Kentucky sports betting has been live since March 31, 2023, when House Bill 551 was signed into law. Sept. 28, 2023, marked the start of online operators launching in Kentucky. It is governed by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. There are nine online sportsbooks for Kentucky residents to choose from.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky and governed by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Online operations launched in September 2023. Sports betting in Kentucky is legal for anyone over the age of 21.
With so many great options for sports betting in Kentucky, it can be a challenge to figure out which sportsbook is best. Below we’ve assembled a list of some of the most popular sportsbooks in Kentucky. Take a look below and see what are some of the reasons you might like each book, and what are some potential drawbacks.
Welcome offers are provided to new users in Kentucky, with the most common being profit boosts, bet-and-get models, or deposit matches. A profit boost bet is offered to new users, where users can often double their winnings if their wager wins. A bet-and-get system is where a bettor can place a small-value wager, often as low as $5, and receive bonus funds as a reward. Deposit matches try to build your bankroll immediately. You deposit an amount, and the sportsbook provides you with an equal or fraction of the amount you deposited.
Sports betting has been legal since 2023 in Kentucky when Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law. In August, licenses were approved, and books were open in September 2023. New regulations and rules were passed in April 2026 to raise the minimum legal age to 21, and place restrictions on in-state college props.
Kentucky has Louisville City FC playing in the United Soccer League, playing out of Lynn Family Stadium out of Louisville. They have a sister club with Racing Louisville FC, who play in the National Women’s Soccer League. It also has plenty of college teams that you can wager on. They have the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, and some smaller schools like Murray State and Morehead State.
Kentucky does allow sports betting on college sports; however, there are some regulations to be aware of. You can bet on in-state teams, but you cannot place a wager on a player prop for any Kentucky in-state college.
There are 12 physical locations to wager on sports in Kentucky, with most of them inside casinos and racetracks.
Licensed Retail Locations:
Churchill Downs (Kambi) – Louisville
Derby City Gaming & Hotel (FanDuel Sportsbook) – Louisville
Derby City Gaming Downtown (Kambi) – Louisville
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming (PENN Sportsbook) – Henderson
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (Fanatics Sportsbook) – Oak Grove
Sandy’s Racing & Gaming (BetMGM Sportsbook) – Ashland
The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs (Circa Sports) – Franklin
The Mint Gaming Hall (Circa Sports) – Bowling Green
The Red Mile (Caesars Sportsbook) – Lexington
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (Kambi) – Florence
Yes, sports betting is legal and has been live since September 2023.
The best sportsbook in Kentucky is up to the user to decide. You can use any and all sportsbooks with no restriction to how many you try. Explore each option and see which you like best.
You must be 21 years old to wager on sports in Kentucky; this has changed from 18 after legislation passed in 2026.
Yes, you can bet on college sports and player props in Kentucky, but you cannot wager on in-state college player props.
You do not need to live in Kentucky to wager there, but you must be physically in the state when you place the wager.
There are nine online sportsbooks and 12 retail sportsbook locations in Kentucky.
Yes, you can visit one of many retail locations to place a wager. Most are located inside a casino or racetrack in Kentucky.
