Kentucky Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Online sports betting is legal in Kentucky, opening up a world of possibilities for both residents and visitors. If you’re considering betting on sports in the Bluegrass State and have questions about mobile betting options, you’re in the right place.
Our Kentucky online sports betting guide provides comprehensive answers to all your inquiries and an overview of the sports betting landscape in Kentucky. On this page, you’ll find information about the legal framework of sports betting in the state, the top Kentucky sportsbooks, and local sports teams you can wager on. You’ll also gain valuable tips and strategies for enjoying a responsible and successful betting experience. Let’s get started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the best mobile sports betting apps in Kentucky.
- Understand Kentucky’s laws and regulations around sports betting.
- Learn how to start betting online in the Bluegrass State.
Top Kentucky Sports Betting Sites and Apps
Kentucky hosts some of the best sports betting platforms in the US betting market. These operators offer exclusive Kentucky sportsbook promos, competitive odds, and innovative features.
Here are our top picks for Kentuckian players in 2024.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, online sports betting is live and legal in Kentucky. The state legalized sports betting on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law.
Retail and in-person sports betting launched on September 7, but Kentucky only launched online sports betting on September 28, 2023.
Currently, 8 mobile sportsbooks operate in Kentucky:
- BetMGM
- bet365
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Caesars
- Circa Sports
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
Since the state’s betting regulations allow for up to 27 licenses, we could see more operators enter the market.
Under the sports betting legislation, the 9 horse racing tracks in the state are allowed to operate as sports betting facilities and partner with up to three mobile sportsbooks each. The law also appointed the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as the state’s sports betting regulator. The agency was entrusted with regulating and supervising sports betting in the jurisdiction.
10 Quick Facts About Kentucky’s Sports Betting Laws
- Kentucky Law: Kentucky legalized sports betting on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law.
- Legal Age: The legal age for sports betting in Kentucky is 18 and older. However, some retail sportsbooks and KY online sportsbooks require you to be 21 and above. They include Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel and Fanatics.
- State Borders: You must be within state lines to legally bet online in Kentucky. The mobile sportsbooks in the state use geolocation technology to ensure this.
- Regulator: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees sports gambling in the state.
- Retail Bookmakers: Kentucky has several retail sportsbooks, including Churchill Downs (Home of the Kentucky Derby), Kentucky Downs, and Derby City Gaming Downtown.
- Taxes: The Bluegrass State imposes an excise tax of 9.75% on the adjusted gross revenues of bets placed at its retail sportsbooks and 14.25% on wagers placed online.
- Available Sports: You can bet on various sports and leagues in the state, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and college sports. However, you cannot wager on high school sports.
- Available Licenses: Kentucky’s 9 horse racing tracks have sports betting licenses and can partner with up to 3 online books. This means there could be up to 27 online sportsbooks operating in the state in the future.
- Horse Racing: Sports betting and horse racing are regulated separately in Kentucky. This is why sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars have separate apps for horse racing betting.
- Responsible Gambling: Legal Kentucky sports betting operators implement responsible gambling measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. These include tools for setting limits, self-exclusion, and links to support services.
How to Bet on Sports in Kentucky
In Kentucky, you can place wagers online and retail sports betting locations as long as you are at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the sportsbook. Follow this step-by-step guide to start wagering online in the Bluegrass State.
- Sign Up with a Licensed Sportsbook: Choose from eight approved Kentucky bookmakers, visit their site or app, and complete the registration to verify your identity.
- Make Your First Deposit: Go to the cashier section and fund your account using your preferred payment methods, like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.
- Place Your Bet: Select your desired sport and event, choose the odds, enter your stake in the bet slip, review it, and confirm your wager.
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Kentucky
With no major professional sports team in Kentucky, college athletics is the lifeblood of the state’s sports scene. In addition to collegiate sports, horse racing is also incredibly popular in the jurisdiction. The table below details the most popular local sports and teams in the state.
| Team | Sport | League | Team Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky Wildcats | College Basketball & Football | NCAA | The Wildcats have won 8 championships and produced legendary players like George Mikan and Dan Issel. It’s no wonder they have a huge following in Kentucky. |
| University of Louisville Cardinals | College Football, Basketball, & Baseball | NCAA | The Cardinals play in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have won 50 Big East Championships across all sports. |
| Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | College Basketball | NCAA | The Hilltoppers has one of the best programs in NCCA history, they are actively followed by fans and bettors alike |
| Lexington Legends | Baseball | ALPB | The Legends play their home games at Legends Field usually to a crowd of over 3000 fans. |
| Louiseville City FC | Soccer | USL Championship | Founded in 2014, The Los Morados’ games attract high betting activity especially when they face off with rivals. |
| Louisville City FC | Soccer | NSWL | The only pro women’s soccer’s team in Kentucky, the team attracts fans with their high-level soccer. |
| – | Horse Racing | – | Kentucky is home to many racetracks that host events throughout the year, including prestigious ones like the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. |
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Since Kentucky has no team participating in the top-tier leagues, its residents divide their betting attention among other clubs in the elite divisions. For instance, some Kentuckians support the neighboring Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts in NFL betting. At the same time, the Indiana Pacers enjoy the backing of Kentucky fans in NBA betting, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the state.
However, when it comes to collegiate sports, the Wildcats, and Cardinals command fierce loyalty and enthusiasm across the state. In fact, their rivalry is one of the most intense in college sports.
This passion translates into significant betting action on college games, making them a major driver of sports betting activity in the state. As a result, local bookmakers, especially retailers, often prioritize college sports betting offerings in the jurisdiction.
Wagering activity also fluctuates based on the local teams’ seasons, with more bets placed during football and basketball seasons. For instance, Kentucky sportsbooks see lower betting handles during college sports off-season, around May, June, and July.
Furthermore, when local teams are performing well, they are usually favored to win, which can lead to a higher volume of bets on them. Other factors like player injury or suspension, new player signing, and coaching changes can also impact betting trends.
Are There More Gambling Options in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers several gambling options you can consider whenever you seek an alternative to sports betting. They include:
- Retail Sports Betting: Enhance your experience at physical sportsbooks such as Churchill Downs with its kiosks and HD screens, The Red Mile offering a Caesars-powered environment, and Oak Grove with its expansive video board and numerous kiosks.
- Horse Betting: Kentucky breathes and lives horse racing. It is home to seven iconic tracks, including Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Ellis Park, and Red Mile. The prestigious Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs, usually attracts millions of viewers and bettors worldwide. In 2023, Kentucky Derby betting drew a record $188.7million in wagers.
- Daily Fantasy Sports: Although DFS is not regulated in Kentucky, the state has not explicitly banned it either. As such, you can still get some DFS action on platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Underdog.
- Lottery: The Kentucky Lottery offers a range of games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-offs. You can buy tickets online or in person.
Tips and Strategies for Kentucky Bettors: How to Maximize Your Bets
Do you want to consistently stay in the green while betting on your favorite sports in Kentucky? Follow these tips below!
Play at Different Sportsbooks
Sign up at multiple Kentucky sports betting apps and take advantage of all their bonuses. These include sign-up bonuses, boosts, bets and gets, and other promotions. By doing this, you can maximize these free perks to increase your betting power and boost your bankroll.
Besides, you need to register with different sportsbooks to get the best odds. Bookmakers don’t feature the same odds on their markets, so always compare lines to get the best value for your bets.
Manage your Bankroll
Once you’ve mastered how to manage your bankroll you will instinctively know how to set a budget, keeping your sports betting fun and preventing unnecessary losses. Before placing a sports bet in Kentucky, set a realistic budget for yourself and stick to it.
Don’t chase losses
Losses are a natural part of sports betting. Occasionally, you may experience a losing streak on a sportsbook, maybe a bad week here and there. During these periods, always fight the urge to recoup your losses by betting more or making riskier wagers.
This can lead to financial and emotional distress, resulting in more desperate bets and even bigger losses. Instead, take a step back and reassess your betting strategy. Take a break if needed, and come back when you are thinking clearly.
Research
Ensure every wager you place is a quality bet. You should only bet on a game after thoroughly researching and analyzing the teams, players, statistics, and other relevant factors. Several variables can impact a game’s outcome.
For instance, in MLB betting, factors like the starting pitcher’s ERA, streaks, and weather can influence the result. By doing your due diligence, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning bets.
Understand the Odds
Knowing how sports betting odds work is crucial in sports betting. Always assess the risk and potential reward of a bet before making it. Moreover, don’t chase underdog values. Yes, it can be tempting to bet on an underdog with high odds, but it’s essential to understand the reason behind those odds. In the same vein, avoid a parlay with more than three legs.
Kentucky Sports Betting Taxes
Understanding how taxes work on sports betting winnings is an integral part of your journey as a bettor. As you participate in sports betting and get all those big racks, keep in mind that you will share some of your winnings with the government.
Yes, sports betting winnings are regarded as taxable income in the US. You have to file them on your tax returns like your ordinary income.
The IRS requires you to pay tax on your sports betting winnings if they exceed $600 or are payout at least 300 times your wager. In this case, the bookmaker will send you a Form-W2G that will show you your winnings and the amount of tax withheld.
Furthermore, Kentucky has a 6% tax rate on all gambling proceeds in the state. Keeping a record of your sports betting activity, including wins and losses, is advisable, particularly if you plan to deduct losses from your tax return.
So, Will You Bet From Kentucky Tonight?
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will find Kentucky welcoming with its variety of sports betting options.
While you can wager on the go at online KY sports betting sites, you can also enjoy the fun of in-person betting at the state’s iconic venues like Churchill Downs and the Red Mile.
The thrill of victory is a wager away. Sign up at any KY sportsbook of your choice and start participating in legal sports betting in Kentucky! Ensure to bet responsibly and adhere to smart wagering guidelines.
Do you want to improve your sports betting strategies and achieve more greens? Learn exclusive tips and tricks in our Betting 101 section today!
