Kentucky Sports Betting: Best Kentucky Sportsbooks

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app

In 2022, FanDuel impressively claimed the title of the leading sportsbook in the US, boasting the highest total revenue. If you are wondering what contributed to FanDuel’s success, then you should check out the platform and try out its top features for yourself.

FanDuel’s mobile app is especially outstanding, having a 4.8/5 on the App Store and a 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. It's a leading app in the US betting industry, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable betting experience on the go.

After successfully completing the registration process, whether you're using a desktop or mobile device, you have the opportunity to claim $150 in bonus bets. All you need to do is place a $5 bet on any market, and you'll receive the bonus bets on top of your winnings if your bet wins.

Additionally, various ongoing promotions are frequently updated depending on what sport is in season. 

Withdrawing any winnings is a breeze, as FanDuel is known to have the fastest withdrawal in the industry, with PayPal, Venmo, and Prepaid+ taking under 24 hours. 

» Check out our complete review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

💰 Sign-up offer:  Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.5/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

Claim Your FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus

3. bet365 Sportsbook

Best for: Selection of bonuses

bet365 has a long-standing reputation in the UK and is quickly becoming a major player in the US betting industry. If you want a trusted platform that generously rewards its players, then take a look at bet365.

bet365 gives you a taste of the site by giving you the choice between two welcome bonuses. Depending on which you prefer, you can either opt for a $1,000 Second Chance Bet or wager $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets. This is appealing to both high and low-risk bettors, as you can choose which one is better suited to your betting style. Aside from this, you can find a number of regular promotions that are changed weekly and monthly. On the site, you can find other great features that complement the betting experience, such as stats and betting data, live streaming, and live betting. 

Bet365's fantastic mobile app allows you to conveniently enjoy it from your phone. The app showcases the user-friendly and modern interface of Bet365’s platform, mirroring the functionality of the desktop.

» Read our full review of bet365.

💰 Sign-up offer: $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets
🤩 Promo code: WSN365

bet365 Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.5/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.7/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your bet365 Sportsbook Bonus

4. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Rewards scheme

Caesars Sportsbook has a rich history under Caesars Entertainment and is particularly renowned for its physical locations across the US, which tie into its reward scheme. If you are looking for a trusted sportsbook that rewards your loyalty, then Caesars provides a premium experience. 

As a new customer, you can claim up to $1,000 in bonus bets if you lose your first bet. It is a great chance to make the most of your first wager and mitigate some of the risks when you first join. You can find a whole host of betting markets covering a range of sports and events. It is easy to explore them, as Caesars has an easily navigable and user-oriented platform. 

But the standout feature of Caesars is the sportsbook’s rewards scheme. You can earn Caesar Rewards points every time you make a bet. As you progress through the tiers, you can claim increasingly better rewards, such as trips to Caesars destinations, premium events, celebration dinners, and room upgrades. Customer service is also top-quality at Caesars, with many options to easily get in touch with an agent. 

» Discover more in our detailed review of Caesars Sportsbook.

💰 Sign-up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars OR $250 in Bonus Bets
🤩 Promo code: WSN1000

Caesars Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.6/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.3/5
⭐ Trustpilot: N/A

Claim Your Caesars Sportsbook Bonus

5. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform

DraftKings secures a place at the top of our list by being an all-round fantastic platform. If you are looking for a platform that simply has it all, then DraftKings is definitely an option that is worth your time. 

Whether it's promotions, mobile compatibility, security, or reputation, this sportsbook knocks it out of the park. As a new player, you can benefit from a great promo bonus. Also, DraftKings has the lowest minimum deposit in the industry, at just $5. You can quickly and conveniently make transactions using a range of 13 different payment methods.

Looking at the site itself, the ease of navigating between the different features is particularly commendable. Some betting platforms can tend to feel cluttered and overwhelming; this is not the case at DraftKings, which is very intuitive despite its huge range of features. On the dedicated promotions page, you can find different DraftKings Kentucky bonuses that change weekly and monthly, depending on sporting events.  

The rewards do not stop there. DraftKings has recently launched its own loyalty scheme called ‘DraftKings Dynasty,’ which comprises different tiers. As you advance, you can receive rewards such as gifts, a dedicated VIP host, VIP events, and plenty more.

» Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Kentucky

The full list of 8 sportsbooks available in Kentucky: 

1. bet365

2. BetMGM

3. Caesars Sportsbook

4. Circa

5. DraftKings

6. ESPN Bet

7. Fanatics Sportsbook

8. FanDuel

Kentucky Online Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky Retail Sportsbooks 

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky, with online sportsbooks launching on Sept. 28, 2023. It took more or less three years of negotiations for a bill to be passed through. House Bill 551 was finally signed into law in March 2023. 

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission soon after approved 7 operators to launch in September, as well as a dozen retail books earlier in the month. bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN Bet (previously, Barstool), Fanatics, and FanDuel are currently the available sportsbooks in the Bluegrass State.  

How to Start Betting

Signing up and placing your first bet is simple, and we have outlined exactly how to do it for you. This is especially helpful if you are a newcomer to the world of betting. 

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook. It is essential to select a platform that is regulated and licensed in Kentucky, as it means they are credible and trustworthy. There are many unlicensed platforms, and these should be completely avoided as you have no player protection.

2. Register your account. It is necessary to register your information to become a bettor on a platform. You will need to input information such as your name, email, date of birth, and address. 

3. Confirm your identity. Some platforms will ask you to verify your identity by submitting necessary documents as a security measure, like your passport or driver's license. 

4. Claim your welcome offer. You will either need to opt in or use a promo code. For certain bonuses, you will have to deposit and wager a specific amount. You’ll also need to be aware of any T&Cs and other criteria attached to the bonus. For our recommended platforms, you can find the specifics in our reviews above. 

5. Deposit money. To claim certain bonuses, you will need to deposit a specific amount, depending on the offer. Otherwise, you’ll just need to top up your account to start betting. Whichever site you choose will have a range of payment options to choose from. 

6. Place your first bet. Take a look at the sports and betting markets that are offered. You can then select your chosen kind of bet and amount before adding it to your bet slip and making your wager. 

Kentucky Sportsbook Welcome Offers

Sportsbooks have a variety of welcome bonuses that incentivize bettors to join and engage with their platforms. Below, we have summed up a few of the most common offers that are found in Kentucky. It is important to check the terms and conditions when claiming any bonus, and to be aware of any details such as expiration dates and wagering requirements. 

Bonus Bet 

A bonus bet is a kind of promotion that can be claimed after making a qualifying deposit and wager. Simply, it is like voucher to place a bet. When you win with a bonus bet, only the winnings can be claimed rather than both the wager and winnings, which is different from regular bets.

Second Chance Bets

A second chance bet is a safety net, where the sportsbook will reimburse you up to a specific amount if you lose your initial wager. This reimbursement is typically in site credits or bonus bets. It’s a pretty common welcome offer.

Deposit Match Bonuses

The sportsbook will match the amount that you deposit up to a specified limit. Your bonus amount will increase depending on the amount that you decide to deposit. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

With a no-deposit bonus, you are not required to deposit or wager any of your own money. It is completely free; all you have to do is sign up, and you’ll be given a bonus bet or bonus bets. However, because of this, it is often a smaller amount of around $10 or $20.  

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Kentucky?

Mobile compatibility is a critical feature for a top modern sportsbook. Bettors want to access platforms from the palm of their hands, and a top-quality mobile app can really enhance this experience. Our five picks for best Kentucky sportsbooks all have their own dedicated apps.

Take a look at our favorite apps for the best mobile sportsbook in Kentucky:

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. bet365 - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

4. BetMGM - App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

5. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Kentucky?

At Kentucky sportsbooks, you can find a diverse range of sports and betting markets to cater to your individual preferences. The variety can seem a bit overwhelming if you are a betting beginner, but you’re in good hands because we have provided simple explanations of the most common types of bets below:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a very popular type of bet where you predict which side will win a game or event. The payout is determined by the odds, which is assigned to each side based on their perceived advantage. Let’s look at an example from college football teams: 

• Western Kentucky (-425)

• FIU (+330)

Here, Western Kentucky is the favorite, represented by the negative odds. You would need to make a bet of $425 to win $100 for a payout of $525, if they win. For FIU, a bet of $100 would make a profit of $330 for a payout of $430.

Point Spreads

In this case, you are essentially betting on the margin of victory rather than the outcome based on the spread of points determined by the sportsbook. It’s a good option when you want to bet on teams that have a large difference in ability. Consider this instance:

• Western Kentucky -10.5 (-110)

• FIU +10.5 (-110)

If you are betting on Western Kentucky, they would have to win the game by 11 points or more. While if you bet on FIU, they would have to win the game or avoid losing by 11 points. The standard odds for each side are around -110 with point spread betting, but they can change depending on the action.

Totals

A Total Bet, or an Over/Under Bet, consists of betting on the total amount of points that you think will be scored in the game. It is called Over/Under as you bet on whether it will be above or below the amount that is determined by the sportsbooks. It looks like this:

• Western Kentucky vs. FIU

• Over 54 (-112)

• Under 54 (-108)

Futures

A future bet entails predicting the outcome of an event or championship in the future rather than one specific game. For example, if you think that a certain team will win the SuperBowl, then you can make a futures bet before the event starts. 

Prop Bets

With this bet, you are wagering on individual incidents or aspects of a game as opposed to the final outcome. Prop bets can cover a range of scenarios including player performance, specific events, or statistics. Layups in the NBA, rushing or passing yards in the NFL and yellow cards in soccer are all popular prop markets.

Parlays

A parlay involves combining different individual bets onto one ticket. Each of the bets must be correct to win the parlay. Although there is a higher risk for this kind of bet, there is also the potential of a larger payout. A teaser is a modified parlay, where you can change the point spread of each selection in your favor, but this will affect the odds. 

Live Betting

Live betting is a type of sports wagering that allows you to place bets on a game while it is in progress. Bettors are given the chance to amend their wagers based on the current condition of the game. You can find specific live sections on Kentucky sportsbooks, where you can see live updates from the games while you bet. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Kentucky?

Kentucky sports betting is subject to the following restrictions:

• It is prohibited to bet on any political events..

• You are not allowed to bet on non-sport entertainment like the Academy Awards.

• High school sports are banned from sports wagering.

Betting on College Sports in Kentucky

College sports are a huge part of Kentucky’s thriving sports scene, and betting on college sports has been legalized in the state. Below is a full list if NCAA Division 1 College Programs:

• Bellarmine Knights

• Eastern Kentucky Colonels 

• Kentucky Wildcats

• Louisville Cardinals 

• Morehead State Eagles

• Murray State Racers

• Northern Kentucky Norse

• Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers

Kentucky Sports Betting Facts

How Does Kentucky Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

It is difficult to compare Kentucky’s online sports betting to other states, since it was only recently legalized and the first sportsbooks launched in September 2023.

In the first month, Kentucky reported nearly $250 million in handle for sports betting. This is a fairly solid start for the state with a population of around 4.5 million. If we look at Massachusetts, for example, it has a population of nearly 7 million and had around double the amount of $500 million in handle when launching in January 2023. With that being said, Ohio also launched sportsbooks in January 2023 and produced over $1 billion in handle. Ohio does, however, have a larger population of over 11.5 million and debuted with 16 sportsbooks ready to go. 

In Kentucky, the tax rate for retail sportsbooks is 9.75% and 14.25% for online sportsbooks. This is quite standard; it is not as high as Pennsylvania’s 36% tax rate or New York’s 51%, but it's not as low as other states like Michigan, with a flat tax rate of 8%.

Unlike many other states like New Jersey and New York, Kentucky has legalized betting on in-state college sports, which is of particular interest to some bettors. Wagering on esports is also allowed unlike in states like Pennsylvania. 

Kentucky Sports Betting Latest News

After the Supreme Court removed PASPA, it has been a lengthy process for the state of Kentucky to legalize sports betting. Many proposed bills failed to pass over the past three years until March of 2023, when the bill finally reached the Kentucky Senate and was approved. After this, it was a quick process for sports betting operators to launch their platforms in the Bluegrass State. 

Check out a timeline below:

• June 28, 2024 - A Kentucky judge upheld the 2023 law that banned grey-area “skill games”, rejecting claims by supporters that the ban violated various sections of the state constitution.

• May 20, 2024 - Xander Schauffele wins the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

• May 16, 2024 - The PGA Championship starts May 16 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

• May 7, 2024 - Kentucky Derby betting reportedly hit record highs during this year’s event, with more bets placed on the full week of races than ever before.

• May 6, 2024 - Mystik Dan won the 2024 Kentucky Derby in a photo finish over Sierra Leone in second and Forever Young in third. Mystik Dan had 18-1 odds heading into the race.

• May 2, 2024 - Ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, sportsbook executives gave a statement that Kentucky is the top state for crossover betting between sports and horse racing.

• April 30, 2024 - This year’s Kentucky Derby is expected to garner more attention than usual for various reasons, including future investment opportunities.

• April 25, 2024 - Louisville-based operator Churchill Downs reports record-setting quarter one results, earning $590.9 million in revenue.

• April 4, 2024 - Circa Sportsbook is now live in Kentucky. There are now eight sports betting sites available in the state.

• April 2, 2024 - According to officials at Keeneland race track, there will not be any sports betting kiosks at the track during the spring racing season.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Kentucky?

Daily Fantasy Sports has not been explicitly legalized in Kentucky, but is still available in the state. You can find DFS offerings on both DraftKings and Fanduel, which are available for Kentucky players. 

Sports Teams in Kentucky

Currently, there are no major league sports teams in Kentucky. However, Kentucky is a huge college sports state and you can find passionate fan bases for various college teams. 

• The Kentucky Wildcats have won 8 national basketball titles over the course of the past century. They are considered to be a top NCAA basketball program. 

• The Louisville Cardinals are another successful NCAA basketball team that has won 3 national championships. 

Kentucky Sportsbook Partnerships

Since Kentucky does not have any major league teams, there are no sportsbook partnerships with specific teams.

How We Rated the Top Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, the cornerstone of our rating process is hands-on experience. We are committed to immersing ourselves in the platform because we understand that it is the only way to truly grasp the full extent of what it has to offer. We spend considerable time and effort ensuring that our content is authentic and well-informed through first-hand experience.

Our experts are required to invest at least two hours into exploring and researching these six specific areas: 

1. User Experience - We explore each sportsbook’s interface, assessing how user-friendly and accessible it is and the overall design. This allows us to provide our readers with a clear understanding of how the platform operates. We appreciate a visually attractive and functional layout for a site.

2. Features - As a fundamental component, we examine the variety of sports and betting markets that the sportsbook has. We especially appreciate when a platform has additional or unique features for users to explore, like betting guides, picking services, or DFS. We dig into everything on offer. 

3. Promotions - We look at the generosity and variety of the promotions offered, whether welcome bonuses, free bets, running offers, and reward schemes. By opting for these offers ourselves, we gain first-hand experience of how valuable they are. We carefully look at the T&Cs and any other criteria attached to them and lay them out for our readers.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals - We know the value of convenient payment methods when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. A range of options, whether traditional methods like bank cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies, particularly receive our stamp of approval. We personally test the process ourselves to find out times, limits, or fees. 

5. Customer Support - We recognize that customer service can make or break a smooth betting experience. We test the responsiveness of the sportsbook's customer support by using live chat, calling their phone number, and sending emails to evaluate how quickly and helpful their agents are.

6. Responsible Gambling - We highly value sportsbooks that advocate and promote responsible gambling. We commend platforms that have links to useful sites, hotlines, and specific tools such as deposit/wager limits, self-exclusion options, or time-outs. 

We have a team of post-publication editors that allocate a total of 5 hours per month to ensure that our content is regularly updated and accurate. This ensures that the information that we provide is aligned with the current features and offerings on the respective sites. 

Why Trust Us?

At WSN, we pride ourselves on being committed to providing you with well-informed, accurate, and trustworthy information. We achieve this by personally testing out each sportsbook so that we can gain firsthand knowledge. 

We bring a wealth of experience to the table, as we have been part of the betting industry from the very beginning. We have a deep understanding of how the world of sports betting works. Ultimately, our goal is to give you helpful advice to make informed choices when selecting your next sportsbook. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Kentucky 

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling ensures that the state is promoting safe and responsible gambling practices. You can find a variety of resources provided for those who are seeking assistance or looking for information. 

THE KYCPG has a 24/7 hotline that can be called to talk to trained counselors. You choose your preferred line: Lexington (513-322-5998), Louisville (855-222-5542), and Cincinnati (855-222-5542). You can also text or call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). 

On the KYCPG platform, there is a schedule for all the meetings that are held in person and virtually. Additionally, you can find a number of other resources and reading material about how to practice responsible betting. 

Often, Kentucky sportsbooks will have specific tools that can help you manage your betting activity: 

1. Deposit/Wager Limits: This tool helps you manage your expenses, ensuring that you stay within your budget and avoid overspending on a platform.  

2. Reality Check Service: This service provides regular check-ins with users, reminding you to take a break if necessary. 

3. Cool Off Period/Self-Exclusion Tools: You can use this to either temporarily or permanently block your account, helping you to set boundaries for your betting.