Kentucky’s Sports Betting Landscape: A New Era of Wagering
Sports betting in Kentucky entered a new era on March 31, 2023, when the state legalized the activity through the passage of HB 551. The first sportsbook launched on September 28, 2023, both online and in person, ushering in a new wave of excitement for sports enthusiasts. Today, Kentucky boasts eight licensed online sportsbooks, each offering mobile apps, retail sportsbooks, and a variety of ongoing promos. This guide delves into the top sportsbooks, the best promos, and essential legal information to help you navigate the Kentucky sports betting market.
Legal Overview and Age Requirements
In Kentucky, sports betting is fully legal and regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The minimum legal betting age is 18, making it one of the more accessible states for young adults. However, most operators still require bettors to be 21 years old, aligning with the national standard. Bettors can place wagers both online and in person at approved venues such as racetracks and authorized retail locations. The state has no restrictions on betting on college sports, allowing fans to wager on local favorites like the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville.
Top Kentucky Sportsbook Apps
The Kentucky sports betting market is highly competitive, with several major national operators offering their services. Here’s a detailed look at the top five sportsbook apps based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features:
DraftKings Kentucky
Best known for: Deep market depth, fast live pricing, and a polished app.
Welcome Offer: Bet $5, Get $200 if your bet wins.
App Experience & Notable Features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, Same Game Parlays (SGPs), and a wide prop catalog.
Final Take: Choose DraftKings if you want the broadest menu and fast, reliable live markets on KY teams.
FanDuel Kentucky
Best known for: Intuitive Same Game Parlay builder and strong live markets.
Welcome Offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins.
App Experience & Notable Features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, SGPs, and a wide prop catalog.
Final Take: Pick FanDuel if you value a slick app and elite parlay tools with instant payout previews.
BetMGM Kentucky
Best known for: Frequent profit boosts and broad SGP options.
Welcome Offer: “First Bet Offer” up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses.
App Experience & Notable Features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (~240K ratings); live betting, cash-out, and wide sport coverage.
Final Take: If you value boosts and MGM Rewards status, BetMGM is a strong secondary book in KY even when a first-time promo isn’t running.
Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky
Best known for: FanCash rewards and steady football-season promos.
Welcome Offer: Bet $5, Get $50 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.
App Experience & Notable Features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (138K+ ratings); clean UI, live betting, and responsible gaming tooling.
Final Take: A great add for rewards hunters, especially during football season, with daily FanCash value.
Caesars Kentucky
Best known for: Daily “Super Boosts” and frequent promos.
Welcome Offer: Bet $1, get 20 tokens for 100% Profit Boosts on subsequent bets.
App Experience & Notable Features: iOS rating 4.7/5 (89K+ ratings); SGPs, live betting, and simplified navigation.
Final Take: If you want steady boosts and a national rewards program that ties into Vegas stays, Caesars is a solid rotation book in KY.
Best Kentucky Sportsbook Promos and Welcome Offers
New users in Kentucky can take advantage of generous welcome promos from the top sportsbooks, potentially netting up to $650 in value. Here’s a breakdown of the best offers:
DraftKings KY Promo
Offer Summary: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.
Key Details: Minimum $5 deposit, $5+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer. Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
How to Claim: Sign up, deposit $5+, place a qualifying bet, and win to receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
FanDuel KY Promo
Offer Summary: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.
Key Details: Minimum $5 deposit, $5+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer. Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
How to Claim: Sign up, deposit $5+, place a qualifying bet, and win to receive $150 in Bonus Bets.
BetMGM KY Promo
Offer Summary: Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses.
Key Details: Minimum $10 deposit, $10+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer. Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
How to Claim: Sign up, deposit $10+, place a qualifying bet, and lose to receive up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets.
Fanatics KY Promo
Offer Summary: Sign Up & Get 20+ $100 No Sweat Bets FanCash if Your Football Bet Loses Every Gameday.
Key Details: Minimum $1 deposit, $1+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer for 10 straight days. FanCash valid for football games.
How to Claim: Sign up, deposit $1+, place a qualifying bet, and lose to receive $100 in FanCash.
Caesars KY Promo
Offer Summary: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Wagers.
Key Details: Minimum $10 deposit, $1+ cash bet at -10000 odds or longer. Profit Boost Tokens valid for 14 days.
How to Claim: Sign up, deposit $10+, place a qualifying bet, and win to receive 20 Profit Boost Tokens.
How to Start Betting on Sports in Kentucky
- Choose a Legal KY Sportsbook: Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Look for region-specific promos.
- Register Online: Kentucky allows remote sign-up. Enter your full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify your location and age (21+).
- Claim a Welcome Bonus: Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bets, and expiry.
- Deposit Funds: Common methods include credit and debit cards, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Play+ prepaid.
- Place Your First Bet: Example: Bet $5 on Kentucky to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. Try simple totals or moneylines.
- Withdraw Winnings: Payout options include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay faster than bank transfers. Check processing times in the app’s cashier.
Kentucky Sports Betting Handle and Responsible Gaming
The betting handle in Kentucky has shown steady growth since its inception. In 2023, the total handle reached $885 million, generating $111 million in revenue and a 12.61% hold rate. The state collected $15.4 million in taxes. In 2024, the handle climbed to $2.6 billion, with a revenue of $278 million and a 10.57% hold rate, resulting in $38.6 million in taxes.
Responsible gaming is a top priority in Kentucky. If gambling is causing financial or emotional distress, help is available. Most sportsbooks offer tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. Resources include the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER), the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700), and Gamblers Anonymous (1-855-222-5542). Gambling should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is just a call away.
