Kentucky Sports Betting: Best Kentucky Sportsbooks

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app

In 2022, FanDuel claimed the title of the leading sportsbook in the US, boasting the highest total revenue. If you are wondering what contributed to this success, you should try out the platform's top features for yourself.

FanDuel’s mobile app is especially outstanding, holding a 4.8/5 on the App Store and a 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. It ensures a smooth and enjoyable betting experience on the go.

After completing the registration process, new users have the opportunity to claim the latest welcome offer: Bet $5, Get up to $1,000 in Bet Resets.

It is important to note that you can receive up to $1,000 in total promotional value by placing a singular $5 real-money wager daily for your first 5 days. For each qualifying day you meet this requirement, you will unlock a $200 Bet Reset Token. Rather than functioning as a fixed bonus guarantee, each daily token serves as an active safety net - if your chosen wager for that specific day happens to lose, FanDuel will refund your stake in nonwithdrawable Bonus Bets up to $200. Keep in mind that your daily tokens expire within 24 hours of receipt, and any refunded bonus bets must be used within seven days of being credited to your account. Additionally, various ongoing promotions, such as profit boosts and same-game parlay insurance, are frequently updated depending on the current season's sport.

Withdrawing any winnings is a breeze, as FanDuel is known to have the fastest withdrawal in the industry, with PayPal, Venmo, and Prepaid+ taking under 24 hours.

» Check out our complete FanDuel sportsbook review.

💰 Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get up to $1,000 in Bet Resets.

FanDuel KY Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.7/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

Claim Your FanDuel KY Sportsbook Bonus

3. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform

DraftKings secures a place at the top of our list by being an all-round fantastic platform. If you are looking for a platform that simply has it all, then DraftKings is definitely an option that is worth your time.

Whether it's promotions, mobile compatibility, security, or reputation, this sportsbook knocks it out of the park. As a new player, you can benefit from a great promo bonus where you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets instantly (issued as six $25 bonus bets, valid for 7 days, with stakes removed from winning payouts). Also, DraftKings has the lowest minimum deposit in the industry, at just $5. You can quickly and conveniently make transactions using a range of 13 different payment methods.

Looking at the site itself, the ease of navigating between the different features is particularly commendable. Some betting platforms can tend to feel cluttered and overwhelming; this is not the case at DraftKings, which is very intuitive despite its huge range of features. On the dedicated promotions page, you can find different DraftKings Kentucky bonuses that change weekly and monthly, depending on sporting events.

The rewards do not stop there. DraftKings has recently launched its own loyalty scheme called ‘DraftKings Dynasty,’ which comprises different tiers. As you advance, you can receive rewards such as gifts, a dedicated VIP host, VIP events, and plenty more.

» Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰Sign-up offer: Spend $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets (Paid in 14 days)

DraftKings Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

4. theScore Bet Sportsbook

Best for: Zooming in rather than spreading out

theScore Bet covers 25+ sports in Kentucky - from major U.S. leagues out to futsal, cricket, darts, and lacrosse - and the honest description is that it goes deep on some areas while staying shallow on others. Props are where the app earns its place, featuring NBA First Basket Scorer, tiered 1+ and 2+ MLB Home Run markets, and pre-game props that stay live once play begins.

Futures selection varies significantly by sport. Tennis featured Quarter Winner, Head-to-Head, and Stage of Elimination markets during the pre-Wimbledon window, whereas MLB futures were limited to basic divisions, awards, and playoff outcomes. The 2026 World Cup board offered one of the widest specials menus tested, including Total Tournament Goals and top-goalscorer lists running well past the betting favorites.

Competition depth remains the main boundary. Baseball coverage is strictly MLB-only (no KBO options), and basketball stays centered on American leagues with only a handful of international markets. Additionally, Penn Entertainment operates no physical casino properties in Kentucky, meaning PENN Play tier points convert at the $1 online credit rate rather than the $2 retail rate, and phone customer support does not extend to the state.

» Find out more in our complete theScore Bet review.

theScore Bet Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.1/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.2/5

Claim Your Welcome Offer at theScore Bet

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Kentucky

The full list of 8 sportsbooks available in Kentucky: 

1. bet365

2. BetMGM

3. Caesars Sportsbook

4. Circa

5. DraftKings

6. ESPN Bet

7. Fanatics Sportsbook

8. FanDuel

Kentucky Online Sports Betting Sites

Kentucky Retail Sportsbooks 

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky, with online sportsbooks launching on Sept. 28, 2023. It took more or less three years of negotiations for a bill to be passed through. House Bill 551 was finally signed into law in March 2023. 

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission soon after approved 7 operators to launch in September, as well as a dozen retail books earlier in the month. bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN Bet (previously, Barstool), Fanatics, and FanDuel are currently the available sportsbooks in the Bluegrass State.  

How to Start Betting

Signing up and placing your first bet is simple, and we have outlined exactly how to do it for you. This is especially helpful if you are a newcomer to the world of betting. 

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook. It is essential to select a platform that is regulated and licensed in Kentucky, as it means they are credible and trustworthy. There are many unlicensed platforms, and these should be completely avoided as you have no player protection.

2. Register your account. It is necessary to register your information to become a bettor on a platform. You will need to input information such as your name, email, date of birth, and address. 

3. Confirm your identity. Some platforms will ask you to verify your identity by submitting necessary documents as a security measure, like your passport or driver's license. 

4. Claim your welcome offer. You will either need to opt in or use a promo code. For certain bonuses, you will have to deposit and wager a specific amount. You’ll also need to be aware of any T&Cs and other criteria attached to the bonus. For our recommended platforms, you can find the specifics in our reviews above. 

5. Deposit money. To claim certain bonuses, you will need to deposit a specific amount, depending on the offer. Otherwise, you’ll just need to top up your account to start betting. Whichever site you choose will have a range of payment options to choose from. 

6. Place your first bet. Take a look at the sports and betting markets that are offered. You can then select your chosen kind of bet and amount before adding it to your bet slip and making your wager. 

Kentucky Sportsbook Welcome Offers

Sportsbooks have a variety of welcome bonuses that incentivize bettors to join and engage with their platforms. Below, we have summed up a few of the most common offers that are found in Kentucky. It is important to check the terms and conditions when claiming any bonus, and to be aware of any details such as expiration dates and wagering requirements. 

Bonus Bet 

A bonus bet is a kind of promotion that can be claimed after making a qualifying deposit and wager. Simply, it is like voucher to place a bet. When you win with a bonus bet, only the winnings can be claimed rather than both the wager and winnings, which is different from regular bets.

Second Chance Bets

A second chance bet is a safety net, where the sportsbook will reimburse you up to a specific amount if you lose your initial wager. This reimbursement is typically in site credits or bonus bets. It’s a pretty common welcome offer.

Deposit Match Bonuses

The sportsbook will match the amount that you deposit up to a specified limit. Your bonus amount will increase depending on the amount that you decide to deposit. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

With a no-deposit bonus, you are not required to deposit or wager any of your own money. It is completely free; all you have to do is sign up, and you’ll be given a bonus bet or bonus bets. However, because of this, it is often a smaller amount of around $10 or $20.  

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Kentucky?

Mobile compatibility is a critical feature for a top modern sportsbook. Bettors want to access platforms from the palm of their hands, and a top-quality mobile app can really enhance this experience. Our five picks for best Kentucky sportsbooks all have their own dedicated apps.

Take a look at our favorite apps for the best mobile sportsbook in Kentucky:

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. bet365 - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

4. BetMGM - App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

5. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Kentucky?

At Kentucky sportsbooks, you can find a diverse range of sports and betting markets to cater to your individual preferences. The variety can seem a bit overwhelming if you are a betting beginner, but you’re in good hands because we have provided simple explanations of the most common types of bets below:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a very popular type of bet where you predict which side will win a game or event. The payout is determined by the odds, which is assigned to each side based on their perceived advantage. Let’s look at an example from college football teams: 

• Western Kentucky (-425)

• FIU (+330)

Here, Western Kentucky is the favorite, represented by the negative odds. You would need to make a bet of $425 to win $100 for a payout of $525, if they win. For FIU, a bet of $100 would make a profit of $330 for a payout of $430.

Point Spreads

In this case, you are essentially betting on the margin of victory rather than the outcome based on the spread of points determined by the sportsbook. It’s a good option when you want to bet on teams that have a large difference in ability. Consider this instance:

• Western Kentucky -10.5 (-110)

• FIU +10.5 (-110)

If you are betting on Western Kentucky, they would have to win the game by 11 points or more. While if you bet on FIU, they would have to win the game or avoid losing by 11 points. The standard odds for each side are around -110 with point spread betting, but they can change depending on the action.

Totals

A Total Bet, or an Over/Under Bet, consists of betting on the total amount of points that you think will be scored in the game. It is called Over/Under as you bet on whether it will be above or below the amount that is determined by the sportsbooks. It looks like this:

• Western Kentucky vs. FIU

• Over 54 (-112)

• Under 54 (-108)

Futures

A future bet entails predicting the outcome of an event or championship in the future rather than one specific game. For example, if you think that a certain team will win the SuperBowl, then you can make a futures bet before the event starts. 

Prop Bets

With this bet, you are wagering on individual incidents or aspects of a game as opposed to the final outcome. Prop bets can cover a range of scenarios, including player performance, specific events, or statistics. Layups in the NBA, rushing or passing yards in the NFL and yellow cards in soccer are all popular prop markets.

Parlays

A parlay involves combining different individual bets onto one ticket. Each of the bets must be correct to win the parlay. Although there is a higher risk for this kind of bet, there is also the potential of a larger payout. A teaser is a modified parlay, where you can change the point spread of each selection in your favor, but this will affect the odds. 

Live Betting

Live betting is a type of sports wagering that allows you to place bets on a game while it is in progress. Bettors are given the chance to amend their wagers based on the current condition of the game. You can find specific live sections on Kentucky sportsbooks, where you can see live game updates while you bet. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Kentucky?

Kentucky sports betting is subject to the following restrictions:

• It is prohibited to bet on any political events..

• You are not allowed to bet on non-sport entertainment like the Academy Awards.

• High school sports are banned from sports wagering.

Betting on College Sports in Kentucky

College sports are a huge part of Kentucky’s thriving sports scene, and betting on college sports has been legalized in the state. Below is a full list if NCAA Division 1 College Programs:

• Bellarmine Knights

• Eastern Kentucky Colonels 

• Kentucky Wildcats

• Louisville Cardinals 

• Morehead State Eagles

• Murray State Racers

• Northern Kentucky Norse

• Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers

Kentucky Sports Betting Facts

How Does Kentucky Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

It is difficult to compare Kentucky’s online sports betting to other states, since it was only recently legalized and the first sportsbooks launched in September 2023.

In the first month, Kentucky reported nearly $250 million in handle for sports betting. This is a solid start for the state, with a population of around 4.5 million. If we look at Massachusetts, for example, it has a population of nearly 7 million and had around double the amount of $500 million in handle when launching in January 2023. With that being said, Ohio also launched sportsbooks in January 2023 and produced over $1 billion in handle. However, Ohio has a larger population of over 11.5 million and debuted with 16 sportsbooks ready to go. 

In Kentucky, the tax rate for retail sportsbooks is 9.75% and 14.25% for online sportsbooks. This is quite standard; it is not as high as Pennsylvania’s 36% tax rate or New York’s 51%, but it's not as low as other states like Michigan, with a flat tax rate of 8%.

Unlike many other states like New Jersey and New York, Kentucky has legalized betting on in-state college sports, which is particularly interesting to some bettors. Wagering on esports is also allowed, unlike in states like Pennsylvania. 

Kentucky Sports Betting Latest News

After the Supreme Court removed PASPA, Kentucky has had a lengthy process of legalizing sports betting. Many proposed bills failed to pass over the past three years until March of 2023 when the bill finally reached the Kentucky Senate and was approved. After this, it was a quick process for sports betting operators to launch their platforms in the Bluegrass State. 

Check out a timeline below:

• Jun. 10, 2025 - Kentucky sports betting sees improvement in numbers for April with a reported total handle of $219.7 million, showing a 17.3% increase YoY.

• Mar. 4, 2025 - Kentucky's sports betting handle hits new record in January, seeing $277.1 million in wagers, a 12.8% increase year-on-year.

• Jan. 7, 2025 - State funding to address problem gambling becomes available as Kentucky neared the end of its first full year of legal sports wagering, aiming to mitigate unhealthy gambling behaviors.

• Dec. 27, 2024 - The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation announce a record monthly handle of $301.7 million in November 2024, the highest since sportsbooks launched in September 2023.

• Oct. 4, 2024 - The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission reports that players in the state spent $2.39 billion on sports betting during the first year of regulation, with adjusted gross revenue reaching $272 million.

• Sept. 6, 2024 - Governor Andy Beshear announces that in the first year of legal sports betting, Kentucky residents wagered over $2.1 billion, generating more than $36 million in tax revenue for the state.

• June 28, 2024 - A Kentucky judge upheld the 2023 law that banned grey-area “skill games”, rejecting claims by supporters that the ban violated various sections of the state constitution.

• May 20, 2024 - Xander Schauffele wins the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

• May 16, 2024 - The PGA Championship starts May 16 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

• May 7, 2024 - Kentucky Derby betting reportedly hit record highs during this year’s event, with more bets placed on the full week of races than ever before.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Kentucky?

Daily Fantasy Sports has not been explicitly legalized in Kentucky, but is still available in the state. You can find DFS offerings on both DraftKings and Fanduel, which are available for Kentucky players. 

Sports Teams in Kentucky

Currently, there are no major league sports teams in Kentucky. However, Kentucky is a huge college sports state and you can find passionate fan bases for various college teams. 

• The Kentucky Wildcats have won 8 national basketball titles over the course of the past century. They are considered to be a top NCAA basketball program. 

• The Louisville Cardinals are another successful NCAA basketball team that has won 3 national championships. 

Kentucky Sportsbook Partnerships

Since Kentucky does not have any major league teams, there are no sportsbook partnerships with specific teams.

How We Rated the Top Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, the cornerstone of our rating process is hands-on experience. We are committed to immersing ourselves in the platform because we understand that it is the only way to truly grasp the full extent of what it has to offer. We spend considerable time and effort ensuring that our content is authentic and well-informed through first-hand experience.

Our experts are required to invest at least two hours into exploring and researching these six specific areas: 

1. User Experience - We explore each sportsbook’s interface, assessing how user-friendly and accessible it is and the overall design. This allows us to provide our readers with a clear understanding of how the platform operates. We appreciate a visually attractive and functional layout for a site.

2. Features - As a fundamental component, we examine the variety of sports and betting markets that the sportsbook has. We especially appreciate when a platform has additional or unique features for users to explore, like betting guides, picking services, or DFS. We dig into everything on offer. 

3. Promotions - We look at the generosity and variety of the promotions offered, whether welcome bonuses, free bets, running offers, and reward schemes. By opting for these offers ourselves, we gain first-hand experience of how valuable they are. We carefully look at the T&Cs and any other criteria attached to them and lay them out for our readers.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals - We know the value of convenient payment methods when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. A range of options, whether traditional methods like bank cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies, particularly receive our stamp of approval. We personally test the process ourselves to find out times, limits, or fees. 

5. Customer Support - We recognize that customer service can make or break a smooth betting experience. We test the responsiveness of the sportsbook's customer support by using live chat, calling their phone number, and sending emails to evaluate how quickly and helpful their agents are.

6. Responsible Gambling - We highly value sportsbooks that advocate and promote responsible gambling. We commend platforms that have links to useful sites, hotlines, and specific tools such as deposit/wager limits, self-exclusion options, or time-outs. 

We have a team of post-publication editors that allocate a total of 5 hours per month to ensure that our content is regularly updated and accurate. This ensures that the information that we provide is aligned with the current features and offerings on the respective sites. 

Why Trust Us?

At WSN, we pride ourselves on being committed to providing you with well-informed, accurate, and trustworthy information. We achieve this by personally testing out each sportsbook so that we can gain firsthand knowledge. 

We bring a wealth of experience to the table, as we have been part of the betting industry from the very beginning. We have a deep understanding of how the world of sports betting works. Ultimately, our goal is to give you helpful advice to make informed choices when selecting your next sportsbook. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Kentucky 

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling ensures that the state is promoting safe and responsible gambling practices. You can find a variety of resources provided for those who are seeking assistance or looking for information. 

THE KYCPG has a 24/7 hotline that can be called to talk to trained counselors. You choose your preferred line: Lexington (513-322-5998), Louisville (855-222-5542), and Cincinnati (855-222-5542). You can also text or call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). 

On the KYCPG platform, there is a schedule for all the meetings that are held in person and virtually. Additionally, you can find a number of other resources and reading material about how to practice responsible betting. 

Often, Kentucky sportsbooks will have specific tools that can help you manage your betting activity: 

1. Deposit/Wager Limits: This tool helps you manage your expenses, ensuring that you stay within your budget and avoid overspending on a platform.  

2. Reality Check Service: This service provides regular check-ins with users, reminding you to take a break if necessary. 

3. Cool Off Period/Self-Exclusion Tools: You can use this to either temporarily or permanently block your account, helping you to set boundaries for your betting.