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HB 551, passed in March 2023, has opened up the opportunity to legally place bets from anywhere in Kentucky. The new law will become effective on June 28th, 2023, and sports betting will be operational within six months, hopefully right before the NFL kicks off!
| State | Kentucky |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | Yes βοΈ |
| Launch date | 28/06/2023 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes βοΈ |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes βοΈ |
| Retail Casinos | No β |
Once the market goes live, you’ll be able to wager on professional leagues and collegiate sports. School events, however, will remain forbidden. If you’re at least 18 years old and within state borders, you will have access to both retail betting locations and online US sportsbooks.
While you wait for the official launch of sportsbooks in Kentucky, you can keep betting on your favorite sports with the best offshore bookmakers. Check them out and read on to get the latest news on Kentucky gambling.Β You can also check out the legal sports betting situation across the United States.
Top 5 Kentucky Sportsbooks
Although Kentucky has successfully legalized sports betting, there is still uncertainty as to when sportsbooks will become operational. We also still donβt know exactly which sportsbooks will be granted licenses from the Bluegrass state.
Thatβs why, no matter what happens with the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky, we recommend using these great sportsbooks that are licensed offshore. They avoid the tax burden of local sportsbooks and are therefore able to offer much better deals. Here are our top 5 Kentucky sportsbooks:
Bovada
Bovada is the king of sportsbooks. They are the most used sportsbook in Kentucky, and this is likely because of their great sports betting markets and hot odds.
Bovada provides the best sport-focused betting lines in Kentucky
Bovada provides a wide variety of sports betting lines. If you’re living in Kentucky and prefer to bet on sports, you can rely on Bovada for providing the best and most accurate betting lines in the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newbie, Bovada offers a great betting experience for all kinds of sports fanatics. Plus, their seamless user interface and user-friendly platform make it easy for you to place your bets and up your chances of winning big. So, if you’re looking for a trusted platform for sports betting, Bovada is worth checking out.
Bovada is the name in sports betting in Kentucky
It cannot be stated enough how much sports betting has exploded in popularity in recent years, and a key player in the game is Bovada. Specifically, Bovada is the go-to source for sports betting for those living in Kentucky state. They offer many options, from traditional sports such as football and basketball to niche favorites like eSports and table tennis. And with their easy-to-use interface and trusted reputation, it’s no wonder that Bovada is the name in sports betting for Kentuckians.
BetOnline
BetOnliner has an enormous amount of rotating promotions. You can really have a great time all year round as they are always coming up with something new.
BetOnline boasts a complete range of crypto deposit methods to players in Kentucky
BetOnline offers a comprehensive range of crypto deposit options to players in Kentucky. This means that players can use various cryptocurrencies to make deposits into their BetOnline accounts, providing more convenience and flexibility than traditional payment methods. With a focus on security and ease of use, BetOnline ensures that every transaction is safe and seamless, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games and place bets on their preferred sports teams with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just getting started, BetOnline has everything you need to have a great gaming experience.
BetOnline is the leading mobile betting platform in Kentucky
BetOnline is a top-rated mobile betting platform that has been making waves in the state of Kentucky. With its user-friendly interface and a vast selection of betting options, it is no wonder why BetOnline is considered the leader in mobile betting. Its state of the art technology allows users to place bets easily and securely through their mobile devices from anywhere, at any time. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newbie, BetOnline provides a seamless betting experience that ensures maximum excitement and satisfaction. So, it’s no surprise that BetOnline has become the go-to platform for all sports enthusiasts in Kentucky and beyond.
BetUS
BetUS has a huge welcome bonus. They will give you a 125% match on your initial deposit, worth up to $2,500.
BetUS provides a great range of betting options in Kentucky
BetUS offers a vast range of betting options for sports enthusiasts in Kentucky. Whether you are a fan of football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, BetUS has got you covered with its wide range of betting options. With an easy-to-use website and a user-friendly interface, BetUS makes online betting a breeze for Kentucky residents. So if you are looking to place bets on your favorite team or player, BetUS is the perfect platform.
BetUS has excellent mobile betting in Kentucky
BetUS has top-notch mobile betting services to its customers in Kentucky state. With its user-friendly and intuitive mobile platform, BetUS allows users to place their bets quickly and easily from anywhere, at any time. The platform is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a smooth and seamless betting experience. BetUS also offers a wide range of betting options and markets, from popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball, to more niche options such as esports and horse racing. With its excellent mobile betting services, BetUS is a top choice for sports bettors in Kentucky.
MyBookie
MyBookie really stands out for being easy to use. Their customer service and website design are truly top-notch!
MyBookie ensures itβs promotions are up-to-date in Kentucky
MyBookie makes sure to keep all of its promotions up-to-date and compliant with Kentucky state regulations. This is a key aspect of maintaining a positive relationship with customers in the state, as well as ensuring that the company is operating within legal boundaries. By carefully reviewing and updating their promotions, MyBookie can offer attractive incentives to players while also remaining in good standing with state regulators. This commitment to compliance and customer satisfaction is a hallmark of MyBookie’s business philosophy.
MyBookie has the best sports betting app in Kentucky
MyBookie offers its users one of the best sports betting apps in the state of Kentucky. The app has an easy-to-use interface that allows users to quickly and easily place bets on their favorite sports teams and events. In addition to its user-friendly design, MyBookie’s sports betting app also offers competitive odds and a variety of betting options, ensuring that users have access to the best lines and odds possible. Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or a newcomer to the world of sports betting, MyBookie’s app is the perfect tool for making informed, strategic wagers on your favorite sports.
XBet
XBet has a great mobile betting platform. You do not need to download an XBet app for this one, as you can just access the website via your mobile device and it will automatically adjust.
XBet offers some great promotions and bonuses in Kentucky
XBet offers amazing promotions and bonuses to its customers in the Kentucky area. XBet is the perfect place for Kentucky-based players who wants to take their sports wagering experience to the next level. With XBet, you will get access to a wide array of different markets on major US leagues, as well as international matches. Some of their offers include: a 50% cash bonus (up to $500) after making your first deposit; 10% referral program; special discounts within the Loyalty Program; rotating & reload bonuses and more. If you live in Kentucky, then make sure to check out XBet today and take advantage of all their amazing promotional offers!
XBet boasts a first-class horse book in Kentucky
XBet offers Kentucky horse bettors a first class betting experience. Their platform boasts a wide variety of betting options including win, place, show, trifectas, superfectas and several special daily wagers that can’t be found anywhere else in the state. With competitive lines and great features such as live streaming directly from the track, they make it easy to get started wagering on horses in Kentucky. Whether you’re an experienced horse racing fan or just getting into the sport, XBet is sure to provide a quality horse betting experience.
Kentucky Sports Betting – Recent Updates
- December 9, 2024 –Β A high-stakes gambler in Kentucky placed a $3.1 million bet on the Philadelphia Eagles (-700) to beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, earning a profit of $442,800.
- October 30, 2024 – Kentucky sportsbooks achieved a 13.5% hold after local operators profited from bettors in September.
- October 4, 2024 – Kentucky reported a sports betting handle of $151 million for August, marking the completion of its first year of legalized sports wagering.
- September 5, 2024 – It was reported that Kentucky’s sports betting handle for June reached $150.3 million, marking a 17% decline compared to the previous month of May. This decrease reflects a noticeable drop in betting activity as the summer months progressed.
- August 8, 2024 – Circa Sports has announced plans to open a temporary retail sportsbook at Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs on Aug. 12. A permanent location is set to open next summer.
Four Reasons to Bet on These Kentucky Online Betting Sites
These offshore sportsbooks are great options for bettors in Kentucky. While sports wagering is already legal in Kentucky, no sportsbooks have launched yet. Nevertheless, you can access offshore sportsbooks online with zero issues!
But we do not recommend just any sportsbook. We take a hard look at what each one offers and make sure to only highlight the best ones.
Available to Kentucky Bettors
We do our due diligence and make sure that these top Kentucky sportsbooks are available to bettors in the state. With these sportsbooks, you can gamble online in Kentucky without a problem.
Great Promotions
Great sportsbooks will have rotating promotions. In addition to a juicy welcome bonus, we also like to see promotions that correspond to the biggest sporting events of the year. Keep an eye out, especially for March Madness betting.
High-Quality Customer Service
We want customer service representatives to be available, friendly, and helpful. Basically, we want them to be able to solve our problems with a smile. The most common ways to contact the customer support team are:
- Live chat
- Phone number
- FAQs
Racebook Quality
Being the home of the worldβs most important horse race, we make sure that these sportsbooks offer great Kentucky Derby bets. A great racebook will have odds up early, have specials for big races, and hopefully a weekly racebook rebate as well.
Casinos in Kentucky
Online casino gambling is banned in Kentucky. However, you can easily access offshore casinos and poker rooms. As for retail casinos, there are currently no commercial or tribal casinos in Kentucky because they are strictly forbidden. The best option for Kentucky residents is going to the few racetracks that offer casino-like games. These racetracks include Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington, Churchill Downs in Louisville, and Kentucky Downs in Franklin.
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline
After years of struggles, Kentucky has finally legalized sports betting. The stateβs nine horse racing tracks were granted sports betting licenses by the legislators. Each track can have up to three online skins, which means potentially 27 online sportsbooks could launch in Kentucky.
Licensed websites and apps will also be available for placing bets.
Let’s delve into the progress made each year in bringing legal sports betting to Kentucky:
2023
On March 31st, House Bill 551 won in the state’s Senate with a 25-12 vote. Governor Andy Beshear signed the bill into law on March 31, setting the stage for a robust market that saw DraftKings and FanDuel among the operators launching platforms. By October, Kentucky reported nearly $250 million in handle, indicating a strong start for the newly legalized sports betting sector.
2022
2022 marks the fourth consecutive year that representative Adam Koenig introduced a sports betting bill in Kentucky. As usual, the bill had no problem in Koenigβs committee. This year, there was no in-person registration requirement included in the bill.
This marks the first year that the bill cleared one of the two chambers. It has not cleared the Senate, however.
2021
In January, Governor Andy Beshear expressed his support for the legalization of sports betting in his speech βFirst Year Reflections.β Shortly thereafter, three bills were submitted in the KY House of Representatives. However, none of them make it out of committee.
2020
In his annual State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Andy Beshear announced his full support for Representative Adam Koeningβs bill to legalize sports betting in KY,.
The very next day, Koening passed H137 through his committee. Despite support from the Senate Majority Leader and the Governor, the bill did not even pass the House.
2019
Koeningβs bill was the favorite among the four bills to legalize sports betting. It also passed a committee vote successfully. This bill would have legalized sports betting, fantasy sports, and online poker.Β Because this was a non-budget year, all bills needed 60% of the votes, and this did not happen in 2019.
2018
Just a month after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, KY launched a panel to study the potential impact of sports betting in the state.
2017
Senator Julian Carroll submitted a sports betting bill which would have allowed for the regulation and oversight of a sports gambling industry.
Responsible Gambling in Kentucky
For support and resources related to gambling addiction in Kentucky, visit:
- Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG): Provides a 24/7 hotline with trained counselors, in-person events to address gambling concerns, and practical tips for responsible gambling, including setting spending limits and creating cooling-off periods.
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