Kentucky Sports Betting – Pre-Launch Offers & Best Legal Sportsbook Apps for 2023

Hoist your mint julep in the air! Retail Kentucky sports betting is now live as of September 7, 2023! Mobile sports betting will start three weeks later on September 28. Although retail sports betting has launched in Kentucky, pre-registration is underway for mobile sports betting.

Kentucky Betting App Score	Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer
Fanatics Sportsbook 4.8 Stars / 45 Ratings 3.7 Stars / 115 Reviews	Bet $50 on Launch Day, Get an Official Jersey of Your Choice!
BetMGM Kentucky 4.8 Stars / 152.1K Ratings 3.7 Stars / 18.4K Reviews	$100 in Bonus Bets on Launch Day
bet365 Kentucky 4.8 Stars / 34K Ratings 4.6 Stars / 1.3K Reviews	Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets + Up to $50 in Bonus Bets
FanDuel Kentucky 4.8 Stars / 1M Ratings 4.7 Stars / 201K Reviews	$100 in Bonus Bets for Launch!
Caesars Sportsbook 4.6 Stars / 41.8K Ratings 4.3 Stars / 19.6K Reviews	Pre-Register Now and Deposit $20, Get $100 in Bonus Bets on Launch Day!

Kentucky sports betting legislation was passed and signed into law on March 31, 2023, by KY Governor Andy Beshear. In a matter of weeks, Kentucky House Bill 551 sped through the legislative halls in Frankfort enabling Kentuckians to pump their collective brakes on burdensome trips to neighboring states to place legal wagers. Legal sports betting in Kentucky is now a reality.

If you live in or plan to visit the Bluegrass State, SportsHandle is here to break down all you need to know about legal sports betting in Kentucky.

Legal Kentucky sports betting information

So, is sports betting legal right now in Kentucky? Yes it is. Legal online sports betting is signed, sealed, and delivered in the state of Kentucky. Governor Beshear’s pen hit paper to cement sports betting law in Kentucky on March 31, however, the law did not take effect until June 28, 2023. Additionally, time was needed for the best online sportsbooks to prepare for entry into the state. So while retail sports betting is now live, online sports betting won’t arrive until Sept. 28.

Kentucky sports betting news and updates

• September 25: State Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky has brought in $4.5 million dollars in handle in just two weeks after the launch of retail betting.
• September 7: Retail sports betting begins in Kentucky, just in time for the start of the NFL season.
• August 31: The KHRC’s Sports Wagering Advisory Council released the Kentucky sports betting menu.
  • Notable omissions include pickleball, slap fighting, and NCAA volleyball.
• August 28: Pre-registration for Kentucky’s online sports betting accounts has started, allowing residents to sign up ahead of the official launch.
• August 22: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced that they had approved nine sports betting operators for a license in Kentucky.
• August 17: After the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meeting, a roster of authorized retail sportsbooks and mobile apps will be unveiled on August 22nd.
• August 10: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced that seven in-state horse tracks, and seven online sports betting operators have applied for licensing.
• August 7: BetMGM has reached an KY sports betting agreement with Sandy’s Racing and Gaming located in Ashland KY.
• July 28: Churchill Downs has announced that they will be live with sports betting on site at the race track on the first possible day, September 7, 2023.
• July 21: Kentucky’s Emergency regulations were released, which include very strict marketing standards.
• July 17: FanDuel Sportsbook announced a partnership with Churchill Downs to offer online betting in Kentucky.
• July 10: Kentucky sports betting has a launch date! September 7 will be Day 1 for retail betting, with online wagering in Kentucky following on September 28th.

Kentucky sports betting today

Kentuckians are in store for an exciting end to 2023 with their sports betting launches in September. Here are the latest sports headlines in Kentucky:

• Wildcats defeat the Commodores 45-28 to improve to 4-0 this season.
• Cardinals handily defeated the Eagles 56-28 to remain undefeated at 4-0.
• Hilltoppers couldn’t complete their comeback after being defeated 27-24 by the Trojans.
• Colonels earn first win of the season after making a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter against the Redhawks.

Upcoming Kentucky sporting events

• The undefeated Kentucky Wildcats head back home to host the Florida Gators this Saturday at 12:00 pm EDT. (09/25)
• The Louisville Cardinals travel to NC State to take on the Wolfpack this Friday. Kickoff begins at 7:00 pm EDT. (09/25)
• The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers match up against the 1-3 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders this Thursday at 7:30 pm EDT. (09/25)
• Eastern Kentucky Colonels travel to play the North Alabama Lions this upcoming Saturday evening at 7:00 pm EDT. (09/25)

Current Kentucky sports betting futures

Updated September 25, 2023. Odds subject to change, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook KY.

Kentucky sports betting pre-registration offers

While online betting won’t begin until September 28th, you can pre-register now and receive extra incentives from many of the state’s top online betting apps.

$100 in Bonus Bets when you pre-register for BetMGM Kentucky

BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky is one of the several sportsbooks that is scheduled to launch in the Bluegrass State once September 28 arrives.

However, new players in Kentucky that join BetMGM Sportsbook anytime between now and launch day have the chance to claim $100 in bonus bets. All you need to do is click on this link, register for an account using promo code HANDLE, and when September 28th arrives, you’ll have $100 in bonus bets waiting for you in your account!

1

BetMGM Kentucky

$100 in Bonus Bets for KY Launch

4.5

Read Review

• BetMGM Bonus Code: HANDLE
• Exclusive KY Pre-Launch Offer
• Offer Paid in Bonus Bets
• 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BET NOW

T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

Must be 21+ to wager. KY only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Bet365 Kentucky: Bet $1 Get $365 + up to $50 after pre-registration

bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky, another leading online sportsbook headed to Kentucky, is also signing up new players right now in advance of the September 28 sports betting debut. Once Bet365 KY is live, persons who registered early will be eligible for a Bet $1, Get $365 offer… in addition to a fun side promotion that could be worth as much as $50 in bonus bets…

1

bet365 Kentucky Sportsbook

Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets

4.5

Read Review

• Promo Code: HANDLE
• 18+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
• Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns.  New players only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

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T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

Online betting launches on Thursday, September 28th, and the Thursday Night Football matchup that evening between the Green Bay packers and the Detroit Lions will be the marquee betting event of the day. Bet365 KY will kick in $10 in bonus bets to all pre-registered accounts for every touchdown scored in the game (maximum $50). So as long as there are five touchdowns scored, you will receive the maximum payout of $50 in bonus bets.

Caesars Kentucky: Pre-Register and Deposit $20, Get $100 in Bonus Bets on launch

Caesars Sportsbook KY is poised to be one of the top providers in the Bluegrass State when they launch online sportsbooks, and users signing up with our links can get $100 in bonus bets if they deposit $20 now in anticipation for betting to go live.

1

Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky

Deposit $20, Get $100 in Bonus Bets

4.5

Read Review

• Promo Code: HANDLEKY
• Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer
• 21+. KY Only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BET NOW

T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

All you have to do to get this pre-launch offer (other than being an eligible bettor located in KY) is to sign up now with our link, deposit $20, and come September 28, 2023, you’ll have $100 in betting credit ready to use on Caesars Sportsbook KY!

FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky offers $100 in Bonus Bets with pre-reg

No FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky promo code is required to capitalize on the lucrative KY pre-reg offer. By creating your account in advance of the 9/28/23 launch, you will automatically receive $100 in Bonus Bets once FanDuel KY officially launches.

1

FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky (Pre-Launch)

$100 in Bonus Bets with Pre-Registration

4.8

Read Review

• Launches in KY Sept. 28
• Leading Sportsbook App in the U.S.
• 21+. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER

BET NOW

T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

Disclaimer: 21+ and present in KY. Bonus issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires 30 days after FanDuel accepts its first real money sports wager in KY (“Go Live Date”). Unique user identity verification required. Offer ends on the Go Live Date. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky pre-register for a free jersey

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky has entered the sports betting landscape with a splash behind CEO Michael Rubin. And they intend to do the same in the Bluegrass State – register now right here and you’ll be sent an email on launch day to enter into this fantastic welcome offer.

Once launch day is here, make sure to deposit at least $50+, make a bet of that amount, and you’ll be in line to receive an official jersey! That’s a brand new jersey of your choosing worth up to $150.

1

Fanatics Sportsbook KY

Bet $50, Get An Official Jersey ($150)

4.3

Read Review

• Exclusive KY Pre-Launch Offer
• Bet $50, Get A Free Jersey ($150 value)
• Available on iOS, Android
• 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit helplinema.org

BET NOW

T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

When will sports betting launch in Kentucky?

Retail sports betting in Kentucky is live as of September 7, 2023. KY online sports betting will follow 3 weeks later on September 28th. But the chance to pre-register for online sportsbook promos will start on August 28th! Pre-registering is a great chance to set your self up ahead of time for the best Kentucky sportsbook promos.

The Governor of Kentucky has been transparent from the start in the state’s desire to launch betting by the start of football season, and September 7th just so happens to be the date of the NFL’s kickoff game between the Chiefs and Lions.

Kentucky sports betting launch timeline, per a comment at today’s Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meeting:

Retail sportsbooks – Sept. 7

Mobile sportsbooks – Sept. 28

— Bennett Conlin (@BennettConlin) July 10, 2023

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ

HB 551: The Kentucky sports betting bill

So what exactly is covered in HB 551, the bill that ultimately became law in KY to legalize sports betting? Let’s cover the details of what it includes, and what the sports betting market in Kentucky will ultimately look like.

• Kentucky sports betting launch date: September 7 (retail), September 28 (mobile)
• Legal sports betting age in Kentucky: 18
• Regulation: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC)
• KY sports betting tax rate: 9.75% (in-person), 14.25% (online)
• Licensing: Each horse racing facility can host 3 Kentucky online sports betting skins
• Maximum number of KY sports betting apps: 27 (9 tracks x 3 betting skins each)
• Betting on college sports: Yes! Betting on college sports is permitted.

Regulation: KHRC takes the lead

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will serve as chief sports betting regulator. With 114 years of experience in the field of gambling regulation, they should do a great job keeping things in line. Notably, it is somewhat unusual for a state’s horse racing regulator to perform double duty for sports betting. Currently Arkansas is the only state to have done so. For a state where horse racing is so integrated into the betting landscape, this makes sense for Kentucky.

Kentucky sports betting age: 18+

In what potentially could be a gamble itself, the Kentucky sports betting law, HB 551, set the legal age to place a bet at 18, joining only two other states (Wyoming and New Hampshire) in enabling high school-aged kids to bet. All other states are 21, but 18 year-olds can already wager on horse races in KY so it made sense to extend that same privilege to sports betting.

Notably, Caesars Sportsbook has announced that it will only serve persons that are 21+ in the state of Kentucky. Likewise, BetMGM has indicated that it will only accept wagers from persons aged 21 and up.

Kentucky sports betting tax rate

The adjusted tax rate will be 9.75% on in-person wagers and 14.25% for online wages, which is similar to other states. Most importantly, Kentucky has avoided a potentially harmful tax situation like those found in New York and Pennsylvania where exceedingly high rates can affect pricing and promotions.

Licensing KY sportsbook apps

Online sportsbooks in Kentucky must attain a license in order to accept legal bets within the state. New sportsbook licensing will be limited to the nine horse racing facilities, including famed tracks Churchill Downs and Keeneland. HB 551 enables each of the nine tracks to partner with up to three Kentucky online sports betting entities, which could lead to having 27 sportsbooks available online in the state of Kentucky, though the final number will likely be lower.

Each racetrack that applies for temporary or permanent licensing will be charged an initial fee of $500,000 and a recurring annual fee of $50,000. For online sportsbooks, the initial licensing fee is just $50,000, with $10,000 due annually for renewal.

Available betting markets in Kentucky

All of the most important betting markets will be fair game for Kentucky online sportsbooks. This includes:

• NFL
• NCAAF
• NCAAB
• NBA
• NHL
• MLB
• UFC
• Boxing
• NASCAR
• Formula 1
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• … and so many more

Wagering on college sports will be allowed, which is great news for all the rabid UK and UL fans in the state. Betting on college basketball in Kentucky will be very popular in KY.

Approved betting options in KY

HB 551 has set the stage for Kentucky online sportsbooks to accept a variety of popular wagers. These include moneyline bets, totals, spreads, parlays, single-game parlays, props, futures, and more. If you can dream it, Kentucky sportsbook apps will provide a way to wager on it.

Kentucky online sportsbooks

The online sports betting market in Kentucky is starting to take shape. Below we’ve compiled a list of the brands that have confirmed their intentions for Kentucky betting, and who they will be partnering with for access. Remember: there are nine race tracks in the state and each one can house up to 3 sports betting skins.

On August 10th we learned that seven sportsbooks have applied for licensing in Kentucky: Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Penn National which is in the process of transitioning to its new ESPN BET platform.

Sports betting apps we expect to see in Kentucky

Although no partnerships have been confirmed yet, we expect the following sports betting apps will also target Kentucky.

• WynnBET
• BetRivers
• Hard Rock Bet
• Betfred Sportsbook
• SuperBook Sports

Retail sports betting in Kentucky

Kentucky’s retail sports betting market launched on September 7th. There are currently 9 horse racing tracks in the state, but the following seven racetracks have been granted a temporary sports betting license:

• Churchill Downs Racetrack (FanDuel)
• Cumberland Run Harness Track
• Ellis Park Racing & Gaming
• Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel
• Red Mile Racetrack (Caesars)
• Sandy’s Gaming & Racing (BetMGM)
• Turfway Park Racing & Gaming

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) owns a majority of the horse racing facilities in Kentucky. Its namesake track is, of course, the home of the Kentucky Derby and the company has been in the casino and racetrack business for over a century. What CDI does not have is a mobile sportsbook app. It used to; CDI-owned TwinSpires, which evolved from a horse betting app to a sportsbook app, launching in several states before shutting down in 2021 due to a lack of interest among sports bettors.

CDI still manages a few retail sportsbooks, but they have moved on from the sportsbook app game. This means that they have a bunch of app licenses to dole out, and there is no doubt that all the biggest sportsbooks will be interested in partnering with the company to enter the Kentucky market.

The Latest Kentucky Sports Betting News

Here’s Where You’ll Be Able To Place An In-Person Wager In Kentucky Starting Thursday

by Jill R. Dorson

September 7, 2023

Kentucky retail locations are set to take bets starting Thursday, while digital platforms are offering promotions ahead of Sept. 28 launch.

Kentucky Sports Betting By NFL Season? State Officials Aren’t Saying

by Jill R. Dorson

April 17, 2023

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has six months from the late June effective date to develop rules and license operators.

Kentucky Senate Sends Legal Sports Betting Bill To Governor

by Jill R. Dorson

April 17, 2023

The state could have up to 27 digital platforms tethered to horse tracks, and retail sportsbooks will be legal, too.

BetMGM to Launch Kentucky Sportsbook at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming

In the first moves towards a full online launch in Kentucky, BetMGM has announced a partnership with Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Ashland, KY. The proposed retail sportsbook location will take up 5,200 square feet of the racino property in a bid with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, the owner of Sandy’s. This is a clear sign that BetMGM is laser-focused on launching their online sportsbook app as soon as online bets go live on September 28, 2023.

History of gambling in Kentucky

Wagering is almost as synonymous as Daniel Boone and bourbon to the Bluegrass State. With the nascent professional baseball leagues not arriving until the 1870’s, it would not be too farfetched to surmise that some of the 10,000 spectators at the inaugural Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875, were also the first gamblers at a major American sporting event. With coast-to-coast interest, pageantry and parties now surrounding the first Saturday in May each year, it also would not be surprising to find many Americans’ first memory of gambling was at their local Derby party or racetrack. However, it took a while for Kentucky to legalize sports betting.

KY Lottery, limited casino games, historical horse racing

Outside the betting on the ponies, it took some time for gambling to pick up in Kentucky. The 1988 election saw voters approve and establish the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, with 55% of the proceeds going to the state education system. In addition to the KY lottery, the state has a handful of casinos with slots and limited table game options. Through the years, small adjustments such as the installation of instant racing terminals and Keno and online lottery sales were introduced.

The push for sports betting in Kentucky

In 2019, four Kentucky sports betting bills were raised, but none of them gained serious traction. Three years later, in 2022, legislation to legalize sports betting in Kentucky made it through committee and passed the house in a 58-30 vote. Unfortunately, it stalled in the state Senate and died at the end of the 2022 legislative session. Supporters of legal sports betting felt like they had momentum on their side, and they eagerly introduced HB 551 in 2023. Their efforts were finally rewarded when the bill passed and was signed into law by the Governor.

Kentucky sports betting legislation was filed for five consecutive years before it finally got done. Persistence has paid off.

Sports betting around Kentucky

With around six months to go until mobile sportsbook apps are fully operational, Kentucky bettors will have to continue to travel to one of its six neighboring states to place wagers. As residency is not required for sports betting in the United States, one must only need to be physically present in the state where betting is legal. Luckily Kentuckians have many options when exiting the state by land.

Ohio

With Cincinnati located just across the Ohio river from Kentucky, this makes for a very convenient trip for those living in Northern Kentucky. Having only opened their sports gambling doors in January, there are already 17 mobile sportsbooks in the Buckeye State. Sports betting is alive and well in Ohio, and is a legitimate option for Kentuckians that are border-adjacent.

Indiana

One of the earlier adopters to sports gambling, Indiana currently has 15 sports betting operators. Similar to Cincinnati, Evansville, IN is perched right across the river from Kentucky for wagers to be placed.

Illinois

The Land of Lincoln hosts 10 mobile betting operators since opening up in 2020. No retail sports betting locations are convenient for Kentucky residents, but you can exit the state to the northwest via car and place bets as soon as you cross into Illinois.

West Virginia

Kentucky’s neighbor to the East, West Virginia, currently houses 8 mobile sportsbook operators and 5 retail sportsbooks. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Cross Lanes, which offers a Betly retail sportsbook, is a 50 minutes drive from the Kentucky state line.

Virginia

Sportsbooks opened their (virtual) doors in the Old Dominion in 2021 and now have 15 operators available. Virginia is currently an online-only sports betting state, though retail books are anticipated to start opening in the coming years.

Tennessee

Sharing the biggest border (and sometimes biggest sports rivalry), the Volunteer State was an early adopter of online sports gambling. There is no retail sports betting, but they do have an ample selection of mobile sportsbooks for visitors from Kentucky to pick and choose the best lines from.

Missouri

Sports betting is not legal in Missouri, but legalization efforts have been considered by the state legislature. Until Missouri finally gets its sports betting market sorted, the state may be sending revenue to Kentucky as border-adjacent bettors will be able to cross into and bet in the Bluegrass State.

Banking for Kentucky online sportsbooks

Bettors in Kentucky will be happy to know that whatever sportsbook they choose will be regulated by the state government and will have many safeguards in place to protect customer deposits. Whatever banking method you choose for sports betting, your money will be safe at a legal, regulated sportsbook. Here are the most common ways Kentuckians will be able to fund their sportsbook accounts:

• ACH/eCheck
• PayPal
• Credit + Debit Cards
• Online bank transfer
• Prepaid Play+ Cards
• Paper checks
• PayNearMe

Popular sports and teams in Kentucky

The last time a major professional sports team called Kentucky home was in 1976 when the ABA’s Colonels took the court at Freedom Hall in Louisville. Since then, Kentucky sports fans have had to rely on many of their border states for pro sports allegiances. College sports, remain King in Kentucky, and will be an online sports betting focus within the state.

College Sports – Wildcats basketball, football are king

What is big in Kentucky is college sports, specifically college basketball. As mentioned, UK and UL are by far the most popular teams of any sport in the state. Practically everyone in Kentucky bleeds either Kentucky Wildcats Blue or Louisville Red, but never both. Because of this, while some states do not allow betting on collegiate sports, the sponsors of HB 551 made sure college sports would be included in the legislation so fans can wager on their favorite teams.

NFL sports betting in Kentucky

When it comes to America’s most popular sport, Kentucky is as diverse as it comes. Northeast Kentucky is Bengals orange, a sliver out west supports the Chiefs, and the rest of state represent different shades of blue in the Colts, Titans, and Bears. NFL sports betting has been in the sights of regulators for months, and to their credit, were able to hit their target on September 7, 2023.

MLB betting in Kentucky

The Reds are far and away the most popular baseball team in Kentucky and will be a sports betting hit (pun intended). With a minor league affiliate in Louisville and the Great American Ballpark literally closer to Kentucky than it is to downtown Cincinnati, the Reds get most of the love with a little bit of Cardinals affection mixed in.

NHL betting in Kentucky

The Predators in Nashville are the closest NHL team to Kentucky, but there is no real buzz for hockey in the state. There might be a few St. Louis Blues fans in the western part of the state, but overall hockey isn’t very big in Kentucky.

Horse Racing in KY: Kentucky Derby

Not surprisingly, horse racing is the sport that generates the most revenue in Kentucky. Home to the most famous race of the Triple Crown and arguably the most famous racetrack (Churchill Downs), thoroughbred racing is not only popular, but an economic steamroller. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association estimates the equine industry generates $6.5 Billion in annual economic activity! Compare that to the neighboring Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati (MLS) which generate $550 Million annually COMBINED. A true juggernaut.

While the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will ultimately be in charge of online sports betting in KY, it’s important to remember that Kentucky sports betting apps will not offer odds on horse races, like the Derby. Separate racebook accounts and apps will be required.