Top Kentucky sports betting apps reviewed
Kentucky sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks became legal after Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on March 31, 2023. Sports betting apps went live in the state later that same year, with the legal betting age set at 18.
Eight online sportsbooks are currently available in Kentucky, each boasting a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android devices. While there is no “bad app” amongst these operators, some do stand out as better than others. With more than 15 years of gambling experience under my belt, I've highlighted my favorite Kentucky betting apps below.
FanDuel Kentucky sports betting app
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus BetsNo code required Claim bonusNew customers only. Deposit min $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if your wager wins (within 72 hours). 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Initially founded as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider in 2009 and operated by Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel has a reputation as one of the best Kentucky sportsbook apps. There are over 20 sports to bet on, with a huge selection of markets. FanDuel has excellent odds for the major U.S. sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA, and is arguably the best betting app for Kentucky Derby wagers if you can't make it to Churchill Downs.
Customer support is open 24/7, and you can deposit and withdraw funds using e-wallets, credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid options. FanDuel especially stands out for its live betting, with a full suite available on mobile devices. Alongside in-play markets, there is a rich selection of live-streaming events for Kentucky bettors to watch.
New users can claim a bet $5, get $200 promo that is particularly great for players without much gambling experience. You don't need a FanDuel promo code to get started.
For more information on one of the truly elite Kentucky sportsbooks, check out our full FanDuel review.
| FanDuel app Kentucky | |
| 📱 App Store rating | 4.9/5 |
| 📱 Google Play rating | 4.5/5 |
| 💰 Welcome bonus | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
| 🥇 Top feature | Unique promotions |
| ⚡ Payout speed | 0-5 days |
| ⬇️ Download size | 142.4 MB |
DraftKings Kentucky sports betting app
- Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus BetsNo code required Claim bonus
Win or lose your first bet, DraftKings will give you eight (8) $25 bonus bets instantly. Must be 18+ years of age or older and physically located in the KY. New customers only. T&Cs apply.
Like FanDuel, DraftKings got its start as a DFS operator before launching its first legal sportsbook in Aug. 2018. The betting brand officially opened its virtual doors in Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2023 — the same day legal sports betting launched in the state.
DraftKings is one of the best Kentucky betting apps, covering thousands of markets each week, including live betting and futures. With competitive odds, regular promotions, plenty of sports betting markets and flexible payment methods, DraftKings offers perhaps the most complete Kentucky sports betting app.
It further makes its case for the title of best sports betting app, Kentucky or otherwise, with an extremely simple sign-up bonus that doesn't require a DraftKings promo code. New players receive $200 in bonus bets from just a $5 wager, win or lose. This is my favorite welcome offer currently running in the state.
Parse through Oddspedia's DraftKings review for a more detailed look at the platform.
| DraftKings app Kentucky | |
| 📱 App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
| 📱 Google Play rating | 4.7/5 |
| 💰 Welcome bonus | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
| 🥇 Top feature | Best mobile app |
| ⚡ Payout speed | 0-3 days |
| ⬇️ Download size | 466.3 MB |
BetMGM Kentucky sports betting app
- Up to $1,500 back in Bonus BetsClaim bonus
One new customer offer only. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets will be available once your initial wager settles as a loss. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Add’l terms apply. 21+ and located in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The renowned gambling and entertainment company MGM Resorts International partnered with one of the world’s largest betting technology companies, Entain Holdings, to launch BetMGM, one of the best betting apps in Kentucky and the U.S. at large.
With around 30 sports to bet on, you will find your pick of the top North American leagues, like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, alongside internationally popular sports, such as soccer, tennis, and golf. You'll also find odds on horse betting if you like the races and can't get down to one of the many horse racing tracks in the state.
You can deposit and withdraw using major services like Visa, PayPal, and Apple Pay. If you need to contact BetMGM, customer support is available 24/7 from the mobile app.
BetMGM is running several Kentucky sportsbook promos, highlighted by a sign-up offer that provides up to $1,500 of first-bet insurance with BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS. Once you're signed up, you'll find loads of bonuses like odds boosts and a sportsbook referral bonus.
If you need more details on one of the most generous KY betting apps available, you can read our BetMGM review.
| BetMGM app Kentucky | |
| 📱 App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
| 📱 Google Play rating | 4.5/5 |
| 💰 Welcome bonus | $1,500 back in bonus bets |
| 🥇 Top feature | Best parlay builder |
| ⚡ Payout speed | 0-6 days |
| ⬇️ Download size | 114.3 MB |
Caesars Kentucky sports betting app
- $1,000 First Bet on CaesarsClaim bonus
If your wager is unsuccessful, Caesars Sportsbook will refund the full amount of your initial wager, up to a maximum of $1,000, back as one bonus bet. If your first wager wins, the offer is void. Must be 18+ years of age and physically present in KY. T&Cs apply.
Given Caesars Entertainment’s popular land-based casinos, such as Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, the brand is one of the most iconic names in the industry. So it's no surprise Caesars was one of the first sportsbooks out of the gate when Kentucky legalized online sports betting.
With a slick contemporary design and fresh user interface elements, it's one of the most painless sports betting apps in Kentucky. You also get mobile access to Caesars Rewards, one of the best sports betting loyalty programs around. There are six tiers with increasingly attractive benefits that you can redeem online or at Caesars casinos.
If you sign up with Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUS1000, you'll qualify for up to $1,000 of insurance on your first bet.
My colleagues have spent dozens of hours analyzing this sportsbook, so our Caesars review has everything you need to know if you're looking for more particulars.
| Caesars Sportsbook app Kentucky | |
| 📱 App Store rating | 4.7/5 |
| 📱 Google Play rating | 4.3/5 |
| 💰 Welcome bonus | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
| 🥇 Top feature | Fantastic rewards program |
| ⚡ Payout speed | 0-3 days |
| ⬇️ Download size | 214.1 MB |
bet365 Kentucky sports betting app
- Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus BetsClaim bonus
Or you can choose "$1,000 First Bet Safety Net" offer instead. New customers only. Deposit min $10. Bet min of $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. 18+ and present in KY. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
After launching in the UK in 2000 and making a name for itself in Europe, this popular sports betting brand made its way across the pond in 2022 before going live in the Bluegrass State on Sept. 28, 2023.
As one of the world’s largest sports betting companies, bet365’s resources are evident in its mobile app. No other sportsbook has as many live streams as bet365, and you can watch live events from multiple sports directly from your smartphone or tablet.
There are also more in-play betting markets than any of the competing KY sports betting apps, with plenty of international sports on offer. Thanks to its overall flexibility, bet365 has a broad selection of payment methods and top-notch customer support.
bet365 sets itself apart by featuring two different welcome bonuses, a rarity for mobile betting apps. Kentucky players can choose between a bet $5, get $200 deal, or a $1,000 First Bet Safety net. I'd recommend the former for those who are more conservative in their gambling habits and the latter for high-rollers and risk-takers. Both require bet365 bonus code ODDSBONUS.
Take a look at our bet365 review for more information on this world-renowned player in the sports betting industry.
| bet365 app Kentucky | |
| 📱 App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
| 📱 Google Play rating | 4.5/5 |
| 💰 Welcome bonus | Bet $5, get $200 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net |
| 🥇 Top feature | Live betting and streaming |
| ⚡ Payout speed | 0-3 days |
| ⬇️ Download size | 45.3 MB |
What makes a good Kentucky sports betting app?
The best Kentucky sports betting apps can’t rely on their mobile capabilities alone. Sure, boasting an easy-to-navigate and fast-loading app is a great start, but the best of the best should also offer generous odds, a wide range of markets, stellar security, efficient customer support, attractive bonuses, and more.
When choosing your Kentucky betting app, consider the following factors:
Security
Before I get to the fun stuff, my first priority is to ensure the sportsbook you're playing with is safe and secure. I demand that all the Kentucky sports betting apps recommended on this page hold a license with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). If the sportsbook is not licensed and regulated, I will not list it on this page.
Strong odds
Getting the best value for your bets can lead to bigger payouts if you win. Different Kentucky betting apps will have slightly different NFL odds, NBA odds, MLB odds, NHL odds, etc., so I always recommend that you shop around for the best value on your sports bets.
Good market coverage
Having a huge range of popular sports and games to bet on is valuable. Some bettors are locked into their favorite sports and professional sports teams, but others like to jump around and explore international and niche events. For your convenience, my colleagues have put together definitive lists of the best football betting sites, NBA betting sites, MLB betting sites, NHL betting sites and more. If you're looking to wager on special events, you can also peruse the best March Madness betting sites and Super Bowl betting sites.
Variety of banking options
Being able to make deposits and withdrawals smoothly is important. Top bookmakers will offer flexible payment services such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay and produce speedy turnaround times. Some payment methods may not be eligible for claiming bonuses.
Lucrative and fair bonuses
With eight Kentucky sports betting apps to choose from, the bonuses on offer are generous as brands compete for new customers. Because sports betting promos are different, you need to choose a bonus that has a generous reward and accessible terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements.
Live betting
Modern sports bettors love betting on games as they happen in real-time. All top sportsbooks offer live betting, but some operators will have better odds, a greater range of sports, and more features such as live streaming.
How to download Kentucky sports betting apps
When it comes time to download one of my recommended sports betting apps in Kentucky, you’ll need to know the process. The good news is that sportsbooks have pretty similar installation and registration methods, meaning you can get started in minutes.
Follow the steps below to download the app to your smartphone or tablet:
1. Select a Kentucky sportsbook
Choose whichever app pleases you, and follow the links on this page to visit the sportsbook’s website. From there, you can find a link to download the app. Alternatively, you could simply visit the app store on your mobile device and search for your chosen sportsbook.
2. Install the app
Click the “Install” button to download the app onto your mobile device.
3. Enable device location services
Before continuing, the app needs to confirm you're physically located in Kentucky. If not prompted by the app, you can adjust this in your device settings.
How to sign up for Kentucky sports betting apps
Once you've downloaded your preferred Kentucky sportsbook app, you'll need to create an account. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Choose your KY sports betting app
Once you install the sportsbook app, click the “Register” or “Join Now” button.
2. Provide your personal information
You will need to provide the sportsbook with your name, address, email address, date of birth, phone number, and other information, such as the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You'll also be prompted to create a username and password for your account.
3. Make a first deposit
With your betting account open, click the “Deposit” button and choose your payment method. Fill in the information for that payment service and deposit your funds. Some Kentucky sportsbook promos are deposit bonuses, so you can claim your reward once you place a qualifying deposit.
4. Start betting
With money in your account, it's time to start betting. Browse the available markets, select your wager and how much you want to bet, then lock it in. If your welcome bonus has an odds requirement or a minimum bet amount for your first wager, make sure you're adhering to the terms and conditions.
Benefits of using Kentucky betting apps vs. desktop
You may be wondering what the point in betting on your mobile device is when you can just use the desktop website. There are plenty of advantages of using my top-rated sports betting apps for Kentucky:
🌎 Available anywhere: As long as you have an internet connection and are physically located in Kentucky, you can make bets wherever you are and whenever you want.
📱 Dedicated UI: Kentucky sports betting apps have been built from the ground up to work on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. That means they'll feature a bespoke user interface with touch-friendly menus, allowing for faster actions.
🔔 Notifications: Mobile sports betting apps support push notifications, so you can get betting alerts directly to your device. Notifications can be about new bonuses, betting markets, betting results, and payments.
🔒 Deeper security: Modern smartphones and tablets support multi-factor authentication and biometrics such as fingerprint and face scanners. These provide more robust security when you log into your betting account.
How we rate sportsbook apps
Why have I chosen the five Kentucky betting apps mentioned earlier as my favorite ones? I use a multi-step review process that digs into all aspects of a sportsbook. I register and deposit funds with each app I review, then make real-money bets and cash out winnings (if I get lucky).
Here are the main factors I consider in my research:
User experience
Perhaps the main reason for choosing a betting app over a sportsbook mobile website is the bespoke user interface. When I review an app, I check that the UI is truly mobile-friendly and takes full advantage of swipe and touch interactions.
Performance
The top KY betting apps should be optimized for a variety of iOS and Android devices. Even on an underpowered device, a good internet connection should provide a decent mobile sports betting experience.
User rating
Seeing feedback from fellow sports bettors is a terrific way to gauge the overall quality of an app. I visit the App Store on iPhone and the Play Store on Android to check the overall ratings, then delve into user comments to get an idea of how people feel about the app.
Best Kentucky sports betting apps: Promos and bonuses
All of the best Kentucky betting apps have promotions. Whether it is a welcome package for new bettors or ongoing promos for existing customers, there is always a generous reward you can find to boost your bankroll.
Here are all the welcome offers you can find in the state, with a more in-depth look at my favorite ones with football season underway.
| Sportsbook ⭐ | Promo code ✅ | Welcome bonus 💰 |
| FanDuel | No code required | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
| DraftKings | No code required | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets |
| BetMGM | ODDSBONUS | $1,500 back in bonus bets |
| Caesars Sportsbook | OPBONUS1000 | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
| bet365 | ODDSBONUS | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net |
| ESPN BET | No code required | Up to $1,500 in bonuses |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | No code required | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets |
| Circa | No code required | N/A |
18+ in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
🔥 FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus — Kentucky sports bettors can grab a generous promo with a small deposit and first wager at FanDuel. Register using the FanDuel Sportsbook app, deposit a minimum of $5, and make any eligible $5 bet. You'll receive $200 in bonus bets immediately after placing your initial wager.
🔥 DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus — DraftKings has the most straightforward promo among all Kentucky online sports betting apps. Just sign up, deposit at least $5, then place a $5+ wager. You'll receive $200 in bonus bets (eight $25 credits) regardless of if your bet wins or loses.
🔥 BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus — Don’t worry about losing your first bet on BetMGM because the sportsbook covers you with an attractive bet insurance offer. Sign up with BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, and if your first wager flops, your stake will be returned in the form of bonus bets (up to $1,500). You'll need to be comfortable betting a large amount in order to extract the maximum value from this offer.
🔥 Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus — When you make your first bet on Caesars, the sportsbook has your back if the wager loses. With promo code OPBONUS1000, you'll get bet insurance on your first wager ($1,000 maximum). The bonus will arrive as a single bet credit.
🔥 bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus — There are two welcome bonus options on bet365. Firstly, there is bet insurance up to a cool $1,000 if your first wager loses. Alternatively, you can claim $200 in bet credits when you deposit at least $5 and make an eligible $5 bet. Both perks require promo code ODDSBONUS. The first offer may be more enticing for high-rollers, while the second is more beginner-friendly.
Latest Kentucky sports betting news and updates
Sept. 9, 2024: Kentucky's sports betting handle and revenue drop to all-time lows in July.
Aug. 12, 2024: Circa opens its retail sportsbook at Kentucky Downs.
July 30, 2024: Susan Speckert is announced as the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation's first-ever Chief Operating Officer.
May 4, 2024: Kentucky Derby betting reaches historic heights, setting new records for betting handle.
April 2, 2024: Circa Sports launches in Kentucky, becoming the eighth legal sportsbook in the state.
Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET launches in Kentucky, replacing Barstool Sportsbook as PENN Entertainment's entry.
Oct. 5, 2023: Governor Beshear announces that legalized Kentucky online sports betting resulted in over $50 million in wagers in its first week.
Sept. 28, 2023: Kentucky online sports betting sites and sportsbook apps go live. Barstool, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel are the first to enter the market.
Sept. 7, 2023: Retail sportsbooks open across Kentucky, with many popping up at race tracks.
March 31, 2023: Governor Beshear signs HB 551 into law, legalizing Kentucky sports betting.
Kentucky sports betting resources
Gambling should always be fun, so making bets that fit into your financial means is crucial. Use your disposable income, and when your budget is out, do not chase your losses. Remember to always gamble responsibly.
If you are struggling with problem gambling, legal sports betting apps in Kentucky have resources available to you. You can access features such as self-exclusion, self-assessment, limits on betting and deposits, and links to third-party tools directly from the mobile sportsbooks. You can also check out the resources listed below.
- Kentucky Horse Racing Commission — The regulator for Kentucky sports betting.
- Kentucky sports betting law — House Bill 551, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023.
- Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling — Free responsible gambling resources, including advice on prevention.
- GamTalk — A community dedicated to helping problem gamblers.
- National gambling hotline — 1-800-GAMBLER
Sports betting apps in other states
Best online sportsbooks by state
Interested in learning more about the status of legal sports betting in your region? Check out our state-specific guides:
Best sportsbook promos by state
If you're searching for the best sportsbook promos in your locale, we've got you covered with the handy guides below:
