When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Kentucky sports betting is alive and kicking in 2024 with both state-licensed and offshore options available to local bettors.
But which options have the best odds and where can you find the most markets for major events and niche sports? And what about those bonuses? This is exactly what we aim to find out in this guide to KY sports betting.
Top Kentucky Sportsbooks
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- Show Full Guide
3 of the Best Kentucky Sportsbooks Reviewed
After providing a high-level overview of the major Kentucky betting incentives, it is time to go deeper. The top KY sportsbooks will be covered, focusing on offshore Kentucky sportsbook bonuses and examining each operator’s advantages overall.
1. BetOnline – Best KY Sports Betting Site
- Payout time: Instant to 15 days
- License: Panama Gaming Authority
- Markets: 20+
- Crypto Accepted: Yes
- Available in KY: Yes
- Odds: BetOnline has some of the most competitive odds in the industry. These can easily beat the odds available at other KY sportsbook and for many events, they are the first lines available.
- Markets: There is great market coverage at BetOnline with more than 20 sports categories to choose from. You’ll find odds for major leagues, niche sports and political events like elections. There are also odds for some esports leagues.
- Promotions and bonuses: This is another area where BetOnline excels. You’ll find a solid range of promotions that includes everything from player props to regular deposit match bonuses. The highlight though is the reduced juice on NHL bets.
- Banking options: Card payments are the standard option but these have fees attached. There is also support for cryptocurrencies which the better option due to the speed and low cost of transfers.
Pros 
- Lots of markets to choose from for all events
- Some of the most competitive betting odds
- Full access to a racebook and casino
- Super fast and secure payouts via crypto
Cons 
- Dated design and feel to interface
- Fees on credit card payments
Our Verdict: 9.9/10
BetOnline is the best of the best when it comes to KY sportsbooks and considering the competition, that’s no mean feat. It’s got great odds, excellent market coverage and lots of niche betting options.
It would be nice to see the whole site get a little facelift and those card fees are a little high. But the great user experience and those fast crypto payments more than make up for these minor drawbacks.
2. Sportsbetting.ag – Best Range of Promos
- Payout time: Instant to 7 days
- License: Panama Gaming Authority
- Markets: 30+
- Crypto Accepted: Yes
- Available in KY: Yes
- Odds: It’s not often that a sportsbook can compete with BetOnline when it comes to early lines, but Sportsbetting.ag does just that. It also helps that the odds are also among the best.
- Markets: Sportsbetting.ag beats most of the competition with its sports betting market coverage. All major US and international sports are covered while there are plenty of niche markets too including financial betting.
- Promotions and bonuses: This KY sportsbook takes promos to the next level with a massive range of bonuses and ongoing promotions. These include odds boosts, risk-free wagers and contests for major sports and events.
- Banking options: Sportsbetting.ag accepts standard card deposits and there’s also support for cryptocurrencies. If you’re looking for quick withdrawals then crypto is the way to go with instant payouts possible.
Pros
- Early lines and competitive odds
- Great range of regular contests and promos
- One of the largest choices of markets
- Get your winnings instantly with crypto
Cons
- Fees for card deposits
- Not so many responsible gambling tools
Our Verdict: 9.6/10
Sportsbetting.ag provides excellent coverage of all sports and even niche markets like entertainment. But it’s those early lines that really impress and set it apart from many competitors. It would be good to see some more tools for betting responsibly, but it is possible to request a timeout.
With instant payouts and super early lines, Sportsbetting.ag deserves its place as one of our best Kentucky sports betting apps and sites.
3. MyBookie – Best KY Sportsbook for Markets
- Payout time: 24 hours to 5 days
- License: Curacao Gaming Authority
- Markets: 30+
- Crypto Accepted: Yes
- Available in KY: Yes
- Odds: MyBookie doesn’t quite compete with the likes of BetOnline for early lines, but odds are still on a par. For some events we found this sportsbook actually offered better value particularly when a bet boost is available.
- Markets: MyBookie doesn’t quite have the same coverage in terms of sports categories as other KY sportsbooks. But it makes up for this for the ridiculous number of markets available for major events. This includes as many as 300 markets on one NFL game. Now that’s hard to beat.
- Promotions and bonuses: This is one area where MyBookie falls a little behind other Kentucky sports betting apps and sites. While you can find lots of odds boosts, you will struggle to find anything else of real value in the promos area.
- Banking options: MyBookie supports card payments as well as cryptocurrencies and money transfers for deposits. Payouts are limited to crypto or wire transfers but if you choose crypto, they are very fast.
Pros
- Live streaming available on some events
- Odds boosts offer great value
- Lots of markets for single events
- Best props markets in the business
Cons
- Could have more withdrawal options
- Limited sportsbook promos
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
MyBookie has a great range of sports to bet on, but it’s the markets for each event that really impresses. There’s an insane number of props markets for every game which is seriously impressive. You won’t find too many early line or promos, but the odds are competitive.
This is a Kentucky sportsbook that is perfect if you like your prop bets or placing lots of bets on a single game.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Sports betting is legal in Kentucky, both retail and online. KY Governor Andy Beshear signed legislation to legalize Kentucky sports betting on March 31, 2023, via House Bill 551.
The passing of this bill made betting regulated in Kentucky, with sportsbooks launching on September 7, 2023 (retail sports betting) and September 28, 2023 (online sports betting). The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates legal sports betting, fitting for a state famous for the Kentucky Derby.
But even before this legislation passed, offshore sites like the KY sportsbooks recommended in this guide were available in the state.
Kentucky Online Sports Betting Bonuses
Here, we’ll examine the numerous sportsbook incentives available in Kentucky that you can typically find at reputable operators. We will give a general overview first and then go into more detail.
Welcome Bonuses
Offered when you sign up, generally with a deposit or potentially in conjunction with an initial wager. A promo code may be needed to obtain a bonus.
Deposit Match Bonuses
A welcome bonus based on your first deposit. Occasionally, these are also offered to existing sportsbook users as reload bonuses.
No Deposit Bonuses
This type of bonus enables you to obtain bonus credits without depositing. These are rare in the sportsbook industry and more frequently seen with online casinos.
Ongoing Promotions
You will see ongoing promotions at many online sportsbooks. These are offered to existing sportsbook users rather than new customers.
Bonus Bets
Online sportsbooks often award you bonus bets as a new or existing customer. These enable you to make wagers on the sportsbook without dipping into your balance.
Odds Boosts
A common type of sportsbook promotion is to boost the odds on select sporting events. This way, you can make the same wager you would think otherwise with more advantageous odds.
Parlay Insurance
Insurance on parlays enables you to make a select parlay of a particular size and receive money back even if one leg loses. Sometimes it will be 100%, and sometimes a partial refund.
Loyalty Bonuses
Many online sportsbooks offer loyalty programs to ongoing bettors. These often come with a tiered structure and provide increasing rewards the more you bet.
Types of Bets in Kentucky
Let’s look at the types of bets you can place at online sportsbooks in KY, such as those we recommend.
Moneyline
Here, you wager on a sporting event’s outright winner, with odds determining your payout.
Point Spread
With spread betting, a handicap is introduced to even the playing field in uneven matchups.
Totals
This type of betting involves wagering on the total number of points (over/under) that will be scored in a sporting event.
Player Props
Instead of betting on the winner or total, you bet on individual statistical situations within games involving individual players.
Team Props
Like player props, you are betting on micro-statistical outcomes, albeit for whole teams instead of players.
Parlays
Parlays involve pairing multiple selections for higher potential winnings and with same-game parlays from one event.
Live Betting
With live betting, you can bet on games already underway using ever-shifting real-time odds.
Futures
Betting on occurrences in sports that will happen down the line, like which team will win a championship.
Teams to Bet on in Kentucky
Kentucky bettors will want to get in on regional sports betting. Let’s take a look at pro and college sports in the area.
Pro Sports
There are no major professional sports teams in Kentucky in terms of the most popular US leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. You will, however, find some professional soccer teams in Kentucky, albeit not at the MLS level.
Of course, there will be favorite nearby regional professional teams depending on your Kentucky location and allegiances. These include teams like the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues (NHL), Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts (NFL), and the Cincinnati Reds (MLB).
College Sports
College sports are, however, prevalent in Kentucky, and college sports wagering is entirely legal under the regulated Kentucky betting rules. Wagering on college sports has also been accessible and safe on offshore sites like those we recommend since they became available. Two teams are mainly known for their NCAA Division I men’s basketball squads:
Kentucky Wildcats
The University of Kentucky Wildcats are famous for having a consistently competitive NCAA men’s basketball team.
Louisville Cardinals
Also known for its men’s basketball team, the Louisville Cardinals fiercely rival the Kentucky Wildcats.
Popular Sports To Bet on in Kentucky
Kentucky sports bettors will want to know more about all the various betting options in the state. Here, we will examine more popular sports among KY sports betting enthusiasts.
Kentucky Betting Apps and Mobile Betting
It is important to note that the offshore sportsbooks we recommend do not have native mobile apps. However, they feature excellent mobile-optimized sites that can even be turned into convenient widgets on your device.
Betting in Kentucky on your mobile device via these mobile-optimized sportsbook websites is still incredibly convenient. All are accessible via Android and iPhone and easy to navigate.
Pros & Cons of Kentucky Mobile Betting Sites Over Desktop
Let’s look at some of the pluses and minuses of betting on a sports betting app in Kentucky.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Can bet on the go
- Easy to access shifting odds
- No need to be in front of a computer
- More convenient for some lifestyles
Cons:
- It can be easier to navigate via desktop site
- Potential geolocation issues with mobile
How To Sign Up to a Kentucky Sportsbook
We’ll take you step by step through the straightforward procedure of registering for a Kentucky sportsbook. Although comparable procedures will apply to any online sportsbook, we will utilize our top choice, BetOnline, as our example.
1. Start an Account
Open an account with a sportsbook in Kentucky that we’ve suggested. You can go to the sportsbook and do this with the links supplied here.
2. Continue the Registration Process
Locate the “Join Now” or comparable option. The next step will involve selecting a username and password and providing your email address. Where appropriate, there may also be a chance to input a promotional code like the ones we have included.
3. Provide Personal Details
Provide personal information for verification, like your full name, phone number, address, birthday, and the last four digits of your SSN. To facilitate withdrawal, you will generally reply to a verification email and, if necessary, supply more information.
4. Log In and Deposit
Sign in and make a minimum deposit once your account is started to access your welcome offer. At the time of the deposit, you might need to submit a promo code to collect your bonus.
5. Collect Your Welcome Bonus
Most of the time, the offshore sportsbooks we suggest will credit your welcome bonus based on your deposit. Be sure to complete a deposit to be eligible for your bonus. If there is a wagering requirement, make sure to fulfill it in accordance with the sportsbook’s terms and conditions to qualify for your bonus.
Payment Methods in Kentucky
A sportsbook is only as good as its banking options. Here, we will analyze the withdrawal and deposit methods you will commonly find at offshore mobile sportsbook apps such as the Kentucky betting sites we’ve recommended.
- Credit and Debit Cards: You can use a debit or credit card at most online sportsbook operators to fund your account.
- Online Bank Transfer: A bank transfer is another common way to transfer money in and out of regulated sportsbooks.
- Cryptocurrencies: >Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, among other cryptos, are standard payment options only at the offshore sportsbooks we recommend.
- E-Wallets: E-Wallets like PayPal are no longer accessible when banking with offshore KY online sportsbooks.
- Prepaid Cards: Another convenient option is to use prepaid cards for deposits and withdrawals at online sports betting sites.
Kentucky Online Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
The US Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on online sports betting in 2018, allowing states to approve legal sportsbooks. Rep. Adam Koenig introduced a Kentucky sports betting bill in 2020 but failed to gain sufficient support in the Bluegrass State. Still, that would not be the last of the Kentucky sports betting bills.
Then, Rep. Michael Meredith introduced HB 551 in 2023, which passed with a 25-12 vote, allowing online sports betting in Kentucky to begin in September 2023. Still, we recommend playing at offshore sportsbooks that have been available and safe since before these developments. They offer more excellent bonuses, substantial odds, and a better banking selection.
Let’s examine a recent timeline of critical events surrounding sports gambling in Kentucky:
- Oct. 11, 2023: As of Thursday, September 28th, through Sunday, October 1st, Kentucky sports betting handled $68 million, according to Governor Andy Beshear.
- Oct. 3, 2023: For the purpose of formally entering the Kentucky market, Circa Sports negotiates a contract with ECL Corbin, LLC. The Circa app will be released later this year and accessible at The Mint Gaming Hall and Cumberland Run.
- Oct. 2, 2023: GeoComply reports that more than 2 million geolocation sign-ins happened during the first 24 hours of regulated online sports betting in Kentucky.
- Sept. 28, 2023: Kentucky witnesses the official debut of online sports betting. On day one, seven KY sports betting apps become live in the state.
- Sept. 27, 2023: On September 28th, seven sports betting applications in Kentucky go live statewide: Barstool, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel.
- Sept. 26, 2023: By the end of 2023, the Kentucky sports betting sector may produce $100 million in revenue and $1 billion in handle, according to forecasts.
- Sept. 22, 2023: Since the state’s in-person sports betting program began on September 7, Kentucky residents have reportedly wagered more than $4.5 million.
- Aug 4, 2023: DraftKings officially announces opening its online sports gambling in Kentucky site on September 28, 2023.
- Aug 1, 2023: Despite Kentucky choosing an 18+ sports betting age, FanDuel follows Caesars by setting a minimum age of 21 to utilize its services.
- July 27, 2023 – According to Churchill Downs, retail sportsbooks will open at its venues on September 7, 2023, the day of the retail launch in KY.
- July 24, 2023 – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) starts hiring for 14 positions to assist with the state’s introduction of sports betting.
- July 21, 2023 – The KHRC lists five sportsbooks that have spoken with the state: BetMGM, Circa Sports, WynnBET, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
- July 17, 2023 – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issues an executive order to establish a Sports Wagering Advisory Committee.
- July 10, 2023 – The KHRC states that retail betting will begin on September 7, 2023, and online betting will debut on September 28, 2023.
- July 6, 2023 – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission declares a special meeting on July 10 to discuss sports betting rules.
- June 21, 2023 – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announces its plans for a meeting to evaluate and approve sports betting legislation.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Kentucky
Kentucky bettors are subject to taxes on sports betting at the state and federal levels. Net betting winnings are treated like any other gambling or business profit and must be reported to the IRS and state.
The regulated betting operator will generally withhold winnings over a particular threshold to cover state taxes and report these net yearly winnings to the IRS. It is good practice to keep track of your annual winnings so you know what you owe.
The rules for taxes on betting are no different in Kentucky than in other states, albeit the state tax rate varies depending on your state of residence. As for the operators, Kentucky’s retail sports betting establishments will be subject to a 9.25% sales tax, while online sportsbooks will be subject to a 14.25% gross revenue tax.
Keep in mind that we recommend betting at safe and reputable offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks typically won’t disclose your gains, deduct taxes from them, or provide you a W-2G, even though you are legally required to report all gambling winnings to the IRS. Because of this, it is the gambler’s responsibility to keep track of their net earnings or losses throughout the year and handle their taxes as such.
Online Sportsbooks vs Land-Based Betting Facilities in Kentucky
Let’s look at the reasons to bet at Kentucky online sportsbooks, such as those we recommend, versus land-based retail sportsbooks in the state.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Easy to wager from your location
- Better opportunity to jump on good odds
- Bonuses and promotions can be better
- Payment possibilities are often enhanced
Cons:
- Retail sportsbook ambiance is lost
- It can be easy to bet too much
How Kentucky Sports Betting Compares to Its Neighboring States
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia border Kentucky, each offering legal sports betting and offshore sportsbooks. Each has slightly differing rules regarding regulated betting and sports gambling, namely regarding the availability of physical sportsbooks, betting ages, and college sports betting.
We recommend betting on offshore sportsbooks, available from all these states. One notable difference between Kentucky and most other states is that the legal betting age is 18 rather than 21. Kentucky is in an exciting position in a region where most nearby states also have regulated online betting.
Responsible Betting in Kentucky
We highly recommend that you only gamble responsibly and take measures to ensure your gambling is healthy and controlled. All of the top Kentucky sportsbooks we promote offer excellent responsible gambling resources. These include external help channels like support phone numbers and ways to benefit yourself, such as betting limits and self-exclusion.
Kentucky Problem Gambling Resources
Best Kentucky Online Sports Betting Site for October 2024 – BetOnline
While all of the top offshore sportsbooks are excellent options for Kentucky bettors, we recommend BetOnline above all others. From generous welcome bonuses to strong ongoing promotions to some of the best odds in the industry, it doesn’t get much better than BetOnline.
You will also find an excellent selection of sports do that on and bet types, including excellent live betting options. The site is well-optimized for mobile and easy to navigate on desktop. There’s ultimately not much not to like with BetOnline.
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Our rating/verdict: |
9.9/10 |
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Accessible via: |
iOS, Android, Desktop |
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Sports to Bet on: |
30+ |
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Top Pros: |
✔️ Strongest odds and excellent ongoing promos |
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Cons: |
❌ We’d like to see a robust loyalty program |
How We Test and Review Sportsbooks
100+ Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
200+ Hours of Research Every Month
150+ Sportsbook Promotions Verified
1,000s Betting Markets & Odds Analyzed
We follow a proven methodology when reviewing sports betting sites that highlights the pros and cons of each platform.
Our process enables us to rate sportsbooks on key features so you can compare sites with ease.
We cover:
- Sports and betting markets
- Competitiveness of odds
- Reputation and licensing
- Bonuses and promotions
- Payment methods
- Customer support
…and more.
Check out our complete guide to learn how to rate sportsbooks featured on Techopedia.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Who governs sports betting in Kentucky?
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Kentucky?
When did sports betting launch in Kentucky?
What sportsbooks are legal in Kentucky?
Are KY sportsbooks safe?
Do I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Kentucky?
Which sportsbooks will be available in Kentucky in the future?
Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.
References
- House Bill 551 (Legislative Research Commission)
- Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Official Website (KHRC)
- Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG)
- Kentucky Gambling Help (KGH)
