Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Neil Baron
·5 min read

EDITED BY MICHELLE PRADO, MCCLATCHY COMMERCE

Kentucky has long been known for its horse racing, bourbon and basketball. You can now add another fan favorite to that list–sports betting.

The Bluegrass State became the 38th state to legalize sports betting, when Gov. Andy Beshear made it official by placing the first legal sports wager in September 2023 at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville.

Three weeks later, Kentucky became the 25th state to allow mobile sports betting. That means you can now wager legally on your favorite sporting events from the comfort of your home.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Wager on Sports?

If you’re 18 years of age or older, you can legally bet on sports in Kentucky – with one caveat. Since most states require bettors to be at least 21 (Kentucky is one of only six states where the legal betting age is 18), some sportsbook operators require you to be at least 21.

There are a total of eight online sportsbooks running in Kentucky. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, the only online sportsbooks where you can register are Bet365, Circa Sports and DraftKings. For those who are at least 21, you can place wagers in BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics and FanDuel.

Bettors can sign up through the sportsbook’ online betting platforms. You will have to present a valid social security number and birth date identification.

What Sports Can I Bet On?

Kentucky allows wagers to be placed on all major professional sports, college sports, boxing, UFC, golf, WNBA, NASCAR, tennis, e-sports and international sports such as the World Cup, Australian rules football, Korean baseball, soccer and the upcoming Olympics.

Of course, each sportsbook has its own unique menu of wagers. So, a particular wager you find in one sportsbook won’t necessarily be offered at another book. It’s always best to shop for your favorite wagers and odds by comparing offerings at various books.

You can place wagers on in-state college programs, including the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals. Sportsbooks can offer odds on smaller Division I programs such as Bellarmine, Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, Murray State, Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.

Kentucky also allows wagers on less-popular events such as billiards, bowling, chess, cricket, cycling, lacrosse, rugby, softball and even cornhole.

For a complete list, check out the Kentucky Wagering Catalog.

What Kinds of Bets Can I Make?

Kentucky sportsbooks offer a variety of traditional bets, including point spreads, money lines, totals, prop bets, future bets, boost and turbo bets, and in-game wagering.

What’s the Difference Between Online Sports Books?

Bet365 Sportsbook : This book is based in the U.K. and offers a variety of U.S. and international wagers. It features two new-customer offers: A first-bet safety net worth $1,000 in bonus bets or a Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets. Ages 18 and older.

BetMGM Sportsbook: The self-proclaimed “The King of Sportsbooks,” Bet MGM features a first bet offer of up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets for new customers. A refer-a-friend promo gets you and a friend $100 each. Other promos include Bet for a Shot at $50,000 in bonus bets, and early soccer payouts when your team goes up by two goals.

Caesars Sportsbook : A longstanding book from the golden days of Las Vegas, Caesars offers a Get Your First Bet Back promo: If your first cash bet loses, you’ll get it back as a bonus bet up to $1,000.

Circa Sports Sportsbook : Available in five states, Circa launched its mobile app in Kentucky on April 1. It’s known for its high-betting limits, tight moneyline splits and exceptional customer service. A favorite among high-rollers and beginners alike. Ages 18 and older.

DraftKings Sportsbook : Has announced it will be taking bets on the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that takes place July 4. It features an array of prop bets, futures and a parlay builder tool. Ages 18 and older.

ESPN BET Sportsbook : Debuting nationally in 2023, this book features partnerships with ESPN celebrities, its sports app and a daily cable show, ESPN BET Live. A new customer promo features a first bet reset up to $1,000 if you lose your first bet.

Fanatics Sportsbook : Features a customizable home page based on your betting history, and a FanCash rewards program where you earn 5% on same-game parlays, 3% on parlays and 1% on straight bets and odds boosts.

FanDuel Sportsbook: One of the largest books in the country, FanDuel offers new customers $200 back in bonus bets. Also, if you bet $5, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Do I Have to Live in Kentucky to Bet Online?

No. You must only be physically within Kentucky state lines and have an account with a Kentucky sportsbook operator.

Retail (brick and mortar) sports-betting locations:

What Took So Long?

When the Supreme Court in 2018 opened the door for nationwide legalized sports betting, Kentucky initially sat tight. However, as neighboring states such as Tennessee and Indiana generated tax revenue from legalized sports betting, Kentucky lawmakers made a push to get in on the action.

With the signing of House Bill 551 on March 31, 2023, that push became a reality.

That decision generated more than $892 million in sports wagers from September through December, according to a report by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Most of that handle was mobile wagering ($855 million), ultimately creating about $15.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

Retail track wagers have an excise tax of 9.75% and online wagers are at 14.25%.

For a complete look at the 2023 Kentucky sportsbook finances, check out the Kentucky Sports Wagering Report.

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