- Top online sportsbooks in Kentucky: Where to begin?
- Best Kentucky betting sites: What it takes to top the list
- Why is BetMGM the best sportsbook in Kentucky?
- Kentucky betting sites with the best promotions
- Top Kentucky sportsbooks by sport
- How Oddspedia sportsbook ratings work
- How to create a betting account in Kentucky
- Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
- US legal state betting: Where else can you bet?
- Best Kentucky betting sites FAQs
Top online sportsbooks in Kentucky: Where to begin?
I have analyzed Oddspedia's extensive sportsbook data to show you the best Kentucky sports betting sites. There are currently eight sportsbooks that have been granted licenses and will go live with mobile sports betting in Kentucky. These include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and FanDuel.
One of the biggest benefits of sports betting launching in a new state is that there's a huge range of fantastic welcome bonuses available to new customers. These offers will contribute to the list of top online sportsbooks in Kentucky, but there is a separate article on the best Kentucky sportsbook promos that will include all the information you need.
In addition to the offers, I have also taken a deep dive into the odds each sportsbook offers (how fair and competitive they are), the number of betting options across sports and market types, the experience of navigating the site and using different features, as well as the quality of customer service provided.
Now that sports betting is legal in the state, it's crucial to consider the level of safety and security provided by these betting websites. I want to assure you that every sportsbook mentioned in this compilation has undergone thorough assessments to ensure the highest security measures. Rest assured, no sportsbook would be included in the lineup of the finest betting platforms in Kentucky if they couldn't guarantee the complete safety of your personal information and funds.
Best Kentucky betting sites: What it takes to top the list
While it may require some time for Kentucky's range of betting options to reach the level of states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there is already a robust lineup of contenders available. I've previously discussed several critical factors that will play a role in determining the leading Kentucky sportsbooks, and I've provided a more detailed breakdown of these factors below.
- Betting markets and bet types - Leading sportsbooks will boast an extensive range of sports as well as a variety of bet types within each sport. I expect the top betting sites to offer way more than the main sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. They should offer hundreds of options across tennis, soccer, and golf, as well as offering other niche sports like table tennis and athletics.
- Payment options - The available payment methods within a specific platform can significantly influence your overall experience. A diverse selection of payment options not only simplifies the process of depositing funds into your player account but also facilitates quicker access to your winnings. It's also a benefit in my eyes if the platform allows you to withdraw funds using a different payment method than the one you used for depositing, something that isn't as common as you might think.
- Transaction speed - In addition to offering a range of payment options, a sportsbook can only be considered one of the best Kentucky betting sites if it processes these payments efficiently. It's a minimum expectation that deposits are instant nowadays, but the top sportsbooks in Kentucky should also be able to pay out your winnings in less than 48 hours as standard.
- New and existing player bonuses - Nearly all well-established sportsbooks extend a welcome bonus to new players, yet a significant number of these incentives are accompanied by demanding playthrough requirements that can be difficult to fulfill. It's crucial to select a welcome bonus based on your ability to realistically satisfy the terms and conditions of the offer. You also need to join a sportsbook that has solid promotions for existing players on a day-to-day basis. All the information in the best Kentucky sportsbook promos article has been considered as part of this process.
- Safety and security - Leading sportsbooks now utilize cutting-edge data security measures to ensure the safety of players. This encompasses safeguarding both player identities and data, as well as securing the funds. Things like SSL and encryption are an absolute must if a sportsbook is going to beat out its competitors in Kentucky.
- Mobile experience - With the online expansion of sports betting, mobile compatibility has become essential. A top-tier sportsbook needs to have a seamless mobile app that not only replicates the functionality of its desktop version but also operates without any technical issues. I've used the data compiled in the best Kentucky sports betting apps to help rate sportsbooks against this specific criteria.
- Customer service - Sometimes things don't go to plan, even for the best sportsbooks in the industry. What's important is that when issues do arise, it's easy to contact the customer service team. They should also display clear knowledge of the product and sports betting, as well as be helpful and polite in their responses. If a sportsbook is to be considered as a credible contender as one of the top sportsbooks in Kentucky, they have to have multiple channels to contact customer service (including live chat) and keep response times within a couple of hours.
Now, let's look at the best betting sites in Kentucky. I've provided a detailed list below, taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above. This list is not just tailored to new sports bettors, it will also provide invaluable insight to those with experience who bet in other legal states and will now be looking to bet in Kentucky.
BetMGM
USA players are accepted
Oddspedia's BetMGM Kentucky review highlights why the established operator is such a popular choice. The parent company, MGM Resorts, is one of the largest entertainment and casino operators in the country. BetMGM offers a $1,500 First Bet offer for when you sign up, giving you some insurance on your first wager up to $1,500. Using Oddspedia's exclusive BetMGM Kentucky bonus code ODDSBONUS will unlock this fantastic offer right away.
As a Kentucky resident, you will be able to enjoy wagers on MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and more, in addition to international sports such as soccer, tennis, boxing, and cricket. As an additional bonus, BetMGM Kentucky will likely offer a rewards program that can be redeemed at its MGM properties across the country. BetMGM also has some of the best promotions for existing players, so the offers don't stop after you sign up for the sportsbook.
- Avg. Payout: 93.96%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: First Bet Offer up to $1500
Caesars Sportsbook
USA players are accepted
Caesars Sportsbook is a renowned and respected Las Vegas brand that has successfully crafted a product embraced by countless bettors across the nation. Drawing on its distinguished reputation rooted in top-tier hospitality, as you can see from the Caesars Kentucky sportsbook review, it extends the sense of luxury and excellence from its brand to its sportsbook app. The app is characterized by its user-friendly interface, seamless operation, and promotional offers that either match or surpass those of other leading sportsbooks.
The Caesars Kentucky promo code OPBONUSGET gets you access to an incredible Bet $50 Get $250 offer to get going. You can claim this bonus right away and be ready to start wagering with Caesars Sportsbook in Kentucky come September 28. It's worth noting that this is the current deal for most states in which Caesars operates, I would expect a special deal for bettors in Kentucky to land very soon.
- Avg. Payout: 95.26%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Get you first bet back up to $1,000
DraftKings
USA players are accepted
DraftKings was initially a top-tier daily fantasy sports brand before it expanded its offering to include sports betting. As a brand that invests heavily in marketing itself, DraftKings is recognizable to most sports fans across the United States. It has some of the best daily boosts and promotions on the market and is known for its competitive odds. These are just a couple examples of what DraftKings can offer bettors in the Bluegrass State, with plenty more details in Oddspedia's DraftKings Kentucky review.
First-time customers do not need to use a DraftKings Kentucky promo code to qualify for the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly promotion. You just have to sign up to DraftKings in Kentucky, deposit $5 or more and place your first $5 wager. You will then get eight $25 bonus bets, regardless of whether your first wager wins or loses. It's also important to note that you will only have seven days to use your bonus bets after they have been credited to your account.
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly + A No Sweat SGP Every Day
FanDuel
USA players are accepted
FanDuel was founded in 2009 and has its origins rooted in the Daily Fantasy Sports landscape. FanDuel's interface is one of the cleanest in the industry and offers some of the best promotions for first-time and existing bettors alike. Much like DraftKings, you don't need to use a FanDuel Kentucky promo code to take advantage of the Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets and No Sweat Bet up to $5,000. Once you sign up, you will have to deposit $10 or more to then place a $5 wager. Once this is done, the bonus bets will be added to your account within 72 hours. If you want to claim the No Sweat Bet deal, however, you will need to deposit at least $2,000.
Oddspedia's FanDuel Kentucky review provides plenty of reasons as to why it will be a popular choice among sports bettors in Kentucky. The depth of its market offering, the value provided by its odds, and its fantastic live betting experience are just a few reasons why FanDuel is one of the best sportsbooks in the industry.
- Avg. Payout: 94.08%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Bet $5 on any ML, Get $150 in Bonus Bets IF YOUR TEAM WINS
bet365
USA players are accepted
bet365 really stands out in this list for its welcome bonus. If you sign up and use the bet365 Kentucky bonus code ODDSBONUS, you will be able to get a massive $150 in bonus bets from a single $5 wager, or a $1,000 first bet safety net!
It's not just about the bonus, though. bet365 also owns the biggest selection of sports and markets, the fastest and most reliable live betting product, a near-perfect app experience, and top-class customer service. Like many on this list, it's hard to find a reason not to sign up and start wagering with bet365 come launch day in Kentucky.
- Avg. Payout: 93.76%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets
How To Sign Up With A Sportsbook
Everything You Need To Know In 5 Easy Steps!
Use the "Register Here" button in the header of this Oddspedia Operator Review Page to go to the bookmaker's site.
Locate the "Create Account/Sign Up/Register” button on the home page and click on it.
Complete the registration form by inputting valid information such as Name, DOB, E-mail etc.*It is critical to use valid info for verification procedures for the account setup and withdrawing funds at a later date
Wait for the email validation and take the designated action.
Return to the site and log in with the username and password you stated in the sign-up process. You are now ready to start your betting journey.
Why is BetMGM the best sportsbook in Kentucky?
In my opinion, BetMGM offers everything a new bettor needs to get started. It's known to provide incredible odds that regularly exceed the typical market offering, whether you're looking for pregame or live odds. It's also one of the few sportsbooks that has the “edit my bet” feature, where you can make additions to an already placed bet.
BetMGM has an award-winning live betting feature backed up with a bet-builder that allows players to request their own betting markets. It also gives you the option to set your own wagering limits as you register for the sportsbook. While this is a standard feature, the easy access and management of this, and many other player protection tools is what makes it stand out.
In addition to a fantastic all-round betting experience, BetMGM is also offering up a very competitive welcome offer in Kentucky. You can use the BetMGM Kentucky bonus code ODDSBONUS to get the $1,500 First Bet welcome bonus and insure your first wager up to $1,500.
This BetMGM Kentucky review has even more detail on what the sportsbook has to offer, but it's clear that years of experience and investment in developing its product have paid off for BetMGM. It doesn't matter if you've never placed a bet before or you're a seasoned pro with decades' worth of experience, I am confident that BetMGM will be a fantastic choice.
Kentucky betting sites with the best promotions
Every sportsbook mentioned in this guide will also feature in the list of best Kentucky sportsbook promos. However, if you're looking for the maximum possible bonus amount, bet365 tops the list with $365 in bonus bets available after a $1 wager. You can also earn an extra $50 in bonus bets by nominating an NFL game and getting $10 for every touchdown (up to $50). Caesars Sportsbook is close behind with $250 in bonus bets available with a $50 wager. DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel aren't much further down the list with $200 and $100 in bonus bets, respectively.
Below are the full details regarding the pre-launch offers from each sportsbook when online sports betting goes live on September 28.
| Sportsbook | Welcome offer | Promo code |
| bet365 | Bet $1 Get $365 in Bonus Bets | ODDSBONUS |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $50 Get $250 in Bonus Bets | OPBONUSGET |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly | No code required |
| FanDuel | Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets | No code required |
| BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,5000 | ODDSBONUS |
Top Kentucky sportsbooks by sport
In addition to horse racing, Kentucky bettors are now going to be able to wager on some of the most popular sports in the US like NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. It is a given that any sportsbook that goes live in Kentucky will offer odds and markets across these sports and many others, but we can take a more detailed look at what is on offer to find out the best sportsbooks for each sport.
Best Kentucky sportsbooks for NFL
Two sportsbooks stand out for wagers on the NFL: FanDuel and DraftKings. Incidentally, both sportsbooks began as fantasy sports platforms and have been in the game for a long time, giving them several years to build lasting relationships with customers. You are also able to fully customize your experience with FanDuel, while DraftKings has an endless selection of props for every single NFL game. You will also see from the FanDuel Kentucky review and DraftKings Kentucky review that both offer regular NFL promotions to give you boosted odds, bonus bets, and/or bet insurance.
If you want to learn more about why these sportsbooks stand out, you can read Oddspedia's article on the best NFL betting sites.
Best Kentucky sportsbooks for NBA
Due to the fast-paced nature of the NBA, the live betting experience is a lot more difficult to nail compared to other sports like football or baseball. When it comes to live betting, it's hard to beat BetMGM. Its live betting feature is second to none, and it also comes with a one-game parlay builder, an editor, a live betting platform, and early cashout options. If you read Oddspedia's BetMGM Kentucky review, you will see that it also offers some of the best odds for live betting, and doesn't close its odds for a long period of time when a big play happens in a given game.
Oddspedia's article on the best NBA betting sites provides even more evidence as to why BetMGM tops the list.
Best Kentucky sportsbooks for MLB
Of all the sportsbooks mentioned in this guide, FanDuel has the longest history with MLB. FanDuel has an extremely wide selection of MLB bets and props that can be hard to beat. It also has the added benefit of offering live streaming of games throughout the year - making it a top choice for baseball fans across the country.
During the MLB season, FanDuel has the MLB Big Swing Same Game Parlay leaderboard, where you can place wagers of at least $2 on parlays with two or more legs on any MLB game for the promotion period. The leaderboard will be ranked by the longest odds of winning wagers, so technically the longer the odds of your winning wager, the higher your position on the leaderboard will be. When the promo ends, the users with the top 100 ranked wagers will win a bonus. First place can win up to $2000 in bet credits.
If you want to learn more about what other sportsbooks offer in terms of baseball betting, you can read Oddspedia's article on the best MLB betting sites.
Best Kentucky sportsbooks for NHL
The combination of live betting, promotions, parlay options, and same-game parlays makes Caesars Sportsbook the top choice for wagers on the NHL. Caesars is one of the few sportsbooks that offer live streaming of NHL games in addition to parlay boosts available throughout the season. If you're looking to start your journey with legal online sportsbooks in Kentucky for NHL betting, look no further than Caesars Sportsbook.
You can read Oddspedia's article on the best NHL betting sites for more information on why Caesars Sportsbook comes out on top, or to find out what other sportsbooks have to offer with NHL betting.
How Oddspedia sportsbook ratings work
Oddspedia specializes in providing comparisons of hundreds of sports betting sites from around the world. I work closely with a wider team of experts and specialize in looking at sportsbooks operating in the United States. Oddspedia's expertise and wealth of data help evaluate all sportsbooks across a broad range of parameters. Oddspedia offers more insight into odds and betting options than anywhere else online.
Overall, the ratings given to sportsbooks are designed to be as comprehensive as possible and are evaluated objectively based on the opinions of the team of experts and real-world reviews by existing customers.
What else makes a good sportsbook?
In addition to everything covered in this article, a good sportsbook puts the interests of its players above all else. The best sportsbooks in Kentucky will be bound by law to apply for a state license and display links to player protection services on their home pages. They will not only offer the best odds and markets in the industry and a variety of payment options, but also allow you to set reasonable gaming limits.
Be sure to look out for what a sportsbook does to help protect its players, and how proactive it is in promoting responsible gambling controls. The entire team at Oddspedia and I want everyone to be able to enjoy gambling responsibly. You should feel comfortable exploring the options available to you should you feel the need to use them.
Why should you avoid certain sportsbooks?
It's important to note that for every licensed sportsbook, there are dozens of unlicensed platforms that can be easily accessed over the internet. While it is simple to sign up for these sites, there are no guarantees that you will have a safe experience on these platforms. I would never advise signing up to a sportsbook that doesn't hold a valid license in the state you live in. If you do, you run the risk of losing money or not being paid out your winnings. It also means you do not have the opportunity to claim anything back if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
How to create a betting account in Kentucky
The launch of legalized sports betting in Kentucky is now only a matter of days away; you can now sign up to multiple sportsbooks and get ready to place your first wagers. Here are a set of broad steps that you can follow to sign up to Kentucky sportsbooks:
- Visit the home page and navigate to login/sign-up/register option
- Fill out the page with your personal details (usually name, email address, address, DOB, and SSN)
- Enter your promo code if you have one, accept the sign-up terms and verify your identity if required
- Choose your preferred payment method and make your first deposit
- That's it! You are now ready to place your first wager.
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Retail sports betting became legal in the state of Kentucky on September 7, while mobile sports betting going live on September 28. This is a major milestone for sports fans in the Bluegrass State, and it means that bettors now have a wide selection of sportsbooks to choose from with some fantastic pre-launch offers already on the table. While it's a day for sports fans and bettors to celebrate, it has been a long wait. While 30+ other states have already legalized sports betting over the last few years, the road for legalized sports betting in Kentucky has been a long one.
After years of planning, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky signed HB 551 into law on March 31, making Kentucky the 37th state to legalize sports betting. The bill had recently been approved by the Senate with a vote of 25-12, and Beshear wasted no time endorsing it. Kentucky will launch retail sports betting on September 7, 2023, and online betting on September 28. From these dates on, sports fans in Kentucky will have the opportunity to place bets on all the major markets.
There is one form of legal betting in the Bluegrass State already, however. As you might already know, Kentucky is famous for the Kentucky Derby, the premier horse racing event in the country. Bets on horse racing have been legal in Kentucky for decades, and this will continue to be the case with the new sports betting laws.
Sports betting in Kentucky: The legal situation
Horse racing bets have been legal for years, so the state is well-prepared to greenlight sports wagers fully. All state gambling will be overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission thanks to its extensive experience within the gambling industry due to the Kentucky Derby.
The fresh Kentucky sports betting law kicked off on June 28, 2023. But full legalization will take a while. Brick-and-mortar sports betting starts on September 7, 2023, and online betting rolls out on September 28. This gap allows the commission to craft a licensing system and refine regulations, going beyond just horse racing rules.
US legal state betting: Where else can you bet?
| State | Online | Retail |
| Arizona sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Colorado Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Florida Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Illinois Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Montana Sportsbooks | On-Premises Only | Yes |
| Nevada Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| New York Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Ohio Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Texas Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Virginia Sportsbooks | No | No |
| West Virginia Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Washington, DC Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Wyoming Sportsbooks | Yes | No |
