Legal sports betting in Kentucky has been live since September 7, 2023 when Governor Andy Beshear made the first legal wager in state’s history with a ceremonial bet at Churchill Downs. That day, online sports betting in the state launched along with retail outlets at several brick-and-mortar racing and gaming facilities. Currently there are nine retail sports betting options as well as eight online sportsbooks, including crowd favorites like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.
With eight recognizable online sportsbooks to choose from in Kentucky, new sports bettors have excellent options. I will provide you with your best legal sports betting options in Kentucky and information on how to get started betting on sports. I’ll also provide details on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Kentucky teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Best Betting Sites in Kentucky
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Is Sports Betting Legal In Kentucky
Yes, online and retail sports betting was officially legalized in Kentucky March 3, 2023 after Governor Andy Breshear put his signature on House Bill 551. Retail sports betting launched in the state (just in time for the NFL season) on September 7, 2023, and two weeks later online sports betting followed suit. Several prominent sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars teamed up with the state’s horse racing tracks at retail locations. It’s worth noting that the state is currently considering putting restrictions on college player props after the NCAA encouraged it to do so in April of this year. Check back here for updates on college sports betting restrictions or any other changes to Kentucky sports betting law.
Kentucky Quick Facts
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Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Kentucky is known for its smooth whiskey, but the state’s legislative process isn’t always smooth, as evidenced by the state’s tedious path toward legalization. Sports bettors can thank lawmakers for their tenacity because several failed bills preceded the eventual 2023 passage of a successful sports betting bill in the state. Many of the prior bills, some of which included provisions to also allow online poker, failed in 2021 and 2022. Ultimately it was Rep. Michael Meredith whose bill landed on the desk of Governor Andy Beshear and was signed into law on March 31, 2023.
Additional Kentucky Legal Betting Path Details
May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for each state to legalize sports betting.
Jan. 7, 2021
House Bill 137 (HB 137), a bill to legalize sports betting, online poker, and daily fantasy sports is introduced. The bill receives several amendments but ultimately dies.
Jan. 9, 2021
House Bill 241 (HB 241), a bill to legalize online sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and online poker is introduced, but is never brought to a vote.
Feb. 23, 2022
Senator David Yates introduces Senate Bill 213 (SB 213) which would legalize sports betting (online and retail) as well as online poker. The bill was never voted on.
Feb. 28, 2022
House Bill 606 (HB 606) introduced in the House by Rep. Adam Koenig. The Bill would legalize sports online sports betting, retail sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and online poker.
March 18, 2022
HB 606 is passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives, but many leaders publicly express doubt it will pass in the senate.
April 14, 2022
HB 606 doesn’t pass on the final day of the state’s legislative session, which means sports betting in Kentucky will have to wait at least one more year.
Feb. 22, 2023
House Bill 551 (HB 551) is introduced by Rep. Michael Meredith. The bill aims to legalize sports betting in the state and would anoint the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as the regulatory agency overseeing sports betting.
March 13, 2023
HB 551 is approved in the house by a vote of 63-34.
March 30, 2023
HB 551 is approved in the senate by a vote of 25-12.
March 31, 2023
Governor Andy Beshear signs HB 551 into law, which officially legalizes online and retail sports wagering in the state.
Sept. 7, 2023
Retail sports betting opens in Kentucky, with Gov. Beshear placing the ceremonial first wager in the state at Churchill Downs
Sept. 28, 2023
Online wagering launches in Kentucky.
April 23, 2024
State lawmakers review NCAA’s request to ban betting on college player props.
How to start betting in the state:
Sports betting in Kentucky is straightforward thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state. If you’re over 21-years-old and in Kentucky, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly. It’s worth noting that some apps allow you to wager if you’re over 18 years old, which is the state’s requirement.
Select a Sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
Create Account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
Deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
Choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
Withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
While Kentucky does not have any major pro sports team, passion for sports runs rampant throughout the Bluegrass State. That’s especially true when it comes to college basketball and the Kentucky Wildcats, the most popular team in the commonwealth by an immense margin. Pro sports fans get their fix from major markets in neighboring states, largely Cincinnati and Nashville.
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USA Betting News
The Lexington Gamblers Anonymous Hotline is 513-322-5998 and the Louisville Gamblers Anonymous Hotline is 855-222-5542. Of course, the National Problem Gambler Hotline (1-800-GAMBLER) is available to anyone in Kentucky struggling with gambling addiction. The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) website (https://www.kycpg.org/) can help determine whether you or a loved one have a gambling problem and connect those in need with trained counselors.
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