Kentucky Sports Betting Sites in 2024 – Top 10 Best KY Sportsbooks

Kentucky sports betting sites started operating in September 2023, with retail betting launching at the start of the month and online/mobile betting launching at the end. There are now a few sportsbooks regulated in the state. However, offshore sportsbooks are still available and they tend to have a wider range of betting options and more lucrative promotions.

They are completely safe, so we’re going to take a look at the best online sports betting sites in Kentucky. We will provide information about the sports you can bet on, the payment methods you can use, and the sports bonuses available.

List of the Best Betting Sites in Kentucky

Take a look at our recommended Kentucky sportsbooks and why we recommend them.

1. BetOnline – The best overall betting site in Kentucky
2. TG Casino – The best Kentucky betting site for mobile users
3. BetWhale – The best betting site in Kentucky for card transactions
4. BetUS – Offers in-depth info in the Locker Room and on BetUS TV
5. Everygame – The best Kentucky betting site for placing live bets
6. BetNow – Online betting site with a sportsbook rebate
7. BUSR – Enjoy a bonus on every single deposit you make
8. MyBookie – Runs seasonal promotions for top US sports
9. Xbet – Kentucky sports gambling site great for betting competitions

Reviews of Kentucky’s Top Online Betting Sites

We have chosen to highlight five of our best Kentucky sports betting sites in the mini-reviews below, where we assess the advantages of each platform.

1. BetOnline – The Best Overall Betting Site In Kentucky

BetOnline is arguably the best betting site in Kentucky for many reasons, including the large range of sports the site has on offer.

BetOnline is licensed by the Panama Gaming Control Board which is also the country in which it is based. This means you can bet on sports from all over the world as well as all of the popular US sports. For example, there are at least 25 different betting markets for upcoming NBA games. They also have markets for basketball leagues in Australia, Israel, and across Europe. Find the bets you want and add them to your betting slip, which will automatically create any parlays that are possible.

Banking with BetOnline is possible through traditional methods such as card payments and bank transfers. They also accept cryptocurrencies and as a general rule using one of the site’s accepted crypto coins is more secure. You can complete the transaction without sharing any identifiable financial information, all it takes is an amount and a wallet address.

BetOnline promotions are great as they cover a wide range of sports. For example, BetOnline runs a UFC split decision bet insurance offer as well as free bets for live betting and player props.

BetOnline sports bonus:

 

2. TG Casino – The Best Kentucky Betting Site For Mobile Users

TG Casino is an online sports betting site like no other, as you access it through the encrypted messaging service Telegram. It benefits players by offering all of the security features built into the cross-platform instant messaging app. Telegram is available on Android, iOS, desktop web browsers, and desktop computer apps.

The site is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority with over 35 different sports available. The coverage of world sports is particularly strong. You can bet on the NBA as well as on basketball leagues across Europe, while the baseball coverage includes the MLB and leagues in East Asia and Australia.

It is a crypto-betting site, so you can only use cryptocurrencies to deposit and withdraw funds. However, the site accepts cards to facilitate the purchase of cryptocurrency including TGC, the coin specific to this betting site.

The welcome bonus is generous as it offers a 200% match up to a maximum of 10 ETH.

TG Casino sports bonus:

 

3. BetWhale – The Best Betting Site In Kentucky For Card Transactions

Join BetWhale to get access to around 15 different sports, including those popular in the US, and others from around the world. You’ll find options ranging from football to rugby and table tennis to volleyball. This Kentucky sports betting site is licensed by Curaçao eGaming.

The soccer collection includes leagues from Australia to Brazil, Canada to Japan and also includes some of the biggest in the world such as the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and the MLS.

The markets on offer are extensive too. For example, there are 226 different bets available for an upcoming soccer game, including the first goalscorer scorer, the number of cards shown to each team, and even the method of goals scored.

BetWhale is a great betting site for people who like to use traditional payment types. This is because the site allows deposits and withdrawals through card payments, which is quite rare. Crypto is also available which can help complete transactions more quickly.

The welcome offer for the sportsbook is worth up to $1,250 and there is a daily deposit boost of 50% available.

BetWhale sports bonus:

 

4. BetUS – Offers In-Depth Info In The Locker Room And On BetUS TV

Operating since 1994, BetUS is an online betting site with a Mwali International Gaming Licence.

This Kentucky sports betting site has markets in competitions for over 20 different sports including those popular in the US like football, basketball, and NASCAR. There is a list of other sports too such as boxing, volleyball, and rugby leagues.

One of the greatest things about BetUS is the Locker Room and BetUS TV, which both offer valuable information for making bets. BetUS TV has dedicated shows for college sports, baseball, NFL, hockey, and all of the popular European soccer leagues. Meanwhile, the Locker Room is a blog that contains written sources where you can find the latest news across different sports as well as expert betting tips.

BetUS accepts credit and debit card deposits, bank wire transfers, and cash transfers. Although to use these options you will need to verify your identity. You can avoid verification by using a cryptocurrency.

The customer service on offer at BetUS is impressive. First of all, there is an extensive help area and plenty of FAQs which should answer the most common queries. Failing that, there are multiple phone numbers and email addresses that correspond to differing issues you might encounter. It is so comprehensive that there is even a fax number and a 24/7 live chat function.

If this wasn’t enough, it is also a fantastic betting site for bonuses too. The BetUS promotions include multiple different sign-up offers and a 50% reload bonus for sports bettors.

BetUS sports bonus:

 

5. Everygame – The Best Kentucky Betting Site For Placing Live Bets

Everygame is licensed by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board and offers over 15 different sports to bet on.

The handy sidebar includes a list of top sports including football, basketball, ice hockey, and tennis. There are other sports further down such as Aussie Rules, golf, and snooker. A banner on most of the sportsbook pages scrolls through popular bets, betting trends, and relevant bet offers for the page you’re exploring.

Another great aspect of Everygame is the live betting console. It features a list of all of the ongoing matches across the site. Each match is listed with stats, a current score, and suggested bets based on the in-play action.

There are a few Everygame promotions for sports betting that you might enjoy. For instance, there are tennis and basketball betting contests, bet insurance offers, and the chance to earn one of 20 $50 parlay-free bets.

Everygame sports bonus:

 

The Best Online Sportsbooks in Kentucky Compared

This table highlights the key characteristics of each KY sportsbook, allowing you to compare them easily.

How We Select the Best Kentucky Online Sports Betting Sites

Before recommending betting sites, we consider a range of factors. Here are the basic expectations that any betting site should offer. Explore the criteria we use to rank online betting sites to see how it matches your own expectations.

• Range of Bets – Our Kentucky sports betting sites must have a great choice of markets. We expect them to offer more markets than just the main three types, moneyline, point spreads, and totals.
• Choice of Events – We expect betting sites to offer a good range of sports that are popular in the US and around the world. We also expect to see a range of US and international leagues.
• Bonus & Promotions – Competitive welcome offers are available at all of our recommended online sports betting sites, but we also ensure they look after existing customers with regular ongoing promotions.
• Safety & Security – Our online betting sites must use SSL encryption to ensure your data is transmitted securely. It is also important that they inform customers about how they store and use your data via a clear privacy policy.
• Payment Methods – There should be a range of different payment methods available. For example, accepting card and bank payments, allowing at least one third-party service, and also accepting Bitcoin would cover most bases. If it is a crypto betting site then they should accept plenty of different coins.
• Customer Support – Issues sometimes happen, so having easy access to customer support is vital. They should also be able to deal with any queries and complaints quickly. Ideally, there should be a phone number, an email address, and a live chat function available as a minimum.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Online sports betting in Kentucky was officially launched on September 28, 2023. Online, mobile, and retail sports betting is completely regulated in Kentucky.

The Kentucky House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee opted to pass House Bill 551 on March 9, 2023, with a vote of 25-12. The long-awaited passing of this bill finally legalized online and mobile sports betting in the state.

Some of America’s most popular sportsbooks quickly joined the queue to begin operations in Kentucky’s newly thriving iGaming market including the likes of FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. These platforms (along with several others) went live in the state on September 28, 2023.

Alternatively, federal laws in Kentucky remain lapse when it comes to using overseas mobile sports betting sites. So, if you are bonus hunting or just scoping extra lines for an upcoming Louisville Cardinals game, just ensure you play at a trustworthy offshore sportsbook, such as the bookies featured on this page.

Latest Kentucky Sports Betting Updates

December 2023 – The North Kentucky Tribune reports that calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline have tripled.

December 2023 – The state exceeded expectations by completing a handle of over $656 million in three months. A $23 million tax income target was also exceeded.

December 2023 – A new historical racing machine venue is opened in Kentucky by Churchill Downs Incorporated.

September 28, 2023 – Regulated online and mobile sports betting starts in Kentucky.

September 7, 2023 – Regulated retail sports betting starts in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Senate – Bills and Motions

There were many attempts to introduce regulated sports betting in Kentucky before it eventually happened in 2023.

2023

HB-551: Regulated sports betting is legalized in Kentucky when Gov. Andy Beshear signs HB-551 into law. This sets up provisions to give licenses to the nine-horse racing tracks in the state and allows each racetrack to have three skins for their online offering.

2022

HB-606: This is the 2022 attempt to make the Racing Commission introduce regulated sports betting at racetracks. This one made it through the House but failed to get past the committee in the Senate.

2021

HB-241: Like HB-175 and HB-137 from the previous years (see below), this bill asked the racing commission to introduce regulated sports betting at tracks and other locations specified in the bill. It was referred to the House Committee On Committees Committee from where it did not progress. It was sponsored by a mix of Republican and Democrat representatives.

HB-531: This was another bill aiming to compel the racing commission to introduce regulated sports betting at racetracks and other locations included in the bill. This bill had just one sponsor, Democrat Representative Alan Gentry.

HB-594: Democrat Representative Alan Gentry attempts to get the racing commission to launch regulated sports betting at racetracks and other specified locations.

2020

HB-137: Following the attempt to pass HB-175 in 2019, this bill also would have compelled the racing commission to launch regulated sports betting at racetracks and other locations. It was sponsored by a mix of Republican and Democrat representatives.

2019

HB-12: This bill would have compelled the Kentucky Lottery to implement and regulate sports betting in the state.

HB-171: Republican Representative Sal Santoro looked to launch sports betting by removing “games determined by the outcome of a sports contest” from the list of games the Kentucky Lottery Corporation cannot offer.

HB-175: This bill would have required the racing commission to set up regulated retail sports betting in Kentucky at racetracks and other specified locations. It would have also legalized online poker. It was sponsored by a mix of Democrat and Republican representatives.

SB-23: Senator Julian Carroll submitted this Senate bill to establish the Kentucky Gaming Commission and require them to launch regulated sports betting.

2018

HB-536: The first attempt was submitted before the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act 1992 (PASPA) was repealed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Democrat Representatives John Sims and Dean Schamore attempted to get the Kentucky Revised Statutes altered to allow sports betting before the PASPA decision was made.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Kentucky

The minimum age for all types of gambling in Kentucky is 18 years old.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates pari-mutuel wagering, and sports betting in the Bluegrass State.

Remote registration is allowed in Kentucky so you can sign up online before you visit an in-person betting facility.

Pros and Cons of Using One of These Online Sportsbooks in Kentucky

Using offshore sportsbooks has many advantages compared to visiting an in-person sportsbook, these include the following:

Offshore Kentucky Online Betting Sites vs. Regulated US Sportsbooks

Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy at offshore Kentucky sports betting sites compared to Kentucky online sportsbooks:

• Bonuses and promotions – You can enjoy welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions at offshore sites which tend to be much more competitive than regulated Kentucky sportsbooks.
• The collection of sports – You can find more sports to bet on at offshore sportsbooks because they are catering to an international customer base as well as a US audience.
• The number of markets – You can find more interesting bets at offshore betting platforms, particularly with the larger availability of prop bets and other markets.
• Safety – Offshore sportsbooks tend to accept cryptocurrencies, which is a more secure and anonymous method of payment.

Types of Bonuses Available at Best KY Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky online sportsbooks offer a range of different sports betting bonuses. The table below details a few of the more common types available.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses

This table is great for making quick comparisons between the different welcome bonuses offered at our recommended sites.

Popular Banking Methods at Kentucky Sportsbooks

There are many different ways to add money to your account and withdraw your winnings at Kentucky sportsbooks. Here are the main ones:

Deposit Options at Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

This table details the specific ways you can make deposits at each of our recommended Kentucky sports betting sites.

Withdrawal Options at Best Kentucky Online Sports Betting Sites

These are the different ways you can receive your payouts at our recommended offshore KY sportsbooks.

Popular Kentucky Online Sports Betting Markets

These are the common markets on offer at most online sports betting sites. Online wagers are likely to fall into one of these categories, with each bookmaker having different specialties.

Moneyline Bets – These are the standard ‘to win’ bets, usually between two competing teams or players. BetOnline has the widest range of moneyline bets, as well as some of the most competitive odds.

Point Spread Betting – This involves betting on teams with a handicap in their favor or against them. This is usually done to even out the odds, making the betting experience more competitive. You can find good point spread bet statistics at BetUS so we recommend going here for spread betting.

Totals – This is betting on the total number of points scored in a single match by both teams. Normally, a sportsbook will state a specific number and you need to bet whether the total number of points will be Over or Under this amount. This is why this is sometimes called over/under betting. Everygame offers competitive odds on totals betting.

Prop Bets – This is any bet placed on outcomes that do not directly affect the overall result or score of a match. Examples include first goalscorer or the number of running yards from a particular player. You can find plenty of prop markets at BetOnline.

Futures – You may see these called outrights as they refer to the outright winners of competitions. For example, placing a bet on the Pacers to win the Central Division, the Eastern Conference, or the playoffs would be a futures bet. The sidebar at BetNow has a good section of futures markets.

Parlays – This is when several selections are rolled into one bet to increase the overall odds. However, every selection must come off for you to win any money. Some sites offer parlay insurance, meaning you get your money back if your parlay fails by just one leg.

Live Betting – This is also known as in-play betting as it involves wagering on games that are currently taking place. The Everygame live betting multiview makes it easy to find ongoing matches to bet on.

You can use this table to compare the different markets available at each of our top online sportsbooks.

Kentucky Mobile Sports Betting Apps & Sites for iPhone & Android

You can place mobile sports bets via your iPhone or Android device when you are in Kentucky. There is no need to use a geolocator when using offshore sites like BetOnline and BetUS, which are available across the country.

KY Mobile Sports Betting on iPhone

As of September 2023, players can now download sports betting apps in Kentucky, such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel. However, several surrounding states still don’t have sports betting legislation, meaning if you exit KY, your app will be geo-fenced, and you will be unable to access it.

As an alternative, just use the mobile browser on your iPhone, such as Safari, and visit a site like BetOnline.ag, and you will be able to place sports bets quickly and effectively. Those mobile sites are optimized for iOS operating systems, so you will enjoy a strong user experience.

KY Mobile Sports Betting on Android

The top sports betting apps in Kentucky are now available via Google Play, including the likes of FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings,  and BetMGM.

Instead, you have to use an offshore mobile sportsbook. You can visit the sites listed on this page from your Android browser, which will probably be Chrome. Sites like BetOnline, BetUS and MyBookie are all optimized for Kentucky mobile sports betting.

Mobile Site vs App for Betting in Kentucky

With a new slate of native sports betting apps in Kentucky now available, we thought it interesting to compare their pros and cons with some of the long-serving mobile sites like BetUS and BetOnline.

Sports Betting Mobile Site

You access a sports betting mobile site via the browser on your smartphone, such as Safari or Chrome. It is not as easily accessible as a mobile app, but the best mobile sites are perfectly optimized for mobile use. You do not need to download them from the app store, and you never need to upgrade them.

Most mobile betting sites are based offshore. They offer large bonuses and very competitive odds, as they tend to pay lower tax rates than US companies, and they pass on some cost savings to their customers.

Cross-border deposits and withdrawals can be an issue, which is why crypto is so popular. They also offer casino gaming, poker, and racebooks.

Sports Betting Mobile App

Sports betting mobile apps can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. They will then live on your main mobile screen, and they need to be updated occasionally. These apps are licensed and regulated in the United States, which has its pros and cons.

On the plus side, you benefit from American consumer protection laws. On the downside, they have to provide fewer betting options – for example, there are often restrictions on college sports betting and mobile casino gaming – and the odds are often not as sharp. They do offer lots of generous bonuses with 1x rollover requirements, though.

How to Create a Betting App for a Kentucky Sportsbook

You can essentially turn the best betting sites into sports betting apps in Kentucky by following this neat trick:

Step 1: Visit BetOnline.ag from your Mobile Browser

Enter the domain name into your browser on any mobile device to visit the BetOnline mobile site.

Step 2: Fire Up the Browser Menu

Hit the button we have highlighted below.

Step 3: Click to Add BetOnline to Your Home Screen

Select the “Add to Home Screen” option, which will create a shortcut for BetOnline. This will ensure it offers all the speed, ease, and convenience of sports betting apps in Kentucky.

Step 4: Confirm the Shortcut

You can change the name to “BetOnline” or “Sportsbook” if you would like to simplify things.

Step 5: Open BetOnline at Any Time

BetOnline will now sit on your main screen. You can tap on it at any time to enjoy quick, easy Kentucky mobile sports betting.

Land-Based Casinos With Sports Betting in Kentucky Near You

The retail outlets at which you can place bets on sports events are mostly racetracks. There is a rich history of horse racing in the state and some of these have been open for over a hundred years.

Name	Address	Opening Hours	Contact Number
Churchill Downs	700 Central Ave Louisville, KY 40208	Wednesday – Friday: 12 pm – 10 pm Saturday: 11:30 am – 10 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm	502-636-4400
Derby City Gaming & Hotel	4520 Poplar Level Rd Louisville, KY 40213	Monday – Wednesday 8 am – 6 am 24-hour weekends: Thursday 8 am – Monday 6 am	502-961-7600
Ellis Park	3300 US Highway 41 N Henderson, KY 42420	Sunday: 8 am – 2 am Monday – Wednesday: 10 am – 2 am Thursday – Saturday: 8 am – 4 am	812-425-1456
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland	244 Penny Ln Williamsburg, KY 40769	Monday – Wednesday: 9 am – 5 am Thursday – Sunday: Open 24 hours from 9 am Thursday	606-400-2888
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run	777 Winners Lane Corbin, KY 40701	10 am-12 am Every day	606-620-0250
Newport Racing & Gaming	1723 Monmouth St Newport, KY 41071	Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 2 am Friday – Saturday 10 am – 4 am	859-647-4700
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel	777 Winners Way Oak Grove, KY 42262	Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 4 am Thursday: 8 am – Monday 4 am	270-984-4200
Red Mile Racing & Gaming	1200 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504	Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 4 am Fridays: 10 am – 6 am Saturdays: 9 am – 6 am Sundays: 9 am – 4 am	859-255-0752
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming	7500 Turfway Rd Florence, KY 41042	Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 am Friday-Sunday 24 hours a day	859-371-0200

How to Sign Up with BetOnline in Kentucky

Follow these simple steps to sign up and start playing at one of our recommended betting sites.

Step 1: Choose an Online Betting Site

Look through our list of the top Kentucky sportsbooks, make a choice that suits you, and click the link to go to the website.

Step 2: Create a Betting Account

Click “Join” in the top right right-hand corner and complete the registration form. It might read “Register” or “Sign up” at other sites but you must complete the form accurately.

Step 3: Verification

After confirming your details, you may need to verify your identity. BetOnline will send a link to the email address you registered with. You need to click that link to verify your identity. You may be asked by other sites to provide evidence of an identification document like a passport or driver’s license.

Step 4: Fund Your Account & Enter a Promo Code

You can now make a deposit, by heading to the cashier or banking section of the website. There is a link on the homepage and from your account page. Choose the method of payment, and enter an amount, making sure it is above the minimum amount required to claim the welcome bonus. There will also be a field to enter the relevant bonus code which is INSIDERS for BetOnline.

Step 5: Start Playing

Your deposit will be processed and your bonus will be instantly reflected in your account. Now you can start placing sports bets.

More on Kentucky Gambling

Find out about the whole gamut of Kentucky Gambling including online casinos with these links:

• Kentucky Online Casinos

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky

Problem gambling is always something to consider, as it is a very real risk. Figures from the National Council on Problem Gambling in Kentucky suggest around 37,000 people suffer from compulsive gambling. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, there is help available.

• There is problem gambling advice and a list of contacts at the Team Kentucky Cabinet For Health and Family Services.
• There is an assessment form provided by the KY Gambling Help Group.
• You can check the Gambler’s Anonymous website for meetings in your area.
• You can find events and outreach programs on the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling website.

The Best Sports Betting Site in Kentucky is…

BetOnline. It is the best Kentucky sports betting site due to the choice of welcome bonuses this Kentucky betting site offers, as well as the number of free bets and bet insurance offers in place. There are 25+ sports to bet on from all over the world and the betting slip automatically creates available parlays for you. If you make an account you can make deposits via traditional methods and through cryptocurrencies too.

KY Sports Betting FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, online sports betting is completely regulated in the state of Kentucky.

What betting sites are legal in Kentucky?

No one has ever been prosecuted for using offshore betting sites in the US so there are a range of options such as BetOnline, TG Casino, and BetWhale.

Can I take advantage of mobile sports betting in Kentucky?

Yes, you can visit betting sites by using a mobile browser on a smartphone or tablet.

What payment and withdrawal methods do Kentucky sportsbooks accept?

You can use traditional methods such as debit or credit cards, bank transfers, and third-party payment services like PayPal and Skrill. You can also use crypto coins to complete transactions with Kentucky sportsbooks.

Is a minimum deposit required to bet online?

Not always, but there may be a minimum amount required to deposit with certain payment types. There is also a minimum deposit required to claim different welcome bonuses.