Best Kentucky Sportsbooks June 2025

Kevin Rogers Sports Betting Expert

15 minute read

Kentucky sports betting is now live!!

Kentucky made strides to legalize sports betting in 2023, thanks to HB 551-- which was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023!

Pre-registration launched on Aug. 28, 2023, then retail sports betting went live on Sept. 7, 2023.

Three weeks later, online sports betting finally became a reality on Sept. 28, 2023!

Online Sportsbooks · States · Kentucky

IS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN KENTUCKY?

Yes, thanks to Rep. Michael Meredith's HB 551, which has been signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear! The law states:

Gambling age set at 18 years old (most sports betting operators still going with 21)
Sports betting at 21 years old
Online betting tax rate: 14.25%
Up to 27 sportsbook licenses be available (9 racetracks times 3 skins per track)
Betting allowed on sports, collegiate events, amateur sports (provided competitors are all over 18)

2022's attempt to legalize sportsbooks in Kentucky fell short, but legislators were able to make great strides to pass HB 551 into law.

Again, retail betting started on Sept. 7, 2023 at in-person locations, and online betting began on Sept. 28, 2023.

Updated on : 06/14/2025

CONTENTS

TOP SPORTSBOOKS IN KENTUCKY

Right now, Kentucky online sports betting is live!

Now that sportsbooks have finally received approval to go live in the state, they want to make sure they're offering a competitive product. The KY-based sportsbooks do their best to attract the players. And that means that you should expect attractive odds, multiple betting options, and plenty of bonuses.

And because these sportsbook operators carry legit Kentucky gambling licenses, you do not have to worry about getting scammed. If there’s a dispute between you and the sportsbook, the state of Kentucky has your back.

Here are the following mobile sportsbooks that are now live in Kentucky:

BET365

Unsurprisingly, famed international operator bet365 Sportsbook also is live in Kentucky.

Bet365 Sportsbook is unleashing an incredible offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!

Just use bonus code VIBONUS!

_{New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, NJ, IA, IL, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, PA, TN, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account. Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.}

Or just use the same code VIBONUS for the second welcome offer Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

_{New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required.}

Registration required.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

After partnering with Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in late August 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook KY is now a reality!

And wait until you see this offer: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!

_{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 NY. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app.}

BETMGM

BetMGM secured access in KY thanks to a new partnership with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky to provide sports betting in the state.

And now, BetMGM Kentucky is live!

If you use the bonus code INSIDER1500 you can get the following offer: Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus!

_{21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, PA, TN, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements and satisfy the (10x) playthrough requirement. Deposit Match unavailable in IL, LA, OH and VA. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.}

Users can also Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win! with the code VIBAM.

_{21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.}

DRAFTKINGS

With an existing DFS offering in the state, DraftKings Sportsbook has partnered with ECL Corbin LLC and launched its sports betting operations in Kentucky.

New players and eligible visitors can redeem the welcome offer which is Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit!

No DraftKings promo code is needed!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 6/22. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 6/22/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Caesars Sportsbook secured access in KY thanks to their partnerships with Keeneland and Red Mile racetracks.

And they're joining the fun as they're offering: Bet $1+, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens!. Just make sure to use the bonus code VIBAMDYW

Check out Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky for more!

_{Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA , ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment}

You can also . Just use the bonus code

ESPN BET

ESPN BET is live in Kentucky as of Nov. 14, 2023.

A venture between ESPN and PENN Entertainment, ESPN BET is yet another great option for Kentucky bettors.

By using our ESPN BET promo code VIMAX, you can get the following offer:

FANDUEL

FanDuel has partnered with Churchill Downs Racetrack (home of the Kentucky Derby) for its entrance into the Kentucky sports betting market. FanDuel DFS has been available in KY for quite some time.

Make sure to sign up on FanDuel Kentucky and you'll be in line to get the following offer: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

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

CIRCA SPORTSBOOK

Circa Sports is now live in the Kentucky market! Users can get online with Circa's dedicated mobile app throughout the Bluegrass State today and bet on their favorite sports from anywhere in KY!

A retail sportsbook is to follow, says Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens. The plans to build the retail sportsbook are pending, but it looks like it will be situated right on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, potentially attracting bettors from both states.

Circa Sports is known for their sportsbooks not offering welcome offers for new online users. Whether that changes in KY remains to be seen, but for now, there's no welcome offer available.

BETR SPORTSBOOK COMING TO KENTUCKY SOON

Betr Sportsbook is a microbetting company started by Jake Paul (of YouTube fame, later boxing) and headed by CEO Joey Levy. Levy has indicated a desire to expand not only into several live betting markets, but also into the casino space as a part of the Betr takeover.

We're excited to see what this sportsbook brings to Kentucky sometime later in 2024.

RETAIL SPORTS BETTING LOCATIONS

Several retail betting racetracks applied to operate in-person sports betting at their facilities in Kentucky.

This is where you can place a bet now in Kentucky:

Churchill Downs Racetrack (Partnered with FanDuel)
Derby City Gaming & Hotel
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming (Partnered with ESPN BET)
Newport Racing & Gaming
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (Partnered with Fanatics)
The Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run Corbin (Partnered with DraftKings and Circa)
The Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland Run Williamsburg
Red Mile Racetrack (Partnered with Caesars Sportsbook)
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (Partnered with FanDuel)
Derby City Gaming & Hotel Downtown Louisville - Coming Soon
Sandy's Gaming & Racing (Partnered with BetMGM) - Coming Soon

Stay tuned for more news on betting applicants!

BETTING APPS IN KENTUCKY

Now that sports betting is legal in Kentucky, many operators have launched their websites for online betting in the state as of September 28, 2023. Bettors can access the sites and place wagers using their computers or smartphones.

As expected, the Kentucky online sportsbooks have mobile-friendly sites. Some have also developed special betting apps for iOS and Android devices to allow bettors to easily access the sportsbooks on their phones.

The betting apps enable players to sign up right on their mobile devices. Some sportsbooks are offering bonuses meant specifically for mobile users to incentivize betting via the apps.

KENTUCKY DAILY FANTASY SPORTS (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Kentucky. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

KENTUCKY SPORTS BETTING: EVENTS & BETTING MARKETS

Kentucky online sports betting sites compete to see who’s going to give the players the best offer. Kentucky bettors should be excited about being able to bet on various different events and betting markets.

TYPE OF BETS

Kentucky online betting sites provide players with a variety of betting options. Obviously, main types of bets such as moneyline and totals are available.

But there are some special wagers as well, such as props, same-game parlays, etc.

BEST KENTUCKY EVENTS & TEAMS TO BET ON

Now that KY sportsbooks have launched, players are able to bet on all major American sports leagues. We’re talking about leagues like NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

And according to the Kentucky online betting law, betting on collegiate events is possible too.

Kentucky players wanting to bet on the events taking place within the state borders, such as the Kentucky Derby, should use a separate legal horse racing app such as FanDuel Racing or Caesars Racebook.

KENTUCKY ONLINE BETTING FAQ

To help you understand everything about Kentucky online sports betting, we’ve created a small Q&A section. This is where you will find some common questions about KY betting, as well as their answers. So, here they are!

IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN KENTUCKY?

Yes! Sports betting became legal in Kentucky in March 2023 when Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law. Retail betting went live on Sept. 7, 2023, and online sports betting launched three weeks later on Sept. 28, 2023.

WHO CAN PLACE A SPORTS BET IN KENTUCKY?

Kentucky sports betting is a hobby only those of legal age will be allowed to engage in. The current laws say that you need to be over 21 in order to be allowed to bet in most states, but KY has set the betting age at 18. The law applies both for betting in brick-and-mortar establishments and online betting sites. Some online operators have still went with 21 for the legal age to bet, so keep an eye on the specific terms and conditions for each sportsbook.

IS MOBILE BETTING AVAILABLE IN KENTUCKY?

Yes, Kentucky betting apps are now available.

Kevin Rogers

Kevin has been handicapping professionally since 2007 at VegasInsider before shifting to ScoresAndOdds. He focuses on MLB, NFL, college football, NBA, college basketball, and NHL and mainly uses trends, systems, and situations as his top handicapping angles. More from Kevin Rogers