards ($20), Bitcoin ($10), Bitcoin Cash ($10), Litecoin ($10), Ether ($50), Tether ($5), Check by Mail ($50), Bank Transfer ($50), MatchPay ($10) |
| Key Sportsbook Features | Plenty of promos, easy to use, 26+ sports, Request a Bet |
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites
Each of our favorite offshore betting sites in Kentucky brings something different to the table. The right choice for you comes down to what you care about most, such as market size, bonuses, or ease of use.
To make that call easier, we’ve ranked the best online sportsbooks and pulled out the strongest picks in each category.
- Bovada – Best Online Kentucky Sportsbook Overall
- BetOnline – Top Kentucky Sportsbook Welcome Bonus
- BetWhale – Best Kentucky Sportsbook for Beginners
- Lucky Rebel – Best Sportsbook Loyalty Program for Kentucky Bettors
- BetUS – Best Online Sportsbook Features in Kentucky
Bovada Best Online Kentucky Sportsbook Overall
Bovada is our top overall pick for sports betting in Kentucky. This betting platform is easy to use and supports a wide range of payment methods, including crypto, cards, vouchers, and MatchPay. Sign-up takes mere minutes. Once inside, you can find 20,000+ markets across football, basketball, baseball, cricket, esports, and more. If anything feels missing, you can even ask for a price through a #WhatsYaWager post on X.
New players receive a 50% match on their first deposit, up to $250. Go with crypto, and the offer jumps to 75% up to $750. Rollover is 5x, far lower than the 15x to 20x you see at most Kentucky sportsbooks. That gives you a strong chance of turning the bonus into withdrawable cash.
- 81%71%
- Bonus: 75% up to $750
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
BetOnline Top Kentucky Sportsbook Welcome Bonus
BetOnline’s welcome bonus stands out among Kentucky sportsbooks because the entire offer pays out with no wagering requirements. All you have to do is deposit at least $50 with the code FREE250, and you’ll receive a 50% free bet up to $250. After using it, any profit made is yours to keep. You’ll also get 100 free spins spread across 10 days. Wins there are capped at $100.
There are plenty of other offers up for grabs as you go along as well. You can find daily cash races across the sportsbook, casino, racebook, and esports. There are also regular promos for major leagues and college football. These can take the shape of bet refunds, odds boosts, reduced-juice lines, same-game parlay deals, and one-off cash giveaways tied to specific fixtures.
- 71%67%
- Bonus: 50% up to $250 + 100 free spins
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
BetWhale Best Kentucky Sportsbook for Beginners
BetWhale is an ideal starting place for newcomers to Kentucky online sports betting. Coverage spans US leagues and international competitions. Markets also focus on simple, beginner-friendly moneylines, spreads, totals, and outrights. The site is also easy to navigate on desktop and mobile.
When you are ready to place that first wager, it feels a lot easier because BetWhale offers a safety net of up to $1,000. If the opening bet goes against you, the lost stake comes back as a free bet token that can be used for another wager. You also get free live streams on selected matchups. A responsive support team is available around the clock via live chat and phone. That second option is not something you see offered very often elsewhere.
- 83%59%
- Bonus: 100% $1,000
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
Lucky Rebel Best Sportsbook Loyalty Program for Kentucky Bettors
Lucky Rebel is an excellent sportsbook if you want to settle in for the long haul. A big part of that is the loyalty program. Signing up puts you straight in at Renegade, the first of seven tiers overall. Single bets earn 2 points for every $10 staked, while teasers and parlays bring in 4. You can also rack up extra points by hitting milestones, like placing your first $20 bet or wagering across several consecutive days.
While climbing through the ranks, you can spend points in two ways. First, straight cash conversion at 100 points for $1. Second, the Rewards Store, where you can pick from free bets, cashback deals, and other offers. Tier 7 is the headline level, available only by invitation. Here, you can enjoy VIP perks, including a dedicated account manager and exclusive rewards tailored to your playstyle.
- 80%80%
- Bonus: 125% up to $1,250 + 50 free spins
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
BetUS Best Online Sportsbook Features in Kentucky
BetUS has been serving US players since 1994 and posts lines on 30+ sports, from major pro leagues and college boards to international events. Its YouTube channel also hosts daily live shows where analysts break down matchups, analyze numbers, and more.
For up-to-date sports coverage, the BetUS Locker Room section is the place to check. Odds consistently line up with what you’ll see at top Kentucky betting sites. Some markets even get extra value through the Odds Boosts feature. BetUS supports both standard payments and cryptocurrency, and if you’re new to the latter, they’ve put together a clear guide to help walk you through it.
- 80%71%
- Bonus: 125% up to $2,625
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Promotions are part of the regular rotation at Kentucky sports betting sites. Every platform featured here brings a welcome bonus for new players. You can also earn extra value through free bets, odds boosts, cashback offers, or points feeding into a rewards program.
The biggest pull of bonuses and promotions at KY betting sites is that they give you more flexibility. You can use the extra money to learn how the site works without risking much of your own cash. Another approach is going for riskier bets you would usually skip.
Welcome Bonuses and Promo Codes
A welcome bonus typically gives new players a match on their initial deposit, sometimes on their first few deposits. Simply create your account, make a deposit, and score some bonus funds. Some platforms, like BetOnline and Lucky Rebel, also give free spins to help you explore the casino section.
The table below lists the best Kentucky sports betting promos and their respective promo codes.
| Welcome Offer | Rollover | Promo Code | CA Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75% up to $750 | 5x | BTCSWB750 | Bovada |
| 50% up to $250 + 100 free spins | None | FREE250 | BetOnline |
| 100% Free Bet up to $1,000 | None | N/A | BetWhale |
| 125% up to $1,250 + 50 free spins | 10x | N/A | Lucky Rebel |
| 200% up to $2,750 | 18x | JOIN200 | BetUS |
Ongoing Promotions and Loyalty Programs
After the first offer is out of the way, sportsbooks start rotating in several other bonuses. Below is a breakdown of the most common types you’ll see, along with the key terms to watch out for:
- Reload bonuses: Add money again and receive a percentage bonus on top of that payment. These often appear on set days or weekly schedules.
- Free bets: The sportsbook covers a specific bet for you. If the wager wins, only the profit turns into a cash balance.
- Risk-free bets: Place a normal wager first. If it loses, the stake comes back as bonus credit.
- No deposit bonuses: These are bonuses you can claim without adding money first, usually after registration or email confirmation.
- Odds boosts: Temporary price increases applied to selected events or markets.
- Rebates: A percentage of net losses over a day or week returned as cash or bonus credit.
- Contests: Leaderboard promos where bets earn points and top positions win prizes.
- Loyalty or VIP programs: Tiered reward systems based on betting volume, with better perks at higher levels.
How To Claim Welcome Bonuses at Offshore Sites
To claim a welcome bonus at offshore sites, you must set up an account first. Then, meet the requirements they lay out, such as depositing funds and placing bets at or above certain odds. You may also need to opt in manually or enter a promo code. Make sure the payment method you choose is eligible as well. Bovada and BetUS, for example, have promos tied specifically to crypto.
Best Kentucky Sportsbook Apps
The most common approach among Kentucky sportsbook apps now is to build a website from scratch so it works across every display size. For players, this avoids the need to download and install an app, thus saving on device storage.
More established sites such as Bovada and BetOnline have refined their mobile experience over the years. It was only recently that we saw BetUS roll out a new live in-play layout. Various player reviews express that it looks much better on smaller screens.
Best Mobile Betting Sites for Kentucky Users
Bovada
The Bovada website is compatible with all mobile browsers. You get full access to bonuses, betting, and live streams. All features carry over, and within one tap, you could be over on Twitter requesting custom bets via the #WhatsYaWager hashtag.
BetOnline
We found BetOnline’s mobile site extremely easy to use. The smaller screen makes it even quicker to get bets down than on the desktop version.
How To Use Offshore Sportsbook Apps in Kentucky
Follow the steps below to open and place bets on Kentucky sportsbooks using your phone:
- Open Chrome or Safari and type the sportsbook website address.
- Sign in using your existing credentials. You can also set up a new account if this is your first time using the platform.
- Tap the browser menu and add the site to the home screen.
- Allow notifications so bet results and promos appear instantly.
- Place bets, watch live streams, and use all available features, just like on a desktop.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Kentucky. House Bill 551 cleared the legislature on March 31, 2023, and received final approval from Governor Andy Beshear. By 28 June 2023, the law was in force. Retail wagering opened on 7 September at licensed racetracks. Soon after, statewide mobile and web betting followed on 28 September.
These changes opened the door for sportsbooks to apply for Kentucky licences, link up with approved racetracks and local franchises, and legally offer online betting markets. Moreover, residents still have the option of using offshore gambling sites. These are based and regulated in foreign jurisdictions, so they operate outside US gambling laws. This allows them to offer a wider menu of markets, including election betting, esports, and online casinos, for Kentucky players. There are also bigger promos and crypto support. From a legal perspective, KY rules target sportsbooks rather than bettors.
Quick Facts — Gambling Availability in KY
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Kentucky?
Sports betting in Kentucky falls under the authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The regulator oversees every legal aspect of in-state wagering, from licensing through day-to-day monitoring.
Only entities already licensed as Kentucky racetracks can hold a sports wagering licence. Each of them can then partner with up to three sportsbook service providers, which supply all infrastructure for both on-site and online betting.
How To Bet on Sports Online in Kentucky
To bet on sports online in Kentucky, you first choose a sportsbook and create an account, then add funds. From there, it’s about picking the markets that would eventually make your ticket. Let us show you how it all works, using Bovada as the reference point.
Open the sportsbook homepage and click the “Join” button. Enter some basic details, such as full name, email address, date of birth, phone number, and home address. Fill everything in accurately, as verification may come later. Finish by setting a secure password.
After registering, log in and hit “Deposit.” Pick your payment method, enter the deposit amount, and follow the on-screen instructions. The balance normally lands straight away. Crypto can take a few minutes to show. Remember to opt into any available welcome bonuses, likely by entering a promo code.
Use the “All Sports” menu to look through what is on offer. Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, UFC, and esports are usually the first to appear. From there, you can scroll through upcoming games by league or tournament or jump straight into the in-play events if you prefer the live action.
Click on any odds to drop that selection into your bet slip, which will open on the side. One pick gives you a straight bet. Add more to combine them into a parlay or set up as system bets. Then, enter your stake, review the potential payout, and confirm the wager.
When you’re ready to cash out, open your profile and head to “Withdrawals” or “Cashier.” Choose a payout method, enter the amount, review the details, and confirm. Using the same method as your deposit usually processes the fastest.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods at Kentucky Sportsbooks
The most popular deposit and withdrawal methods at Kentucky sportsbooks are cryptocurrencies. A big reason is lower fees, with no currency-exchange charges or cross-border complications. You also get more privacy and, quite often, access to bigger bonuses.
Of course, they are not the only option. Both offshore and locally regulated betting sites support Visa and Mastercard, bank transfers, prepaid vouchers, and e-wallets.
| Payment Option | Available for Deposit (Min–Max Deposit) | Available for Withdrawal (Min–Max Withdrawal) | Withdrawal Time | Fees | Best Casino for Payment Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | $10–$500,000 | $20–$500,000 | 1–24 hours | $2–$30 | BetOnline |
| Ether | $10–$500,000 | $20–$500,000 | 1–24 hours | $3–$35 | BetOnline |
| Litecoin | $10–$500,000 | $20–$25,000 | 1–24 hours | $5–$30 | BetOnline |
| Visa | $30–$1,000 | $150–$2,500 | 3–5 Business Days | $0 | BetWhale |
| Mastercard | $30–$1,000 | $150–$2,500 | 3–5 Business Days | $0 | BetWhale |
| MatchPay | $10–$2,000 | $10–$2,000 | Instant | $0 | Bovada |
| Wire Transfer | N/A | $500–$25,000 | Up to 15 Days | $45 (flat fee) or 3% | BetOnline |
Responsible Gambling Resources for Kentucky Bettors
You enjoy sports betting in Kentucky most when gambling responsibly. Treat the activity as a form of entertainment, not a source of income.
All content here is here to help you understand how things work and what’s out there. Results can go either way, so it’s important to set limits in advance. Remember to keep betting money separate from day-to-day expenses and watch for changes in behavior. Warning signs include chasing losses or borrowing cash to place bets.
For more information, take a look at our responsible gambling page. You can also find practical help and confidential support through the resources and organizations listed below:
- Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG): Education, outreach, and direct help for gambling issues. Website access at kycpg.org, plus phone or text support at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
- Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities: State-backed treatment resources and referral support, available through the official website or the 988 helpline.
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Kentucky: Peer-led support meetings across the state, with local group details listed on the Gamblers Anonymous site.
Kentucky Sports Teams and Events To Bet On
Kentucky doesn’t have teams competing in the big US pro leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. Most of the local passion goes toward college sports, especially basketball.
College Teams
Here are the most popular college programs based in Kentucky:
- Kentucky Wildcats: This is the state’s headline program. They compete in the SEC and are nationally dominant in men’s basketball.
- Louisville Cardinals: ACC member with a major basketball history and a long-established football program.
- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Competes in Conference USA, best known for football and men’s basketball.
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels: ASUN member with strong football roots and multi-sport participation.
- Northern Kentucky Norse: Horizon League program, widely followed for basketball.
- Murray State Racers: A Missouri Valley Conference school with a long basketball tradition.
- Bellarmine Knights: Newer Division I program competing in the ASUN.
- Morehead State Eagles: Ohio Valley Conference member, frequently appearing in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Major Kentucky Sporting Events
The major highlights on the Kentucky sports calendar are horse-racing events, notably the following:
- Kentucky Derby: Every May, Churchill Downs turns into the center of the sports world for a day. The race draws huge crowds, nationwide TV coverage, and massive betting volume.
- Kentucky Oaks: Held the day before the Derby, this race kicks off the biggest weekend on Kentucky’s calendar, earning serious attention.
- Keeneland Spring Meet: A multi-week stretch of racing in Lexington that pulls in plenty of national interest.
- Keeneland Fall Meet: The autumn version of the Spring Meet. Race cards lean more toward top-class fields, with extra Grade 1 stakes on show and plenty of horses getting their final prep in before the Breeders’ Cup.
- Blue Grass Stakes: A key Derby prep race each spring, often shaping how the Kentucky Derby field looks just weeks later.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky right now. You can do so through local sportsbooks partnered with approved racetracks, whether online or in person. Residents can also use offshore sportsbooks based overseas.
The minimum age to bet on sports in Kentucky is 18.
Yes, you can use a VPN with offshore sportsbooks if the platform permits it. The benefit is added privacy and security, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi. That said, using a VPN isn’t required. All offshore sportsbooks listed here accept Kentucky residents without location restrictions.
BetOnline offers the best welcome bonus for Kentucky bettors. New users deposit $50 with code FREE250 and receive a 50% free bet up to $250, plus free spins. Any sportsbook profit pays out as cash, with no wagering attached.
Yes, college sports bets are allowed in Kentucky. Locally licensed sportsbooks accept wagers on sanctioned college events. Meanwhile, offshore sites tend to offer a wider range of markets.
Yes, sports betting winnings are taxable in Kentucky. Locally licensed platforms may withhold 6% on winnings over $5,000. Meanwhile, offshore sportsbooks do not issue W-2G forms and are not connected to the US tax system. You are fully responsible for tracking and declaring your own winnings.
Sign Up To Bet at the Best Kentucky Sportsbook Sites
Online sports betting in Kentucky is available through locally licensed sportsbooks and offshore sites. We went through hundreds of options, and Bovada came out as the best of the lot.
The platform is very safe to use and backed by industry experts and real players. You will find both local and international events with strong odds and full cryptocurrency support. The welcome promo pays 75% up to $750, and you can even request custom markets on X by using the #WhatsYaWager hashtag.
80% 80% This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.