Following the passing of HB 551 in March 2023, sports betting is now legal in Kentucky. Starting June 28, 2023, Kentuckians will be free to engage in sports wagering without legal issues. The sports betting market is expected to be fully operational within six months after this new law comes into effect. This development constitutes a key milestone for the Bluegrass state, which has now joined over 30 other states that have already legalized sports betting in the United States.
Latest Kentucky Betting News
![It turns out the initial projections for Kentucky sports betting revenue in 2024 were wrong. This is to say, they weren’t optimistic enough.](https://cdn.onlinesportsbetting.net/app/uploads/2024/06/Copy-of-OSB-Thumbnail-23-300x110.jpg)
Jul 24, 2024 05:49 AM
Governor Andy Beshear Says Kentucky Sports Betting Revenue Continues to Exceed Projections
![The Kentucky sports betting handle has already hit $1 billion—and then some some—roughly six months after the launch of online gaming.](https://cdn.onlinesportsbetting.net/app/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-OSB-Thumbnail-21-300x110.jpg)
Jun 11, 2024 04:50 AM
Kentucky Sports Betting Handle Surpasses $1 Billion in First Six Months Since Launch
![The Kentucky sports betting market just launched its eighth sportsbook. The question most are asking: Is there room enough for everyone?](https://cdn.onlinesportsbetting.net/app/uploads/2024/04/Copy-of-OSB-Thumbnail-41-300x110.png)
May 21, 2024 07:03 AM
The Expansion of Kentucky Sports Betting Could be Barometer for Rest of USA Market
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS50% bonus up to $250No Code NeededPlay Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
100% bonus up to $1000No Code NeededPlay Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS125% up to $2,500No Code NeededPlay Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
$500 Sign-up BonusNo Code NeededPlay Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
100% up to $1,000No Code NeededPlay Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
*Although sports wagering is currently legal in Kentucky, no local sportsbooks have been established as of now. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Unibet, which are often thought of as some of the biggest bookmakers, are not yet accessible for bettors residing in Kentucky. In the meantime, you can easily access offshore sportsbooks online without any legal complications.
Table of Contents
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline Can I bet on sports in Kentucky? Betting on Kentucky Sports Teams Kentucky Racebooks Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting in KentuckyA Brief Timeline of the Legality of Kentucky Sports Betting
- July 4, 2024 – Kentucky remains in discussions regarding the NCAA's request to ban prop betting on college players.
- May 17, 2024 – Scottie Scheffler's detention by police at the PGA Championship in Kentucky resulted in him facing multiple charges, sparking uncertainty among sports bettors.
- May 6, 2024 – Mystik Dan clinched victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby in a captivating photo finish, narrowly beating Sierra Leone into second place with Forever Young finishing third. Mystik Dan entered the race with odds of 18-1.
- April 4, 2024 - Circa Sportsbook has commenced operations in Kentucky, bringing the total count of sports betting sites in the state to eight.
- March 21, 2024 — This year marks the first time Kentucky residents can legally bet on March Madness. However, with the Kentucky men's team delivering another underwhelming performance, bettors in the state may have suffered financial losses.
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline
Kentucky has had a fairly short history with sports betting over the years. We take a look back at what has happened.
A Brief History of Sports Betting In Kentucky
There have been many attempts to reverse the ban on commercial and tribal casinos in the state of Kentucky, with no luck. Even after the legalization of sports betting, Kentucky still prohibits the existence of conventional brick-and-mortar casinos where dealers operate table games. That said, there are three racetracks in Lexington, Louisville, and Franklin that feature gaming machines resembling slots and other similar games.
Sports Betting Bill In 2023 and Beyond
With the recent legalization of sports betting in Kentucky through HB 551, Kentucky residents will be able to place bets both at sportsbooks and retail locations. The new law, set to take effect by the end of June, 2023, paves the way for a regulated sports wagering market.
Although sportsbooks are yet to launch in the state, the legislation mandates that the industry be operational within six months of the effective date. This means sports enthusiasts can anticipate opportunities to place bets on professional leagues and collegiate sports, excluding high school sports. The law grants sports betting licenses to the state's nine horse racing tracks, allowing for the potential of up to three online platforms per track. This opens up the possibility of having 27 online sportsbooks in Kentucky, offering a range of options for betting.
Can I bet on sports in Kentucky?
As of now, sports betting is not yet accessible in Kentucky, despite its recent legalization. The launch of operational sportsbooks may take some time, potentially extending over several months. However, while awaiting the launch of local bookies, Kentucky residents have the option to engage in online sports betting through reputable offshore betting sites.
These sports books offer a safe platform for placing bets on sports events. It is understandable that concerns may arise regarding the legitimacy and security of online sportsbooks, given the presence of less reputable alternatives that employ intrusive advertising tactics.
We have sportsbook reviews here at OnlineSportsBetting, that we ourselves have compiled subjectively, that we have used ourselves and continue to use to place our bets week-after-week. We would never recommend a sportsbook that isn’t safe, secure, and user-friendly.
Offshore sportsbooks often provide better odds and bonuses compared to their US counterparts. We believe taking advantage of these benefits by opting for offshore sportsbooks is a smart move while awaiting the launch of local sports betting options in Kentucky.
Betting on Kentucky Sports Teams
There are no professional sports teams in Kentucky unfortunately, but they do have a few collegiate teams that gain a lot of traction in the community – one, in particular, is worth betting on.
The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is one of the top teams in college basketball. They have coach John Calipari currently at the helm, and during his nine years as coach, the team only missed the NCAA Tournament once. Missing March Madness once isn’t such a big deal when you have two National Title appearances and a title within eight years as coach.
Kentucky is home to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The Kentucky Derby.
The state plays host to the main event in horse racing, every year, since 1875. The Kentucky Derby is a huge tourist attraction and holds a prize purse of over $2 million. Held at Churchill Downs, in Louisville Kentucky, they have a dedicated betting racebook called Twin Spires, that allows you to bet on horses year-round.
Kentucky Racebooks
While there are no casinos or sportsbooks in the state of Kentucky as of now, you are able to place horse bets at any of the horse racing tracks. All of these tracks could be home to sports betting offerings once sports betting is launched in the state of Kentucky.
- Churchill Downs, Louisville
- Oak Grove Racing & Gaming, Oak Grove
- The Red Mile, Lexington
- Turfway Park, Florence
- Ellis Park, Henderson
- Keeneland, Lexington
- Kentucky Downs, Franklin
There are also some very good options for off-track betting in Kentucky.
Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting in Kentucky
Online sportsbooks are a dime a dozen. Many of which are confusing to understand all of the rules and stipulations. You want to sign up at a sportsbook that you feel comfortable using, that has great bonuses and promotions and even loyalty programs if you plan to wager a lot.
The deposit options available can make or break a relationship between a bettor and a sportsbook. You want to be able to use a convenient and safe deposit method when betting on sports. Many people don’t use a laptop when betting, so mobile-friendliness or a great Kentucky betting app are important to have as an option – especially if you’re on the go and in a pinch to place a quick bet before the game starts.
We have taken the research out of the equation for you. We have compiled in-depth sportsbook reviews that can help you make an educated decision before registering at a sportsbook. We chose the top sportsbooks and wrote subjective reviews to help you choose the right online sportsbook for you.