Kentucky Sports Betting: Ranking the 8 Best Kentucky Sportsbooks

Kentucky Sports Betting Racetrack Partnerships

Kentucky's nine horse racing tracks will be able to launch both retail and online sports betting with up to three partners, meaning there could be up to 27 operators in the state. Here are the race track's confirmed betting partners so far:

Popular Topics Related to Sports Betting in Kentucky

If you want to dig deeper into most important topics related to Kentucky sports betting, we cover them all in great detail. Below you will find quick links to all our most popular pages covering topics every bettor needs to know before they get started.

Can You Sports Bet in Kentucky?

Yes, you can sports bet in Kentucky as of Sept. 7! Sports betting is available at both retail locations and online, as of September 28, 2023.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in Kentucky?

There are two options on where to bet on sports in Kentucky: Online or in person at one of Kentucky's licensed racetrack locations. The following racetracks and satellite locations are now accepting sports bets in person:

• 📍 Churchill Downs in Louisville
• 📍 Turfway Park in Florence
• 📍 Ellis Park in Henderson
• 📍 Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in Oak Grove
• 📍 Derby City Gaming in Louisville
• 📍 Newport Racing and Gaming in Newport
• 📍 Red Mile Racing and Gaming in Lexington
• 📍 Cumberland Run in Corbin
• 📍 The Mint HHR in Williamsburg
• 📍 Sandy's Racing & Gaming in Ashland

Kentucky Downs in Franklin is expected to open their brick-and-mortar sportsbooks by the end of 2023.

There are several other sports betting alternatives available in the state as well, including pari-mutuel horse race wagering and historical horse racing machines (HHRs). 

Bet And Get Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Visit Site

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500

Do I Need to Be a Kentucky Resident to Bet Online?

No, you do need to be a Kentucky resident to gamble online in the state. However, you need to be physically located within state lines to do so. You must also be the minimum legal gambling age required for your chosen gambling activity. This is 21 for historical horse racing machines, or 18 for the state lottery and pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.

When Did Kentucky Sportsbooks Launch?

Kentucky sportsbooks launched in-person on Sept. 7, 2023, and Kentucky sportsbook apps launched online on Sept. 28, 2023.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: BETKYCOM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

How Many Sportsbooks are There in Kentucky?

There are eight sportsbooks licensed in Kentucky so far. All eight have launched. The full list of legal Kentucky sportsbooks is: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and ESPN BET. 

We could see as many as 27 mobile sportsbooks in Kentucky. HB551 stipulates that nine horse racing tracks be allowed to launch both retail sportsbooks and mobile KY sports betting apps. Each track will be allowed to partner with up to three operators.

Sportsbooks Partnered with Kentucky Sports Teams

So far, no Kentucky sportsbooks have partnered with any pro teams. But, partnerships with teams in neighboring states, such as Tennessee and Illinois, suggest that we could see some deals in place soon with NFL, MLB and more leagues.

Best Kentucky Sportsbooks Available Today

KY sportsbook apps launched on September 28, 2023. The state will allow nine horse racing tracks to launch both retail and Kentucky sports betting apps in partnership with up to three major sports betting brands. Here's a look at the sportsbooks that have been licensed in Kentucky:

BetKentucky.com is an independent sports betting website with affiliate links. That means if you click on one of our links that directs to an operator and you make a deposit, we’ll receive commission payment at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are impartial, as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.

Editor's Choice Kentucky Sportsbook

Now that Kentucky sports betting is live, BetMGM Kentucky Sportsbook is your top choice for the best overall user experience and top bonuses, including a bonus code you can use right now when you sign up! This operator has an incredible range of online sports betting Kentucky markets, great ongoing promotions for existing users, and top-of-the-line live streaming of major sporting events.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: BETKYCOM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for Rewards

One of the many features that make Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky a top app in Kentucky is the loyalty program that all customers join automatically. This is a well-established program with six tiers and a host of juicy benefits, from bonus bets to exclusive perks when you visit Caesars Entertainment establishments. 

You can collect points from casino games as well as sports betting. However, we do advise that you do not wager beyond your comfort zone simply to pile up VIP points.

$1,000 First Bet On Caesars

Promo Code: BETKY1000

Visit Site

Must be present in KY and 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for International Markets

bet365 Sportsbook in Kentucky, is an ideal spot for bettors looking for live streaming of popular American and international sporting events. Bet365 Kentucky Sportsbook will even allow some wagers to be paid out early if one team has a big enough lead to grade the bet as a win, eliminating the stress of waiting for the clock to hit :00 to lock in your win.

First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000

Promo Code: BETKY

Visit Site

Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Promo Code: BETKY

Visit Site

Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for Shoppers

Though it only just launched in a few other states, Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky is a powerhouse brand in the sports world. Best known for their wide range of merchandise, Fanatics is entering the sportsbook industry integrating its preexisting FanCash Rewards points from merch purchases into Bonus Bets.

Bet And Get Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Visit Site

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for NFL

Data-driven NFL bettors will love the DraftKings Kentucky Sportsbook. DraftKings offers live betting and a wide range of NFL futures markets, complete with strong data & stats that set it apart. 

For example, users can see exactly how many times each competitor has covered the '"Both Teams to Score" wager before actually placing a bet.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for NBA

This is a brand that loves to live at the technological cutting edge, which is why FanDuel Kentucky Sportsbook is the best for live streaming of events. Many bettors like to wager in-play, and it adds to the excitement to watch the events in real time.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

Visit Site

Must be 21+ and present in KY. Bonus issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires after 30 days. Unique user identity verification required. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Best New Kentucky Sportsbook

The latest addition to the scene is ESPN BET Sportsbook Kentucky. This team up from PENN Entertainment and the Walt Disney Company has been one of the most highly anticipated sportsbook launches in recent memory.

Kentucky bettors can enjoy bonus ESPN betting content, a strong parlay offering and generous promotions, including the exclusive BetKentucky.com welcome bonus.

BEST Kentucky Sportsbook for High Rollers

The sleek simplicity of Circa Sportsbook Kentucky will be key to its appeal, as it is to many users in the three states where it is already live. Right now, it's primarily known for its high-limit, top-notch retail experience in Las Vegas, though the app aims to bring the feel of in-person wagering directly to Kentucky bettors. The sportsbook is expected to launch in KY sometime soon. 

Other Kentucky Sportsbook Options & Alternatives

All major sportsbook operators are expected to launch in Kentucky when possible, so there will be plenty to choose from. Later on in this article, I talk about the benefits of signing up with multiple sportsbooks, so now's a great time to decide which ones you'll want to use as more KY sportsbooks launch.

Kentucky Sports Betting Racetrack Partnerships

Kentucky's nine horse racing tracks will be able to launch both retail and online sports betting with up to three partners, meaning there could be up to 27 operators in the state. Here are the race track's confirmed betting partners so far:

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: BETKYCOM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Hard Rock is a name that probably sounds familiar to bettors for its retail locations around the U.S. and the globe. Hard Rock Bet Kentucky will likely offer great odds boosts when allowed to launch in the state.

German-based Tipico Sportsbook has one of the best international sports betting markets of any platform. If you plan to bet on European soccer, Indian cricket, or any other popular international sports, you should consider opening a Tipico Sportsbook Kentucky account just for the international market access.

$1,000 First Bet On Caesars

Promo Code: BETKY1000

Visit Site

Must be present in KY and 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

How KY Sports Betting Compares to Other Legal States

HB 551's passing puts the local betting industry on par with many of its bordering states such as Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Illinois. However, the decision to set the legal sports betting age at 18 sets the Bluegrass State apart as many of its neighbors have set their legal age for sports betting at 21. 

Note: Sportsbook operators can still decide to set their legal sports betting age higher than 18 in Kentucky if they choose.

With no major league professional sports teams in the state, sports betting partnerships will be unlike any of those in neighboring states. But, sports betting got up and running at the start of the NFL season, despite Kentucky having no pro football teams within the state. Unlike its neighbors, and due to the fact that there are no casinos in the state, Kentucky will limit license holders to existing horse racing tracks. 

Timeline for Kentucky Sports Betting Legislation

• 📅 Nov. 7, 2023: Gov Andy Beshear, who championed legal sports betting, wins the Kentucky governor race with 52.5% of the vote.
• 📆 March 31, 2023: HB 551 is signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear.
• 📆 March 30, 2023: HB 551, which would set the legal sports gambling age at 18, clears the Senate chamber by a 25-12 vote.
• 📆 February 2023: A new legislative session begins with the introduction of HB 551, a KY sports betting bill sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith. The bill is sent to a House committee for approval ahead of a House vote.
• 📆 April 2022: The Kentucky legislative session closes before the Senate can vote on HB 606.
• 📆 2021: The Kentucky General Assembly passes Senate Bill 120 by a 22-15 vote, which secures the legality of HHR machines.
• 📆 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court rules that Historical Horse Racing machines are unconstitutional in Kentucky because they do not fit the definition of pari-mutuel wagering.
• 📆 2019: Four sports betting bills are introduced in Kentucky, but none gain serious traction.
• 📆 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court rules, 6-3, to eliminate a 1992 Federal Law that banned sports gambling in the majority of states. States are now able to decide whether they will legalize sports betting or not.
• 📆 2010: Kentucky’s racing commission modified its definition of pari-mutuel wagering (bets are pooled and split among winners) to allow slot-like historic racing machines, or instant racing, at Kentucky tracks.
• 📆 1988: More than 60% of voters approve the Kentucky lottery, and the first tickets are sold in 1989.

Who Regulates Kentucky Sports Gambling?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulates sports gambling, per HB 551. The commission is now responsible for creating the necessary regulations to implement and oversee betting.

Gov. Andy Beshear also created the Sports Wagering Advisory Council, a six-member panel that will advise the KHRC on budgets, regulations and agreements with other jurisdictions.

Kentucky Sports Betting Licenses

HB 551 makes provisions for nine sports betting licenses in the state for each of the 9 licensed horse racing tracks. The track operators can each partner with up to three Kentucky online sports betting providers. This means that we could see as many as 27 KY sports betting apps and brands in the state in the future. So far eight operators have been granted licenses, as have eight of the nine state racetracks.

The KHRC will utilize temporary licenses for operators that will be good up to one year. The temporary license can become an annual one once investigations are complete, the KHRC deems the applicant qualified and the applicant or parent company are suitably licensed in three or more states.

Retail sports betting licenses would be subject to an initial fee of $500,000 followed by an annual fee of $50,000. Meanwhile, online sports betting providers would have to pay $50,000 up front and $10,000 per year thereafter. 

Licensees cannot make "any false or misleading" statements regarding operations and average winnings. Operators will be able to advertise and market at colleges.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Kentucky Sports Betting Revenue Projections 2023-2024

The Kentucky betting handle to date is over $656M, per Governor Beshear. In total, Kentuckians are betting an average of $65.2M per week. Kentucky retail sportsbooks have taken more than $26M in wagers since Sept. 7 and online sportsbooks have taken in $629.5M.

Kentucky will receive also more than $4.25M in licensing fees, and renewal fees for next year will total more than $820,000.

Horse racing tracks must pay a $500,000 fee to the state, plus an additional $50,000 per year to renew the license, with bets allowed at sports betting facilities, as well as on licensed websites and phone apps. Wagers placed at tracks would have an excise tax of 9.75% and online wagers a rate of 14.25%.

BetKentucky.com experts project that Kentucky will generate a $2.8 billion handle in its first year of sports betting. When the HB 551 sports betting bill was introduced in the House of Representatives, sponsor Rep. Michael Meredith estimated that the industry could generate as much as $23 million in taxes for the state. 

Check out our Kentucky gambling tax calculator if you want to find out how much you might owe on a winning bet.

How Experts Rank the Best KY Online Sportsbooks

With eight Kentucky online sports betting apps live as of today, picking the right sportsbook could seem daunting. However, to maximize your potential for profit and to ensure that you get the best experience possible, you should pay close attention to the following tips for choosing the best Kentucky online sportsbook:

Reading Reviews

Reviews are everything when it comes to picking out the good from the bad in the world of online sportsbooks. This is because users’ experiences can uncover all kinds of potential hiccups in your choice of sportsbook. Likewise, a user review may reveal some great aspects of the sportsbook that may not be apparent when taking it for a test drive. 

What Bets are Allowed?

Some sportsbooks may have limited offerings when it comes to sports wagers. It’s crucial that your choice of online sportsbook offers the complete range of betting types including live betting opportunities. Even though you may not intend to create same game parlays or live wagers at the outset, there will come a time in the future when you may want that option. So make sure that there is a good range of betting types allowed.

Odds Pricing

Odds can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook even for the exact same type of wager. This is where some KY sportsbooks may stand out from the crowd. Remember that even half a point difference in odds could make a significant difference to your potential winnings. 

This is particularly true for parlay wagers where better odds in one leg of your wager will impact your profitability on the following legs. This is why we recommend that you open several accounts with competing KY sportsbooks and compare odds pricing when placing wagers.

⭐️ Learn More: Finding the Best Odds in KY

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is a great way to boost your potential profits or place a wager without investing any of your own cash. Welcome bonuses come in all shapes and forms and could be anything from a deposit bonus where the sportsbook matches your deposit amount to site credit. 

It’s important to read the terms and conditions of any welcome bonuses at KY sportsbooks as they will often have wagering requirements that you will need to fulfill to take full advantage of the offer.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: BETKYCOM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

UX & Customer Service

User experience can play a vital role in how quickly you can place a wager which is important for those time sensitive bets. Take a close look at navigation at KY online sportsbooks and see how they compare. Is it easy to find markets? Is there a search feature? Is the betting slip intuitive? All of these can have a big impact on how you place your wagers.

Customer service is an equally hugely important factor when choosing the best Kentucky online sportsbook. Ideally, you should look for a sportsbook that offers a live chat feature so you can get an instant solution to your issue at any time of the day.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Kentucky Sports Betting Sites?

We always recommend that you sign up for accounts at multiple Kentucky sports betting sites. There are a number of reasons why this is a good idea but first and foremost is the fact that you can take full advantage of any available welcome bonuses for new users. This would allow you to maximize your profits and take each of the sportsbooks for a test drive in the process. 

Secondly is the fact that odds can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. If you have multiple accounts, you can shop around each time you want to place a wager and once again maximize those profits by choosing the sportsbook with the best odds.

Promotions for Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

Several Kentucky sportsbook bonuses are available for new users who register for an online sports betting accounts. Let's take a look at some of the most common bonus types when decided which promos are right for you:

• Bonus Bets Bonus bets are often offered as a welcome bonus to new users. These will be in the form of site credit and will require a user to register for a new account and possibly make a first deposit. The initial wager may be tied to a certain event or sport and will have some wagering requirements. Bonus bets are sometimes offered as promotion to existing customers in conjunction with another bet. For example, a KY sportsbook may offer a bonus bet to all users that place a wager of $10 or more on a certain event at specific odds.
• Deposit Match Bonus A simple promotion that encourages both new users and existing customers to make a deposit at the sportsbook. Kentucky sportsbooks may offer to match your deposit by a certain percentage and up to a specific amount. For example, a 50% deposit match up to $100 means that if you deposit $20, the sportsbook will match that with $10 in site credit. This is available up to a maximum of $100.
• Odds Boosts Odds boosts are regular promotions that we may see offered by Kentucky sportsbooks. This is when the sportsbook offers to boost odds on a specific wager for a specific event. This gives you a chance to boost your potential winnings. However, odds boosts are very specific and are not always available.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Mobile KY Sports Betting Sites vs Retail Sports Betting Sites

Retail sports betting is when you place a wager in person at a physical brick-and-mortar sportsbook location. In Kentucky, this is likely to be at one of the state’s nine horse racing tracks or the track’s gaming facilities. Mobile sports betting, on the other hand, is when you place a wager through an online sportsbook.

The latest sports betting bills makes provisions for 27 mobile sports betting platforms to launch. The main advantage of mobile sports betting over retail sports betting in Kentucky is one of convenience. Being able to place a wager from anywhere in the state is a major advantage. 

This is especially true when you take into account international sports betting markets. With retail sportsbooks restricted in the hours that they are open, someone using a mobile sports betting app could make wagers at any time of the day or night.

Available Wagers at Legal KY Sports Betting Sites

Here are some of the most common wager types that may be found at legal Kentucky online sportsbooks once they launch. 

Interested in learning more? Check out all of our guides on how to bet on sports in Kentucky.

• Moneylines The simplest form of betting is a moneyline bet, which involves predicting the outcome of a single game or event. In this type of wager, one team is regarded as the favorite while the other is regarded as the underdog. The favored team is marked by odds with a negative sign in front of them.
• Parlays Parlay bets are a type of sports betting that offers bigger thrills and the possibility of bigger payouts. Essentially, a parlay is a single bet that consolidates two or more separate wagers. This could involve various sports or a blend of different types of bets, such as a moneyline wager and a proposition bet. Given that a parlay bet involves multiple events, the likelihood of winning isn’t quite as good but the payouts are certainly better.
• Totals Also known as the over under bet, the totals wager is a simple bet where you must predict if the total combined score in a single game is greater than or less than a specific number set out by the sportsbook. For example, the sportsbook may set the total for a basketball game at 130.5 points. You must then decide whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under that figure. It’s a very simple wager that is great for neutral fans watching a game.
• Points Spreads A points spread bet hinges on the difference in the winning or losing margin for a team. In most cases, the more dominant team is given a handicap by a particular number of points, based on the sportsbook's evaluation of the relative strengths of the teams. For example, the Wildcats might be -5.5 against the Louisville Cardinals. This means that the Wildcats must win by 6 or more points while the Cardinals can lose by 1-5 points. You need to predict which of these results is most likely.
• Futures Bet Futures bets are a particular type of long-term wager made on a team or athlete at the start of a season or tournament. If placed early, these bets can be especially lucrative since the odds might be considerably higher. For example, betting on the Wildcats to win the March Madness tournament as early as September could get you some great odds.
• Prop Bets Proposition bets, often referred to as prop bets, center on particular events or statistics within a game, such as a player's performance or the number of points they score. A good example of a prop bet would be wagering on a player to hit a home run in a baseball game. These bets are usually unrelated to the game's outcome, making them a preferred option for those interested in live betting.
• Live Betting In-game betting, or live betting, is when you place a wager on a game that is already underway. This could be something like the next player to score or how many points will be scored before the end of the quarter. This is an increasingly popular form of betting particularly with online sportsbooks that offer live streaming of events.

Sports To Bet On In Kentucky

The Bluegrass State offers plenty of different sports to place a wager on. The KHRC recently approved the first round of approved betting markets for the state. In addition to major pro sports, they will also allow wagers on American Cornhole League, Major League Eating, snooker and darts.

Here's a breakdown of the sports you can bet on in Kentucky:

NFL Betting

Retail Kentucky sports betting opened in the state on the day the 2023 NFL season kicks off (Sept. 7) and online betting went live on Sept. 28, perfect for football fans and bettors alike. The NFL is a hugely popular league in Kentucky despite the state having no franchise of its own, so you'll want to keep tabs on all the best NFL betting promos in Kentucky.

First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000

Promo Code: BETKY

Visit Site

Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.

Super Bowl 58

Super Bowl 58 will be the first NFL championship game on which Kentuckians can bet. Betting on the latest Super Bowl odds could be a lucrative futures market for NFL fans in the Bluegrass State.

NFL Primetime Odds

Since 1970, ESPN's long-running prime-time slot has seen some of the most defining moments in NFL history: the Jets' Monday Night Miracle, the "Fail Mary," the highest-scoring game of all time. In short: anything could happen on Monday Night Football. That makes Monday Night Football odds an intriguing betting market for Kentucky NFL fans.

Thursday Night Football airs every week during the NFL season on Prime Video through Week 17, starting your football betting weekend early. You can track the latest Thursday Night Football Odds with BetKentucky's week-by-week guide.

NBA Betting

Basketball is possibly the most popular sport in Kentucky thanks to the major rivalries of its college basketball teams. So it should come as no surprise that NBA betting apps will be hugely popular for Kentuckians. 

Make sure you check out the latest NBA Finals Odds to get a breakdown of the favorites, contenders, longshots, and a gut check to see how your favorite team is expected to perform this year. 

College Football Betting

This is where sports betting enthusiasts will get serious about local teams. College sports are huge in Kentucky, and KHRC regulations allow for betting on college football. Since HB 551 sets the legal betting age at 18, betting on college sports could become a particularly huge market in Kentucky. 

Though none of the local KY college teams are in the mix yet in the College Football Playoff odds for this season, that can always change. So Kentucky bettors could keep track of the latest changes in the futures markets for a maximum payout.

Prohibited Bets

As important as it is to know what sports you can bet on, it's just as crucial to know what types of wagering are not allowed in Kentucky. For example, betting on the Academy Awards is prohibited, per KHRC guidelines.

Political betting is not allowed anywhere in the U.S., including in the state of Kentucky. The UK has legal and regulated betting markets on races such as Kentucky governor odds and 2024 U.S. Presidential odds.

Kentucky Teams To Bet on

As you already know, there are no Big 4 major-league sports teams based in Kentucky, so college teams have unrivaled support in the Bluegrass State. The latest legislative move includes betting on college sports within the state so it’s likely that the following teams will be some of the most wagered on teams once sports betting launches. 

Kentucky Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the teams that compete across multiple sports representing the University of Kentucky. The most popular though is basketball where there is a huge rivalry for Louisville vs Kentucky. The Kentucky Wildcats' success in men’s basketball are unrivaled in NCAA Division I history. 

Louisville Cardinals

While the fierce rivalry between the Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals rages on, it's clear that the Louisville Cardinals odds of matching their in-state rival's success are quite challenging. The University of Louisville has been to nine bowl games in the past 10 years, including the 2013 Sugar Bowl. The Cardinals bowl game preview has them favored to win the Holiday Bowl vs. USC. 

Both the men's and women's basketball teams reached the NCAA Final Four in 2013 as well. Despite a commendable effort, the college basketball team made an appearance in the World Series but fell short of securing victory.

Indianapolis Colts

We already know what you're thinking: the Colts don't technically play in Kentucky. But they're close enough that they have plenty of fans and hopeful bettors watching the team. As the NFL season gets underway, you can wager on the Colts playoff chances.

While the Colts Super Bowl odds are long now, you can find favorable odds and payouts in many different related markets.

First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000

Promo Code: BETKY

Visit Site

Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.

Upcoming Events to Use Your Kentucky Sports Betting Promo on: November 2024

• 🏈 NFL Week 9: The Colts playoff chances could be further dimmed when Indy faces Buffalo—a team riding a 4-game winning streak—on Sunday. (11/10, 12 p.m., CBS)
• 🏀 NCAAB: The Kentucky Wildcats (23) beat Wright State 103-62 to open their season. They’ll face Bucknell (NR) on Saturday. (11/9, 3 p.m., ESPN+)
• 🏈 NCAAF Week 10: The Wildcats (3-6) are resting this week, with no game to be played this weekend. They play Murray State next week. (11/16, 12:30 p.m., ESPN+)

Kentucky Sports Betting Resources

To help you responsibly budget when building your bets, we have provided you with an odds calculator, which should help you understand how much you're risking, and how much you stand to win. 

We have also built a parlay calculator, which is designed to help you build responsible parlay wagers. 

Alternatives to Kentucky Sports Betting

There are still some other gambling options available in Kentucky aside from sports betting.

Horse Betting

If there is one sport Kentucky is known for more than any other, it's horse racing. Unlike other sports, there is a long history of horse betting in Kentucky. 

The Bluegrass State is home to five thoroughbred racetracks: Keeneland, Turfway Park, Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. KY also hosts harness racing at The Red Mile, Bluegrass Downs, and Thunder Ridge Raceway. 

Triple Crown Races

The Triple Crown is a prestigious achievement in American Thoroughbred horse racing, consisting of three iconic races: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Since its inception in 1919, only 13 horses have managed to capture the Triple Crown, with the most recent winner being Justify in 2018. 

You can follow Triple Crown odds all year long to ensure you're making the most informed bets.

Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world. It's the first leg of the Triple Crown and has a storied history dating back to 1875. This year, wagering on Kentucky Derby odds hit a new all-time high as Mage raced to victory.

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown and is held in Baltimore about 1-2 weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing bettors who won their Kentucky Derby wager will likely keep a close watch on Preakness Stakes odds to see if there's a chance for a Triple Crown winner.

The Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. It's held in New York after the Derby and the Preakness. If the same horse won both the Derby and the Preakness races, there's a chance for a historical event during the Belmont Stakes: a Triple Crown honor. 

Whether or not you hit on your Derby and Preakness wagers, betting on the Belmont Stakes odds is a great opportunity to get involved in Kentucky's signature sport. 

Breeders' Cup

The Breeders' Cup Classic is the ultimate test for a thoroughbred on dirt. It's sometimes referred to as the unofficial fourth leg of the Triple Crown.

In past years, the race has taken place within Kentucky, so bettors may have a chance to bet on Breeders' Cup odds within their home state again in the future.

TwinSpires Racebook

Horse racing fans will love the TwinSpires Kentucky Racebook. TwinSpires is owned by the famed Churchill Downs racetrack, which has hosted the Kentucky Derby for decades, so it's deeply entrenched in horse race betting. TwinSpires Racebook offers a very wide range of horse races to bet on, expert analysis from horse racing's brightest minds and cutting-edge stats technology to help you track performances. 

The TwinSpires Kentucky Offer Code is BET200. You can act on this promo code today to claim $200 in Bonus Cash to bet with your TwinSpires Racebook account when signing up. 

$200 Sign-Up Bonus

Promo Code: BET200

Visit Site

Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Historical Horse Racing in Kentucky

Historical horse racing is a booming industry here in Kentucky and, as the name suggests, it’s placing wagers on horse races that have taken place in the past. These are usually races from far flung corners of the world. Historical Horse Racing wagering is hosted on HHR machines that are located in seven venues throughout the state. These are owned and operated by the state’s licensed horse racing tracks and will be home to the state’s first retail sportsbooks.

Kentucky Lottery

The Kentucky Lottery launched in April of 1989 following a vote by the general public. There are over 5,000 retail outlets where you can purchase tickets while the lottery’s many gaming options are also available online. The minimum age to play any lottery game is 18. 

Fantasy Sports

Fantasy sports are a fantastic alternative to traditional sports betting. And yes, both season-long and Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Kentucky. And if you're looking for a new fantasy football name, we've got you covered. Check out our of player-themed fantasy team name stories: 

• Anthony Richardson fantasy football team names
• Jonathan Taylor fantasy football team names
• Michael Pittman Jr. fantasy football team names 

Deposit and Withdraw from KY Sports Betting Sites

The experienced operators likely to be licensed to create KY sports betting sites will offer a host of ways in which you can deposit money into your account. The process should be as swift and painless as possible. Among the methods available should be:

In all instances, you should have a high degree of confidence regarding the safety of financial transactions with an online sportsbook. The companies in question have extensive experience in the field and employ state-of-the-art security protocols to ensure your personal information and data is protected at all times.

It is also essential that you make sure the sportsbook you choose offers options for withdrawing your cash that suit you. Sometimes the list of ways to get your money out is shorter than the range of methods for putting it in. Check that you will be able to withdraw quickly and easily.

BetKentucky.com is an independent sports betting website with affiliate links. That means if you click on one of our links that directs to an operator and you make a deposit, we’ll receive commission payment at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are impartial, as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.