Kentucky Sports Betting Sites & Welcome Offers on Legal KY Sportsbooks for (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling Websites, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling Websites will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you.
Casinos that run a sportsbook on the same account
Casino ratings last updated: · 6 operators compared · welcome offers as the single basis
- 1
BetUS8.7/10Curacao, Comoros Gambling License Authority licence · since 1994 · accepts US players200% up to $4,000Wagering 35x · Minimum deposit $50 · Bonus code CAS2003–5 minCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at BetUSOffer details
Welcome offer: 200% up to $4,000. Wagering requirement 35x. Minimum qualifying deposit $50. Bonus code CAS200. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: 3–5 min. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in 3–5 min once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 2 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoListed by 3 of the 8 US review portals we trackMinimum deposit $50No free spins in the welcome offerBonus code CAS200 has to be entered on the deposit form
- 2
Bovada8.7/10Curacao licence · since 2011 · accepts US players100% up to $1,000Wagering 25x (b+d) · Minimum deposit $20 · Bonus code CAWELCOME100Crypto · InstantCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at BovadaBovada reviewOffer details
Welcome offer: 100% up to $1,000. Wagering requirement 25x (b+d). Minimum qualifying deposit $20. Bonus code CAWELCOME100. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: Crypto · Instant. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in instant once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 2 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoPoker room on the same accountNo free spins in the welcome offerBonus code CAWELCOME100 has to be entered on the deposit formNo live dealer tables on record
- 3
MyBookie8.6/10since 2014 · accepts US players150% up to $750Wagering 40x (b+d) · Minimum deposit $45 · Bonus code MYB150Crypto · ~10–15 minCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at MyBookieMyBookie reviewOffer details
Welcome offer: 150% up to $750. Wagering requirement 40x (b+d). Minimum qualifying deposit $45. Bonus code MYB150. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: Crypto · ~10–15 min. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in ~10–15 min once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 3 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoServing US players since 2014No offshore licence on recordWagering 40x (b+d) is on the high side for this listMinimum deposit $45
- 4
EveryGame8.2/10Curacao, Saint Kitts And Nevis licence · since 1996 · accepts US players125% up to $1,000Wagering 30x (b+d) · Minimum deposit $20 · Bonus code SIGNUP1000Crypto · 0–1hCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at EveryGameOffer details
Welcome offer: 125% up to $1,000. Wagering requirement 30x (b+d). Minimum qualifying deposit $20. Bonus code SIGNUP1000. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: Crypto · 0–1h. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in 0–1h once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 3 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoServing US players since 1996No free spins in the welcome offerBonus code SIGNUP1000 has to be entered on the deposit formNo live dealer tables on record
- 5
BC.Game8.4/10Curacao licence · since 2017 · accepts US players120% up to $1,000 + 100 free spinsWagering 40x (b+d) · Minimum deposit $5 · No bonus code needed~10–15 minCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at BC.GameOffer details
Welcome offer: 120% up to $1,000 + 100 free spins. Wagering requirement 40x (b+d). Minimum qualifying deposit $5. No bonus code is needed. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: ~10–15 min. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in ~10–15 min once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 12 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoLive dealer tablesWagering 40x (b+d) is on the high side for this list
- 6
Xbet8.6/10since 2013 · accepts US players200% up to $500Wagering 40x · Minimum deposit $20 · No bonus code neededCrypto · 3–5 minCryptoCardsBank wirePlay at XbetOffer details
Welcome offer: 200% up to $500. Wagering requirement 40x. Minimum qualifying deposit $20. No bonus code is needed. Withdrawal window quoted by the payment method: Crypto · 3–5 min. Payment methods on record: Crypto, Cards, Bank wire.
Pros and cons
Withdrawals land in 3–5 min once the operator releases themBitcoin and altcoin deposits, 1 coins on recordSportsbook on the same account as the casinoServing US players since 2013No offshore licence on recordWagering 40x is on the high side for this listNo free spins in the welcome offer
21+. Play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if gambling stops being a game. Offers are for new customers only and change without notice — check the terms at the operator before you deposit.
Quick Look at Legal Kentucky Sports Betting
Kentucky Sports Betting Sites 2026
The country’s leading online sportsbooks have launched in Kentucky. The biggest operators are competing with one another to offer the most lavish Kentucky sportsbook promos in the initial rush to secure market share. These are the best five sign-up offers:
- 🔥 BetMGM: First-bet offer up to $1,500
- 🔥 Caesars: $1,000 first-bet offer
- 🔥 Fanatics: Get up to $100 in bonus bets every day, for 10 days
- 🔥 DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $150
- 🔥 FanDuel: Bet $5, Win $200 in bonus bets
- 🔥 bet365: 1st Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets
- 🔥 ESPN BET: Get $150 in Bonus Bets With 1st Wager
What Are The Best Sportsbooks in Kentucky?
These are the best Kentucky online sports betting sites.
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- bet365
- Circa
- ESPN BET
There will probably be some smaller operators eventually, but those online Kentucky sports betting sites are the ones that have dominated the market since launch, and each offer sportsbook promo codes for new customers who sign up.
The BetMGM Kentucky bonus code will earn new customers a first-bet offer up to $1,500 that pays you back in bonus bets if your first loses. The ESPN BET Kentucky promo code TODAY gives new customers $150 in bonus bets after they make an opening wager, such as $10 on the Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals.
The Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky promo code will provide bettors with a refund as a bonus bet up to $1,000 if their initial wager loses, while FanDuel, DraftKings and bet365 all have generous "bet and get" welcome bonuses.
Operators will also allow Kentuckians to wager on hundreds of markets, including bets on MLB Futures and to make prop bets on other pro leagues.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky. Kentucky sports betting launched on Sept. 7, 2025, at retail locations and Sept. 28 online. Kentucky legalized sports betting when Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law on March 31, 2025. The full list of approved sports betting operators to receive KY online sports betting licenses was announced on August 22: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and Penn Sports Interactive, which is ESPN BET.
This Kentucky sports betting guide explains everything you need to know now that the first Kentucky sports betting apps up and running.
Kentucky Sports Betting Updates
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has been handed oversight of retail sportsbooks, mobile apps and sports betting sites. Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer has stated that the commission was working hard to ensure that legal sports betting gets underway during the football season this fall. Regulators set Sept. 7 as a launch date for sports betting at retail sportsbooks and the morning of Sept. 28 for betting apps and online wagering - and Kentucky sports betting is now live at in-person retail sites and online.
Status of Kentucky Sports Betting
Regulators at the KHRC initially set Dec. 28 to promulgate the official regulations for sports betting in Kentucky but worked on a far more aggressive timeline for retail and online sports betting in Kentucky. As explained in our Kentucky sports betting FAQ, the launch date was Sept. 7. Retail sportsbooks at horse racing tracks opened first, followed three weeks later by online sportsbooks and sports betting apps, which launched on Sept. 28, 2025.
Gov. Andy Beshear signed the bill legalizing sports betting in Kentucky on March 31, 2025. (Photo by Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / Gambling Websites NETWORK)
Kentucky Sports Betting Bills
Lawmakers spent several years attempting to introduce a legal Kentucky sports betting industry before finally achieving success in 2025. These are the bills that sought to make Kentucky sports betting legal:
- 🖋️ HB 551 – The Kentucky sports betting bill approved by both the House and the Senate in 2025, which Gov. Beshear signed into law.
- 🖋️ HB 606 – A bill introduced by Rep. Adam Koenig, which cleared the House by a vote of 58-30 but then died without a vote on Sine Die in the Senate in 2022.
- 🖋️ HB 241 – Rep. Koenig’s bill to legalize sports betting and online poker apps failed to gain the requisite support in 2021, which saw a shortened 30-day legislative session.
- 🖋️ HB 137 – Rep. Koenig introduced a sports betting bill in 2020, which gained support from Gov. Beshear, but it did not pass after the Family Foundation of Kentucky began lobbying against it.
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline
- 📅 Sept. 28, 2025: Online sports betting launches in Kentucky at 6 a.m.
- 📅 Sept. 7, 2025: In-person betting goes live in Kentucky.
- 📅 Aug. 28, 2025: Preregistration offers go live at 6 a.m. ET.
- 📅 Aug. 22, 2025: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and Penn Sports Interactive, which is ESPN BET and offers the ESPN Bet Kentucky promo code, are all approved for online licenses.
- 📅 Aug. 17, 2025: Regulators have approved online betting to begin September 28 at 6 a.m. ET, which is one month from the announced preregistration date of August 28. Bettors will be able to make deposits into preregistered accounts as of 6 a.m on September 7, which marks the date that retail betting goes live.
- 📅 July 10, 2025: Kentucky officials target Sept. 7 for retail betting to launch and Sept. 28 for online betting.
- 📅 June 6, 2025: Kentucky's sports betting law goes into effect June 28. Sportsbooks have six months to get up and running in the state from that date.
- 📅 May 6, 2025: Speaking to reporters during his weekly briefing, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was “confident” Kentucky sports betting will be ready for the start of the NFL season.
- 📅 April 18, 2025: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) held an initial meeting to map out a legal framework for sports betting.
- 📅 April 16, 2025: Gov. Beshear reiterated his desire to see legal Kentucky sports betting up and running in time for Week 1 of the NFL season in September.
- 📅 April 11, 2025: Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer stated that KHRC chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz is working on launching either retail or online sports betting approved in time for Kentuckians to bet on regular season NFL and NCAAF games.
- 📅 March 30, 2025: On the final day of the Kentucky legislative session, the Senate approved HB 551 on a 25-12 vote. The law features a competitive Kentucky sports betting tax on both retail and online sportsbooks, which is sure to encourage operators to launch in the state. Gov. Beshear signed the Kentucky sports betting bill into law the next day.
- 📅 March 13, 2025: The Kentucky House approved HB 551 on a 63-34 vote.
- 📅 Feb. 2, 2025: Rep. Michael Meredith introduced HB 551 in an attempt to introduce a legal Kentucky sports betting industry.
Who Can Bet on Sports in Kentucky?
This section will explain who can bet on sports in Kentucky legally. These are the key points to note:
Legal Age
You will need to be 18 or older to take part in Kentucky legal sports betting, but most operators will require you to be 12 as most states have imposed a minimum age of 21 for sports betting. You will be asked for ID if you visit a retail sportsbook and you will need to provide a range of details to prove your age when signing up with an online Kentucky sports betting site or mobile app.
Mobile Betting
The Kentucky sports betting law permits all nine of the state’s horse racing tracks and satellite facilities to launch retail sportsbooks, along with Kentucky Speedway. Each of these land-based operators can host three online skins on their master licenses, meaning there could be as many as 30 sports betting apps and websites.
However, we are more likely to see between 10 and 20 sports betting apps, as is the case in neighboring states such as Indiana, Tennessee and Ohio.
Remote Registration
You don't need to visit a retail sportsbook to sign up for online sport betting in Kentucky. Some states, including Illinois, have previously used an in-person registration system, but it makes signing up with online sportsbooks difficult. In Kentucky, you can easily register online with any legal sportsbooks that appeal to you.
Taxable Winnings
You are liable to pay taxes on your winnings if you generate an overall profit from gambling activities over the course of a calendar year. If you fill in Form W-9 when signing up with an online sportsbook in Kentucky, it will not need to impose a withholding tax when you win more than $600, allowing you to settle up your tax bill at the end of the year with the IRS. Keep a record of all wins and losses, as you will only need to pay if you end the year in the black.
Retail Sportsbooks
The state’s horse racing tracks – Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park and Turfway – and their four satellite facilities will be permitted to open retail sportsbooks. Kentucky Speedway can build one, too. You will typically enjoy an exciting experience when you bet in-person at a retail lounge, but it is quicker, more convenient and more cost-effective to use the best Kentucky online sports betting sites and mobile apps.
Within State Borders
You will need to be within Kentucky state borders to place bets at online sportsbooks. If you are using a computer, you will need to install a GeoComply plugin. The software is already built into iPhones and Android devices, so simply turn location settings on when using a sports betting app.
What Sports Betting Options are Legal in Kentucky?
Kentucky has officially legalized all forms of professional sports betting and college sports betting. Some states restrict betting on in-state college teams or college props, but that will not be the case in Kentucky. You will be able to bet on more than 20 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, NASCAR, golf, UFC and various others.
Horse Betting in Kentucky
It is legal for Kentucky bettors to wager on horse races such as the Kentucky Derby. Sports betting sites and mobile apps will not offer betting on horse races, as you will need to use a separate online racebook such as TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing for that. They are already live and legal in Kentucky. If you want to bet on sports betting, Kentucky Derby markets and DFS contests with one company, FanDuel will be a great option.
Kentucky and DFS
DFS operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel accept customers in Kentucky. There are no formal laws that officially permit DFS contests, but they have operated in the Bluegrass State for many years, and lawmakers have never tried to prevent them from doing so.
Bettors will be able to wager on college hoops and their favorite sports. (Photo by Christopher Hanewinckel/Gambling Websites Sports)
Responsible Gaming in Kentucky
The best Kentucky online sports betting sites will offer large, helpful responsible gambling sections. They will provide information about how to play in a responsible fashion, how to spot the potential signs of a gambling problem and myths associated with gambling. You will also find links to helpful organizations, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling.
You will also be able to use tools designed to limit your play, including time limits, bet limits, deposit limits, cooling off periods and self-exclusion. It is important to only use safe, regulated sportsbooks that gain licenses from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. They will be legally compelled to take responsible gambling seriously and protect their players, and you will be assured of a secure online betting experience and guaranteed payouts when you win.
Conclusion on Live Kentucky Sports Betting Sites
Kentucky has an exciting, diverse online sports betting industry featuring a wide range of brands. They compete for new customers, so you will be offered generous Kentucky sports betting bonuses and attractive odds as an incentive to sign up. Just stick to legal, regulated online sportsbooks, and use the links provided on this page to claim the best available welcome bonus at each KY online sports betting site.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQs
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling Websites, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling Websites will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you.
Related Articles
Gambling Websites may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See applicable operator site for its terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble.
Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
