Kentucky Sports Betting Guide
- KY Online Sports Betting Available at Offshore Online Sportsbooks
- Domestic Sportsbooks Debuted September 7, 2023
- KY Sports Betting Apps Available For Download Now
Kentucky has now entered the domestic US sports betting market, passing a new law that will allow for sportsbook apps to be utilized by local players. While KY gamblers wait for those apps to debut, web-ready devices in the Bluegrass State can opt for offshore sportsbook sites to place their wagers.
These sportsbooks have been providing legal sports betting services to Kentucky-based players for years, some brands for decades, so readers can have faith that they are safe, legal, and reliable. Read on to learn more.
 Is Bovada Legal In Kentucky?
Yes, Bovada is an internationally licensed online gambling platform operating in compliance with applicable regulatory standards. Residents of Kentucky who are at least 18 years of age may access and use the services offered by Bovada without contravening existing state or federal gambling laws. Bovada maintains its legal status as an offshore operator and is authorized to accept U.S.-based players.
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Best Kentucky Sportsbooks For 2025
US sports betting sites are allowed by many states online through offshore sportsbooks. Below is a list of online sportsbooks accepting KY residents. All of these brands have been put through a comprehensive screening process by our team.
They each passed inspection with flying colors and also offer legal mobile sports betting apps and live betting capabilities. For those looking for more information, check our out sports betting site reviews of the sites recommended below.
| Site Name | Current Bonus | Age | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
| 2 |  | 125% Max $3,125 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 50% Max $250 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 4 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 5 |  | 25% Max $500 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 6 |  | 50% Max $250 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 7 |  | 50% Max $200 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Kentucky 2025?
Yes, it is legal to bet on sports in KY. There are both domestic and offshore sportsbooks that operate legally in the state. There are no prohibitions that make it a crime to place wagers at the offshore sportsbook sites listed on this page.
This is because these online sportsbooks are operating legally outside the United States. The gambling laws in KY only govern the mobile sportsbook apps operating within the state's borders. There are also no gambling laws at the federal level that prohibit offshore wagering.
KY's domestic in-person sportsbook will open on September 7th, 2023, with sportsbook apps following on September 28th and will be available to gamblers aged 18 and up.
Kentucky Sports Betting Bills
The Status of Kentucky Sports Betting Legislation for 2025
KY sports betting became legal in 2023 when House Bill 551 was signed into law. HB 551 will allow for mobile sportsbook apps and in-person venues to operate in Kentucky, both launching in September of 2023.Â
The legal minimum gambling age in Kentucky will be set at 18 years old.Â
There is the potential for the future expansion of domestic gambling in Kentucky. You can monitor the situation using our sports wagering bill tracker.
Kentucky Sports Betting Details
The details you see below are relevant to the types of sports betting currently allowed in the state, which consists primarily of KY online sportsbooks provided by reputable offshore sportsbooks operating legally outside of the United States.
If state-regulated sports wagering makes it back onto the table at some point, then we will include that information in this section as well.
- Legal Sports Betting: Domestic/Offshore
- Minimum Sports Betting Age: 18 Domestic And Offshore
- Land-Based: Yes
- Online: Domestic/Offshore
- Mobile: Domestic/Offshore
- In-Play: Domestic/Offshore
- Estimated Revenue:Â n/a
- Eligible Operators: n/a
- Commission: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Licensing Fee: $500,000 with $50,000 Annual Renewals
- Tax Rate: n/a
- Tax-Funded: n/a
What You Can Bet On:
- Domestic and offshore sportsbooks allow all betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players in Alabama across all college and professional sports.
What You Can't Bet On:Â
- No restrictions at domestic and offshore online sportsbooks.
Where Can I Bet On Sports?
- Domestic Sports Betting Locations And Sportsbook Apps/Offshore Sportsbook Sites
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Apps
If you want to bet on sports in Kentucky using your Apple or Android device, all that you need to do is click on any of the offshore sportsbook sites above. Mobile screens will transform into Kentucky sportsbook apps with the latest odds and lines for each game – all without a visit to an online store for a download.
Just use your onboard mobile web-browser to click on any KY sportsbook link on this page and watch as your device transforms into a touch-button controlled gambling app. All betting lines, odds, and props that are featured on the desktop sportsbook can also be wagered upon using mobile devices in Kentucky.
iPhone Sports Betting in KY
In Kentucky, placing a sports wager on your iPhone does not require downloading an app when using one of the offshore sportsbook options listed below. All Apple-supported iPhone models offer full access to betting lines via mobile browser, with smooth compatibility across iPads and MacBooks as well.
Android Sports Betting In KY
In Kentucky, individuals 18 and older can place sports bets using popular Android devices such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and others. Simply select one of the recommended offshore sportsbook apps for Android below to access competitive betting lines directly from your mobile device.
Kentucky Sportsbook Bonuses
By now you’ve probably seen bonus cash offers from Kentucky sportsbook sites. These entail the entering of a sportsbook promo code that matches a portion of your first (and sometimes follow-up) deposit and adds it back to user’s accounts for use in wagering on games, odds, and lines.
There are almost always playthrough terms attached to Kentucky bonus offers requiring extended betting before requesting funds via withdrawal. Just make sure you can meet the conditions before accepting a bonus. Becoming a member with a KY sports betting site does not require the acceptance of a bonus cash offer.
- Bovada Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use Bovada Bonus Code BVD1000
- MyBookie Sign Up Bonus: 100% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use MyBookie Promo Code MYB100
- BetUS Sign Up Bonus: 125% Deposit Match Up To $3,125 – Use BetUS Promo Code Join125
- Betonline Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 - Use Betonline Promo Code BET1000
How to Bet on Sports in Kentucky
Because there will be no domestic options for legally betting on sports in Kentucky for the foreseeable future, the best recommendation we can make is to join one or more offshore sportsbooks to get in on the action. We say multiple memberships because it allows gamblers to shop the odds for the best sportsbook payouts.
No Kentucky bets can be made without first creating an account – here’s how:
- Initiate the membership signup process by clicking the join button at the top of any page within the sportsbook site.
- The first page will ask you to create a sportsbook login and enter your personal details.
- Once complete, it will then be time to deposit funds into your account for the first time. KY-gamblers can use USD or Cryptocurrency. There will be bonus cash offers to consider that will match a percentage of the deposit and add it to accounts.
- After you have added money to your account, locate the sportsbook tab where you can then find Kentucky or Louisville odds in subcategories for each sport.
Major Sport Teams To Bet On In Kentucky
Kentucky may not be the official home of the game of basketball (that designation belongs to Indiana) but they certainly love their hoops in KY due to the presence of two major NCAAB powerhouse programs. Horse race betting is also a big ticket item as the state is the host to the Kentucky Derby, part of the triple crown of thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Wildcats (NCAAB/NCAAF)
The University of Kentucky Wildcats have won 8 national championships in college basketball and continue to be a leading presence in NCAAB each year. Although the focus is on hoops, their college football team plays in the SEC which means they’ll compete against the top football teams in the country each season. Lines for betting on college basketball or football for all of UK’s games can be found at the top offshore sportsbooks recommended on this page.
Louisville Cardinals (NCAAB/NCAAF)
The Cardinals are also no strangers to success in NCAA Basketball with three championship banners hanging in the KFC Yum Center. Louisville is a member of the ACC which is a top basketball conference but is also one of the top groupings of NCAA Football programs. The Louisville Cardinals will feature odds for betting on college football and basketball at any of the big-time offshore sportsbook sites listed above.
The Kentucky Derby
The first leg of each year’s triple crown of horse racing begins at the Kentucky Derby. Betting on the Kentucky Derby can take place on any of the offshore gambling sites that are featured within this guide to legal KY sportsbooks with all the traditional options you’d expect to find at the track (winners, place, show, trifectas, props, etc.). There’s no need to head down to Churchill Downs to lay some action – just click on any online sportsbook above for instant access to KY Derby odds.
Kentucky Speedway
Opened in 2000, the Kentucky Speedway hosts several major auto races across many different series allowing for betting on NASCAR as well as IndyCar. The offshore sportsbooks we recommend above for KY-based gamblers offer odds and futures for each race at the Speedway, including live betting that allows for action while the drivers are circling the track.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities in KY
Lexington, KY
The University of Kentucky Wildcats is one of the most famous athletic programs in the country, particularly their men’s basketball team. The Wildcats play in the SEC and are NCAA March Madness regulars. They have won several national titles over the years.
Their football program is decent from a division standpoint, but the SEC is tough to break through in terms of the entire conference. Lexington residents can bet on the Wildcats through any of the KY online sportsbooks listed in this guide.
Louisville, KY
Louisville is home to the University of Louisville Cardinals, an ACC program that has emerged as a sleeper powerhouse in recent seasons. The Cardinals are projected to do well this year, though the ACC has become the strongest conference with teams like FSU, Clemson, NC State, and Miami present. Cardinals basketball is another solid option for wagering, with the men’s team a strong member of the division.
Look for betting lines on Cardinal sports through the Kentucky online sportsbooks recommended above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting In KY
Betting On Football In Kentucky In 2025
How To Bet On NFL Football in Kentucky
No matter where you are in the United States, NFL betting is a big draw. If you are in KY and want to bet on the Indianapolis Colts to the north or the Tennessee Titans just south of the border, it can be done legally at the reputable offshore sportsbook sites that we list above.
All 32 teams are included, as well as options for betting on the Super Bowl, with lines and props for all regular and postseason games.
How To Bet On College Football in Kentucky
Regional sports gamblers that are interested in placing a wager on Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals football games can do so at sportsbooks sites that base their operations offshore.
The online sportsbooks we link to above are legal to use in KY at 18 years old and they offer college football betting for all major regular season games, the ACC and SEC Championships, and the CFP.
