Kentucky Online Gambling – Is It Legal? Get $5,000 + at KY Gambling Sites

If you’re tired of scrolling through lackluster betting sites that plague the online gambling Kentucky market, then this is your lucky day! We make it our mission to lighten the  load by delivering the ultimate gaming website in the Bluegrass State.

At Basketball Insiders, you’ll find the top sportsbooks in the US and beyond. We’ll discuss everything from bonuses, gaming portfolios, odds, and more. Most importantly, we explore the Kentucky gambling laws. If you are a US resident and have ever asked the question — Is gambling legal in Kentucky? — this article is for you. Do read through and start enjoying a more rewarding gambling experience.

Kentucky Online Gambling at a Glance

We have taken a detailed look at the current situation that gambling in Kentucky finds itself in, and we now present all the important facts surrounding it to you. For betting information, please take a look at our sports betting in Kentucky page.

• Legal Gambling: Offshore only
• Minimum Gambling Age in Kentucky: 18 (offshore sites only)
• Offline Betting in Person: No current options
• Offline Casino Play in Person: Yes, at two locations
• Online Sportsbooks: Offshore sites only
• Online Casinos: Offshore sites only
• Live/In-Play Betting: Offshore sites only
• College Sports Betting: Offshore sites only
• Horse racing: Inland (online and in-person) and offshore
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: To be determined
• Permitted Gambling Operators: None currently
• Licensing Fee: To be determined
• Tax Rate: To be determined
• Tax Funded: To be determined

The Best Gambling Online Kentucky Sites

The title says it all: let’s dive right into the best KY legal online gambling operators. As gambling enthusiasts ourselves, we had every reason to explore every single casino across the vast lands of Kentucky.  This was, by no means, an easy feat, but we discovered the top 10 casinos in the state. Have a look and pick the option that best suits your gaming desires.

1. Bovada – Best action for sports betting, poker, and casino games.
2. BetOnline – Hosts the greatest online sportsbook, delivering the best odds on all markets.
3. Everygame – Cutting-edge online casino gaming products in Kentucky.
4. MyBookie – Covers multitudes of local and international sporting events.
5. BetNow – Remarkable slot machines to rev up the action.
6. BetUS – Our go-to bookie for online live betting, horse race betting, and e-sports.
7. XBet – The ultimate sportsbook for navigating the odds on the go.
8. BUSR – Great bonuses packages range
9. Jazz Sports – Home of the luxurious old-Hollywood table games.
10. Sportsbetting.ag – Hottest Kentucky online casino for real money poker games.

Kentucky Online Gambling Sites Reviewed

You can search high and low for the best online gambling Kentucky has to offer. But why waste precious time that you could be using to act on your betting hunch for the next big sports event? Browse through our mini-reviews and you’re sure to find a perfect sportsbook and casino to sign up with.

1. Bovada – Best Sportsbetting for Kentucky Online Gambling

If you’ve been in the digital gaming scene for a while, then you probably know that finding a competitive platform for online gambling in Kentucky is an extreme sport. But since it emerged onto the online gaming space back in 2011, Bovada has managed to turn the heads of even the pickiest bettors.

Much of this success is due to its partnership with leading software developers which include Rival Gaming, BetSoft, and Real Time Gaming. Thanks to their well-thought partnerships, Bovada delivers an impressive casino. Here, you’ll find close to 1,000 games, categorized into slots, table games, and specialty titles. We also found a vibrant live dealer casino. To fuel your journey, Bovada awards a welcome bonus of up to $1,250 to new members.

If you’re more into sports betting, the sportsbook covers world-class tournaments as well as local events. Instead of working up a sweat at a land-based bookmaking shop, you can put your feet up and relax and bet on the Kentucky derby gambling online. Even the most obscure international sports markets are also available. To top off all these fetching features, Bovada is among the few locally-available betting sites that offer cryptocurrency banking options.

 

2. BetOnline – Plays Host to the Best Gambling in Kentucky

Are you looking for a fair chance to get a good return on your wagers, all the while enjoying a gripping play-by-play update on a variety of sports events? We present BetOnline, a spectacular Kentucky gambling site that merges edgy sports betting markets with the buzz of casino gaming.

Judging from its architecture, BetOnline does not push for flair or extravagance but invests great effort to your satisfaction. You’ll quickly realize that this bookie delivers generous bonus portions left, right, and center. Upon making the first deposit, you’ll receive a welcome bonus of 50% up to $1,000. Although on the surface, this may look like an ordinary offer, the relaxed terms and conditions suggest otherwise.

The Bluegrass state is famous for its unique blended culture and BetOnline plays into this diversity to its advantage. Hence the presence of famed local sporting events like Kentucky derby gambling and the Kentucky Football League. Here, Kentuckians can bet on several home teams with the likes of the Wildcats, Colonels, and Derby City Thunder. Of course, you won’t be left wanting when it comes to major markets such as the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB. BetOnline boasts a prestigious list of payment gateways, including options like Discover, MasterCard, and Bitcoin, to facilitate fast transactions. Overall, if you want to do away with a dull gambling lifestyle, then hop aboard and dream big!

3. MyBookie – Covers a Range of Online Gambling in Kentucky

Whether you’re looking to place a quick, last-minute wager or play the long game on tournament futures, MyBookie is hand-made for your convenience. The dark-themed design brings a mysterious yet attention-grabbing aura that keeps your betting experience fun and colorful.

Navigating from the sportsbook to the casino, live betting, and racing sections is a one-click affair. The sportsbook features NFL, MMA, Boxing, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Esports, Soccer, and more. As a top Kentucky sports gambling platform, MyBookie also provides in-play betting for many local sports events. On the far end, the casino covers slots machines, classic table games, live dealer titles, and several specialty options.

Taking a few steps back to disclose the welcome bonus, sports fans are treated to a 100% up to $1,000, plus a $20 casino chip. For casino gamers, there’s a 150% up to $750 bonus up for grabs. The offer comes with a 40-times wagering requirement. If you’re lucky enough to win big, MyBookie banking consists of Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.  Withdrawals often take a few minutes and only 3 days for traditional payment gateways.

4. BetNow – Remarkable Slot Machines to Rev Up the Action.

While BetNow is a relatively new Kentucky sports betting site, it has managed to establish a loyal fanbase. Besides having a competitive overall gambling product, the bookie has excellent BetNow promo codes with low rollover requirements. So, whether you’re only just signing up or you’ve been wagering at the sportsbook for a while, you’ll undoubtedly find top value.

BetNow offers a top-notch gambling experience for those sports betting in Kentucky and looking for action on the major North American leagues: NBA, NFL, MLB, etc. If you plan to bet on niche European sports, however, you won’t likely be as impressed with this bookie as options outside of soccer are limited. This used to be a major challenge a few years ago, but we’re happy BetNow is gradually widening its reach and introducing more sports from different regions.

One area where BetNow particularly shines is the selection of banking options. You can fund your account via a wide range of payment processors, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Bitcoin is one of the few crypto options available. The minimum deposit amount is a reasonable $20 and bettors can deposit as much as $40,000 at a time.

5. BetUS – Best Live Sportsbetting – Online Gambling KY

If first impressions last a lifetime, then BetUS is as good as tattooed in your mind and soul. That’s because the bookie wows bettors with colorful icons for even the most basic features. The dominating blue color scheme with a hint of red over a white background is a clever take of the prestigious US flag. So, you immediately know that you’re up for an unparalleled experience.

The BetUS brand has been a breath of fresh air, as far as gambling in Kentucky is concerned for more than a decade. The online website has maintained pole position in many respects, including bonus and promotion provision. Crypto-bettors get a 150% sportsbook bonus and a 50% casino bonus. The standard welcome bonus package is 250% up to a whopping $5 000. Similar to every bookie on this list, BetUS runs a seamless sports arena with NFL, NBA, NHL, and Esports markets, to mention a few.

To ensure a balanced online gambling KY masterpiece, the online casino specializes in slots, table games, live gambling, and video poker. BetUS takes USD payments using credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrency. The daily withdrawals limit is $5,000 and there is an experienced team of customer service representatives to assist if you encounter any issues.

6. XBet – Best Live Odds for Gambling in Kentucky

Like X-men to your rescue against the dark forces of shady Kentucky gambling operators, XBet is your coach on everything sports-related and beyond. First and foremost, the operator equips you with up to $500 in bonuses. For sports bettors, the rollover is 7 times and 40 times for the casino.

XBet shines the spotlight on current tournaments which saves a lot of time navigating the site in search of potentially rewarding betting markets.  Moreover, the sportsbook hosts basketball, hockey, motorsports, soccer, baseball, cycling, esports, Rugby. In fact, name it and you’ll find it all at XBet.

The operator also graces online gambling Kentucky fans with 105 slot machines, 28 table games, and 28 video poker titles. XBet takes pride in its professionalism and no-nonsense values. So, you can expect a seamless banking system. Transactions are processed using Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, and several other banking options. Typically, withdrawals are processed within a few hours, but traditional methods are subject to delays owing to bank regulations. In line with their super-hero theme, the highly skilled team of mutants is at your disposal 24/7/365.

7. BUSR – Great Bonuses Packages Range

When it comes to gambling online in Kentucky, BUSR is ahead of the curve and features some of the most popular games available. Among the perks of membership is access to more than 150 of the best online casino games to play wherever you choose. Apart from the wide variety of games, BUSR also features horse and sports betting options.

When new players register at BUSR, they are eligible for a fantastic 10% bonus. And upon making their first deposit, they can claim a 10% cash bonus. In addition to the massive welcome bonus, this Kentucky online gambling site offers a weekly cashback bonus of 50% to all players on Thursdays. The bonus gives gamblers a second chance to earn back the money they may have lost by offering a 50% rebate on all losses.

The casino also offers a diverse amount of banking options including Visa, Mastercard, person-to-person, phone transfer, bank transfer, bank wire, Bitcoin, and ACH. Plus, the site greets bettors with an attractive but simple website interface as well as a hands-on customer support team.

8. Jazz Sports – Home of the Luxurious Old-Hollywood Table Games.

Jazzsports does not disappoint for such a reputable bookmaker. If you’re really into serious sports betting, Jazzsports offers one of the best sports gambling sites in Kentucky, so it’s definitely the spot for you.

The bookmaker makes an effort at diversity by featuring a variety of sports to choose from. You can bet on popular betting options like motor racing, volleyball, baseball, fighting, football, soccer, golf, hockey, basketball, tennis, and more. Live betting at Jazzsports makes betting even more exciting.

The sportsbook accepts deposits in both cryptos and fiat. Bettors interested in crypto betting also have a winning shot at Jazzsports. It is one of the top online gambling sites in Kentucky, with such impressive market offers.

You may bet on the go with Jazzsports.ag on its user-friendly mobile platform. The sportsbook makes up for the lack of an app by providing a mobile-friendly website optimized for various devices and accessible online. To use the website, you simply need an up-to-date web browser to use any operating system. Jazz has optimized the site for mobile viewing and includes helpful hints for wagering on the go.

Access to a generous bonus might significantly change your sports betting experience by boosting your bankroll. Gamblers at Jazzsports.ag can choose from various promotions, including special bonuses, referral programs, exclusive betting pools, and tournaments.

More on gambling in Kentucky…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Kentucky in our expert guides below:

• Kentucky Sports Betting
• Kentucky Real Money Online Casinos
• Kentucky Online Poker
• Kentucky Sports Betting Apps
• Kentucky Horse Racing

Kentucky Online Gambling – The Top Sites Compared

As you may have already figured out, there’s no shortage of good Kentucky online gambling sites out there. But while that may be the general case, you’re likely to enjoy the best gaming experience at a casino or sportsbook that caters to your specific needs. Putting the best online gambling Kentucky in one place and comparing their bonuses and other betting products will undoubtedly provide you with much-needed insight.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Kentucky

While Kentuck derby gambling makes waves throughout the country every year, Bluegrass State residents often wonder — Is gambling legal in Kentucky? Well, the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you may have hoped. Kentucky restricts gambling to the State Lottery, parimutuel betting, charitable bingo halls, dog racing, and horse race betting at the local racetracks. There aren’t any land-based casinos in Kentucky, and several attempts to change state laws to allow this form of gambling have failed. The most recent was in 2016 when Sen. Morgan McGarvey and Sen. Julie Raque Adams attempted to rile up support. The local racing industry, however, showed no interest.

As there’s no financial risk and potential reward, social Kentucky gambling sites are legal. Kentuckians can, therefore, enjoy exciting casino games at local sites. You can also access several skill-based games, as long as your skills have a more significant impact on the outcome than chance. KY online gambling sites can, therefore, legally provide Daily Fantasy Sports gaming options. Interestingly, poker isn’t included as a skill-based game.

Online Sports Gambling in Kentucky

We’ve already mentioned that gambling, in general, is restricted in Kentucky. But is online gambling legal in Kentucky, specifically for sports events? The Bluegrass State doesn’t yet offer legal sports betting. However, shortly after PASPA was repealed in 2018, Kentucky formed a bipartisan panel consisting of three senators and six representatives to chart a path towards the legalization of KY legal online gambling.

The lawmakers have since pieced together several bills that may see online sports betting coming to Kentucky a lot sooner than you may have anticipated. None of these bills have been made into law yet, but there’s surely a lot of political will to legalize sports betting. But while sports betting isn’t yet legal, horse racing is the state’s pride and joy. Kentucky Derby gambling online occurs all year round, as the gorgeous Churchill Downs racetrack facilitates several racing events. Kentucky is also home to at least six other popular harness and straight racing courses. At these racetracks, you’ll also find a new variant of slot-machine-like instant racing game machines. Daily Fantasy Sports are yet another betting option that now passes Kentucky gambling laws.

Offshore Gambling

You already know that online casino and sportsbook operators can’t base their operations in Kentucky, as the current legal landscape doesn’t allow it. But is gambling legal in Kentucky if you’re playing at betting sites that are based in another state or jurisdiction? Online bookies within the US are bound by law to only provide gambling products to customers who are physically located in their licensed state. However, there aren’t any laws that prohibit Kentucky residents from wagering at offshore gambling sites.

You can, therefore, sign up and play at numerous Europe and Asia-based betting sites without the worry of breaking the law. You, however, have to keep in mind that there’s very little room for legal recourse if you get burnt at an offshore Kentucky sports gambling site. It’s, therefore, important to make a sure pick from the start. Some of the safest betting sites, in this regard, are licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board and the Malta Gaming Authority.

Online Gambling Laws in Kentucky

Is online gambling legal in Kentucky? Yes, but it depends on what you’re looking to wager on. Whatever the case may be, however, the legal gambling age is 18. This includes horse racing, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel, and lottery games. Because current gambling laws in Kentucky don’t interpret fantasy sports betting as gambling, DFS sites can legally operate in the state. Horse racing has been a prominent feature of the Kentucky gambling landscape since 1875. Today, the Bluegrass State still boasts some of the best horse racing events in the world. Off-Track betting locations aren’t available since 2013, but Kentucky-based bettors can still use online betting sites or mobile apps to place wagers on local and national races.

Gambling in Kentucky is also available at advance deposit wagering (ADW) websites. These horse racing websites operate in Kentucky to provide online betting opportunities from anywhere inside state lines.

Timeline of Kentucky Gambling Laws

• 1988 – The Kentucky Lottery was approved by 60% of voters.
• 2010 –  The state’s racing commission modified its definition of pari-mutuel betting to allow instant-racing machines at Kentucky tracks.
• 2016 – The Kentucky Lottery starts selling tickets online.
• 2019 – Four Kentucky sports betting bills were tabled that would regulate DFS, poker, and sports wagering.

Online Gambling Guides State by State

Advantages of Kentucky Online Gambling Sites

If you live in Kentucky, you won’t have access to any land-based casinos. While this is a sad reality, it’s even sadder that local online gambling Kentucky websites may not get legalized for quite a while. Despite this, the number of people living in Kentucky looking for ways to gamble online is always growing and there are plenty of good reasons why. Online casinos come with a range of benefits that traditional casinos do not. Here are some of them:

The Only Viable Alternative

The traditional casino experience has been around for a long time. You may even love the beeping and bright colors of spinning reels made by slot machines. Some players enjoy the tension and suspense of playing roulette or the feeling of winning card games like poker in a room full of people. Maybe you like betting on the Wildcats, or on the Colonels. Well, whether you’re into Kentucky sports gambling or love casino games, the Bluegrass state doesn’t have any legal option for you to do either at home. Offshore online betting sites offer you a viable alternative. The internet has proven to be a great equalizer that can bring a wide range of betting options to Kentuckians, even when their local laws seem slow to catch up with the world.

Privacy

Many bettors would prefer that the public doesn’t know about their hobby. One of the benefits of online gambling in Kentucky over traditional gambling is privacy. Unlike a brick-and-mortar casino, nobody in an online casino has to know who you are. You can have almost complete anonymity, and the best operators do such a great job of protecting user data through encryption. The downside, however, is the lack of social interaction. If you’re inclined to enjoy the company of people, online gambling can’t really scratch that itch for you. You could invite your friends over when you log onto online casinos, but it’s not the same.

Variety

Space is a limitation in brick-and-mortar casinos. As construction is expensive, you can only have so many games in a given area. Online casinos don’t face this problem. You generally find pretty much an inexhaustible supply of games on online platforms. You can also find a variety of sports betting options, including esports, MMA, and other niche online sports from halfway across the world.

Bonuses

Another one of the biggest reasons bettors choose online gambling KY over land-based gambling is the quality of bonuses. These offers help pad your gambling budget with useful rewards. Whether you get free slot machine spins, free bet credits, or some kind of on-site crypto, you can boost your chances of getting a good return.

Kentucky Horse Race Betting

Humans have been betting on horse racing pretty much since they tamed horses. From long-forgotten civilizations to Kentuck derby gambling, punters’ desire to accurately predict the fastest horses hasn’t waned. Even if you don’t know much about horse racing, rooting for different horses to win is fun in itself. But once you learn the ins and outs of horse racing, you can elevate your returns and enjoyment of the Kentucky Derby to an entirely new level.

Are you planning to place a wager or two on an upcoming horse race? Whether you’re going to visit Churchill Downs or place your bet using one of the online betting sites on this page, these few tips will help you put your best foot forward.

Research the Contenders

KY online gambling on horses is excellent fun in itself. However, you’ll love the pastime a whole lot more if you know everything about the competing horses. You can quickly browse through upcoming race news and analysis to make more informed bets. Some of the most important factors to keep in mind include previous race results and the backstories of each horse. If you understand each team as real humans and horses and not numbers on a bet slip, you’ll become a pro in no time.

Time Your Bets Well

While you want to have as much information as possible before you place your wager, you shouldn’t have to miss any opportunities because your chosen sportsbook presents odds later than usual. The sportsbooks on this page offer early, competitive odds, so you can quickly act on your hunches. Live streaming and statistics also make placing in-play bets much easier.

Consult with Experts

Sure, the internet is awash with so much data to analyze before placing your bets. But, unless you know exactly how to find and interpret these numbers, you’ll need the help of experts. The quickest way to learn the ropes is to check out our guides and learn from the insights there. Take a few moments to understand gambling jargon and the factors to look out for before placing different wagers.

Understand Kentucky Pari-Mutuel Betting

Online gambling laws in Kentucky allow for what’s known as Pari-Mutuel betting. This simply means that all bets placed on a particular race are put into a pool. Winning payouts are determined based on the quantum of other winning bets. As such, winning favorites tend to have reduced returns. It doesn’t always pay out, but you may want to consider siding with the underdogs.

Land-Based Casinos in Kentucky

Kentucky gambling laws restrict many forms of gambling. There have been some talks about legalizing casinos, but it may be a while before anything comes to fruition. In the meantime, state residents can get used to going to one of the many legal horse tracks, where they can place their bet on the next winner. Here is a list of the most popular ones:

Derby City Gaming

Address: 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213

Phone: (502) 961-7600

Website: https://www.derbycitygaming.com/

Email: info@derbycitygaming.com

 

Ellis Park

Address: 3300 US-41, Henderson, KY 42420

Phone: (812) 425-1456

Website: https://ellisparkracing.com/

Email: jinman@ellisparkracing.com

 

Red Mile

Address: 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: (859) 255-0752

Website: https://redmileky.com/

Email: info@RedMile.biz

 

Churchill Downs

Address: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

Phone: (502) 636-4400

Website: https://www.churchilldowns.com/

Email: CDIContactUs@kyderby.com

 

Turfway Park

Address: 7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY 41042

Phone: (859) 371-0200

Website: https://www.turfway.com/home

Email: CDIContactUs@kyderby.com

 

Mint Gaming Hall

Address: 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, United States

Phone: +1 270-586-7778

Website: https://themintgaming.com/

Email: comments@kentuckydowns.com

 

Newport Racing & Gaming

Address: 1723 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071, United States

Phone: +1 859-647-4700

Website: https://www.newportrg.com

Email: CDIContactUs@kyderby.com

 

Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel

Address: 777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262, United States

Phone: +1 270-984-4200

Website: https://www.oakgrovegaming.com

Email: CDIContactUs@kyderby.com

Kentucky Legislative Resources

If you are interested in the legal status of gambling in Kentucky and want to keep up with the latest news, then please keep in touch with the following two resources listed below:

Kentucky Government Portal

Kentucky State Legislature

Kentucky Gambling Resources

If you feel you are currently experiencing issues surrounding the amount of gambling you are undertaking, or if you feel that someone close to you is in a similar situation, the please find the time to consult the following two resources:

National Council for Problem Gambling

Findahelpline (Kentucky Gambling)

Conclusion – Kentucky Online Gambling

Kentucky is one of the more restrictive states in the US when it comes to gambling. Though the state allows horse racing, pari-mutuel, and lottery wagers, it hasn’t legalized casinos, sports, and other forms of gambling yet. There have been some talks here and there, but nothing concrete has yet panned out.

Offshore online gambling Kentucky sites, however, allow residents to access virtually endless gaming opportunities, bonuses, and convenient betting payments. You can literally be gambling in Louisville Kentucky, or any city in the state while following an event that’s thousands of miles away. You, however, need to pick the best offshore betting site to get an excellent overall product. Our team of experts put these top bookies to the test, and BetOnline proved to be the best on several fronts. This is a great chance to sample this betting site’s bonus, while it’s still available.

FAQ

Can you play online poker for money in Kentucky?

Similar to the status of online casino play, online poker isn’t currently regulated in Kentucky. Your best bet as far as playing online poker in the Bluegrass State is concerned, is using sweepstakes sites. As with online casino gaming, you can also access your favorite poker variant at offshore online betting sites.

Is online bingo legal in Kentucky?

If you live in Kentucky and search “online bingo”, you are likely to find offshore websites, unregulated by the state or the federal government. Nonprofit organizations can organize charitable bingo events in the Bluegrass state. You can also play online bingo at various social online casinos that operate in Kentucky.

Can you gamble online in Kentucky?

Even though KY legal online gambling is not yet available in the state, it is possible to find many off-shore sites that cater to Kentucky residents. These platforms allow residents of the Bluegrass State to safely access their favorite hobby. While offshore sites aren’t regulated in Kentucky, they do have licenses from foreign regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Authority.

What gambling is legal in Kentucky?

Gambling in Kentucky is currently legal on a limited selection of opportunities. Horse racing and the state lottery are the most popular legal ways to bet in the state. If you’re looking for something else, the options that stand out include social casinos and slot-machine-like instant racing game machines. Although it’s not regarded as gambling in the state, you can also take part in DFS. Kentuckians who’re looking to enjoy traditional gambling options can always register at offshore betting sites and instantly access slots, table games, and sports betting opportunities.