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Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites: Top 10 KY Sportsbooks Reviewed 2024

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Since September 2023, legal sports betting has been taking Kentucky by storm. Now, there are multiple retail sportsbook locations and as many as half a dozen online betting apps in Kentucky. Our guide takes you through the best options, their betting odds, bonuses and more. 

Latest Update
  • December 2023: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reports that the state hauled in $8 million in revenue over the first two months since sports betting launched.

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQs

Yes, you can bet on sports if you live in Kentucky. The state has legalized both in-person and online sports betting, allowing you to place bets at authorized sportsbooks or through online platforms.

Yes. FanDuel is available for online wagering purposes for sports bettors in Kentucky. You can also use FanDuel for daily fantasy sports. Kentuckian bettors also have a variety of other online sports betting alternatives to choose from, such as Heritage Sports or JustBet.

All of the top online betting sites we have covered offer fully-optimized mobile betting sites to complement the desktop versions.

Horse racing, daily fantasy sports, the state lottery and sports betting are all legal in the state of Kentucky. Local operators still cannot offer online poker, though, so residents turn to sites like Bovada. 

Numerous sports betting sites are legal in Kentucky, including Bovada, MyBookie, BetOnline, BUSR and SportsBetting.ag. Sports betting apps such as ESPN BET, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics and Circa Sports are also available for bettors in the state.

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Best Kentucky Betting Apps

Our group of sports gambling experts rated Kentucky’s best sports betting apps and mobile-optimized sites in several different areas and came up with a list of the top 10 best offshore sports betting sites available in Kentucky.

Each online betting app in the top 10 has a long history of dependable, trustworthy operation and treating gamblers fairly. They all offer opportunities to bet on all your favorite sports, as well as many less well-known leagues, teams and events around the world. They also offer a wide range of markets, including parlays, teasers, props and player props, live betting, point spreads and moneyline betting:

  1. BetOnline – Provides the fastest payouts  in Kentucky
  2. BovadaMost diverse prop betting menu in the state
  3. Heritage Sports – Provides the best mobile site for live betting in KY  
  4. BetAnySports – Offers the best reduced juice for KY residents
  5. Everygame – Features the biggest selection of sporting events from around the world
  6. WagerWeb – Provides Bitcoin users with same-day payouts  
  7. SportsBetting.ag – Features a mobile racebook for KY bettors
  8. BetUS – Provides the state’s best welcome bonuses and VIP service  
  9. JustBet – Features high betting lines and low minimums
  10. BookMaker – Offers best services for sharp bettors in Kentucky

Our top-rated online sports betting websites can each provide Kentuckian sports bettors who meet the legal gambling age with an excellent mobile sports betting experience. These sports betting operators provide competitive betting odds, generous bonuses and a wide range of sports betting markets and options.

Sports Betting Timeline for Kentucky

The evolution of sports betting in Kentucky is a complex and multifaceted journey, reflecting the shifting landscape of legal and regulatory frameworks in the United States. This timeline chronicles the key milestones and legislative efforts in Kentucky, tracing the path from initial proposals and legal battles to the eventual legalization and expansion of sports betting in the state.

It offers a comprehensive overview of the significant developments that have shaped the sports betting scene in Kentucky, highlighting the interplay between political decisions, regulatory changes and market dynamics:

  • December 2023: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reports that the state hauled in $8 million in revenue over the first two months since sports betting launched.
  • November 2023: Governor Andy Beshear announces that nearly $250 million has been wagered on sports in Kentucky since the start of legal sports betting.
  • September 2023: Kentucky’s online sports betting market officially opens for business, with seven sportsbook apps launching operations. An eighth sportsbook, Circa Sports, is expected to launch soon after.
  • June 2023: Kentucky regulators work towards the goal of launching sports betting by the NFL season kickoff, with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission planning a session in early July to review and approve regulations.
  • February 2023: Republican Representative Michael Lee Meredith filed House Bill 551 which aims to legalize and regulate live sports betting and allow users to have online betting accounts. It would also provide the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission with regulatory authority over gaming businesses.
  • 2023: House Bill 106, backed by Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts, is introduced. If approved, this would give way to retail wagering as well as online sports betting and online poker. The bill also proposes regulating fantasy sports, which operate in a grey area.
  • 2022: For the third straight year, a bill is proposed. This time, the state house passes it, but it can’t generate enough Republican support to pass the state senate.
  • April 2021: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signs a sports betting bill that allows for both retail and online sports betting in the state.
  • February 2020: A bill to legalize sports betting in Kentucky passes through the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee.
  • January 2020: A group of lawmakers in Kentucky introduce a bill to legalize sports betting in the state.
  • 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), clearing the way for states to legalize sports betting.
  • 2017: Kentucky State Senator Julian M. Carroll introduces a bill that would legalize sports betting in the state, but the bill fails to gain traction.
  • 2011: Kentucky officials seize the domain names of 141 online operators, including some that offered sports betting, in a high-profile case that draws criticism from internet freedom advocates.
  • 2008: Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear launches a legal battle to seize 141 online gambling domain names, including several sports betting websites, claiming that they are “leeching off Kentucky’s signature industry.” The move is widely criticized by the online gambling industry and internet freedom advocates.
  • 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is signed into law, which effectively bans online sports betting and other forms of online gambling in the United States. Kentucky’s efforts to seize online gambling domain names in 2008 are seen as a major example of the government’s crackdown on online gambling in the wake of the UIGEA.

As the landscape of the retail sports betting industry continues to evolve, these milestones provide valuable insights into the future direction of sports betting and online gambling in the region.

Reviews of the Best Kentucky Betting Apps & Mobile Sites

Dive into our in-depth reviews

Our panel of experts considered several different factors while assembling its list of the 10 best mobile sites and sports betting apps in Kentucky. Each of the offshore sportsbooks in the top 10 list has different specialties, so we provided a detailed analysis of each mobile site or app in our rankings.  

Every gambler has different priorities when placing bets on their mobile device, so the strengths of some online betting sites may be a better match for your personal needs and individual preferences than others that we ranked higher. So, our list of key features for each mobile site will help you find the one that is the best match for your betting needs.

Some of the factors we considered were user-friendly interfaces, betting limits, the size of the minimum bets, competitive betting odds, the variety of payment methods available, customer service and bonuses for new and existing customers. Each of the following top-rated online sportsbooks takes bets from residents of Kentucky:

1. BetOnline: Outstanding Site for Opinionated Lines

BetOnline

Established 2001

Visit BetOnline
10
Best For
Bonus Hunter 8.5
Trust 10/10
Banking 8.6/10
Bonuses 8.8/10
Odds 9.2/10
Customer Service 9/10
Betting Limits 9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play

Key Features:

BetOnline stands out in Kentucky’s sports betting landscape with its unique offering of opinionated lines, which is a rarity among sportsbooks. Unlike the standard practice of offering the same odds on both sides of a spread or total, the BetOnline app often presents asymmetrical lines, like -112/-108 or -113/-107. This approach allows savvy bettors to find greater value and potentially increase their profit margins.

Beyond its sportsbook, BetOnline boasts an online casino with over 500 games and a live poker room that is part of the third busiest poker network. Users can also benefit from using the generous promo codes provided on their site.

The mobile betting platform is highly regarded, having undergone significant software upgrades. It now competes for the title of most improved mobile site in Kentucky, offering all main site features.

2. Bovada: Best Mobile Site for Prop Betting

Bovada

Established 2011

Visit Bovada
10
Best For
Mobile Bettor 9.0
Trust 10/10
Banking 8.6/10
Bonuses 8.8/10
Odds 8.9/10
Customer Service 9/10
Betting Limits 9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
75% Cash Bonus

Key Features:

Bovada excels not just in mobile functionality but also in providing a comprehensive betting experience. It includes a vast racebook, a large online casino and America’s busiest poker room, along with non-sports markets like entertainment. The mobile site delivers an outstanding user experience, mirroring the full-site functionality on computers.

Bovada’s strength in mobile sports betting alone places it high in our rankings, especially in Kentucky, with its extensive prop bet selection. The mobile site is fully featured, unlike some competitors that offer a pared-down version.

Welcome bonuses at Bovada come with a lower 5x rollover requirement, facilitating quicker access to bonus funds. The bonus codes at Bovada can provide additional bonus funds and other perks as well.

3. Heritage Sports: Top Choice for Live Betting in KY

Heritage Sports

Established 2001

Visit Heritage Sports
10
Best For
Seasoned Gambler 8.6
Trust 10/10
Banking 8.6/10
Bonuses 8.2/10
Odds 9/10
Customer Service 9/10
Betting Limits 9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
25% Cash Bonus

Key Features:

Heritage Sports ranks fifth among mobile sports betting sites and apps in Kentucky, transitioning from an invite-only platform to a welcoming site that offers amazing live betting options. Known for outstanding customer service, fast payouts and ongoing promotions, Heritage Sports maintains its VIP appeal through exceptional ongoing promotions.

Another thing players love about this mobile betting app is the reduced juice betting lines of -108 on many events, along with competitive odds. Heritage’s mobile platform mirrors its desktop site, including a large mobile casino with a live dealer section.

As an early adopter of live betting, Heritage Sports continues to lead the competition with a user-friendly mobile platform that enables swift placement of live bets.

4. BetAnySports: Best Reduced Juice for Bettors in Kentucky

BetAnySports

Established 2002

Visit BetAnySports
10
Best For
Seasoned Gambler 9.0
Trust 10/10
Banking 9/10
Bonuses 8.7/10
Odds 9.6/10
Customer Service 8.5/10
Betting Limits 9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
30% Cash Bonus

Key Features:

The BetAnySports mobile sportsbook has been elevated to an A+ rating, a testament to its exceptional offerings. A key factor in this upgrade is its best-in-state reduced juice odds, a rarity among sportsbooks. BetAnySports has built its reputation on allowing gamblers to maximize profits through lower betting costs.

While the industry norm is -110 odds on either side of a point spread or total, BetAnySports frequently offers odds at -105. This reduction means significantly lower losses on unsuccessful bets, cumulatively reducing the edge needed to beat the house over time.

To offset these odds, BetAnySports offers lower new user bonuses and promotions compared to competitors. Customer service remains a strong point, ensuring a balanced and value-oriented betting experience for Kentucky sports bettors.

5. Everygame: Features a Massive Menu of Sports

Everygame

Established 1996

Visit Everygame
10
Best For
Niche Sports Fan 8.3
Trust 10/10
Banking 8.6/10
Bonuses 8.8/10
Odds 8.5/10
Customer Service 8.6/10
Betting Limits 9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Cash Bonus

Key Features:

Everygame Sportsbook is a top choice for mobile sports betting in Kentucky. With a wide range of sports to bet on, including professional sports from all over the globe along with esports, the Everygame app offers a diverse and exciting betting experience. The bookmaker’s mobile website allows for convenient on-the-go betting, ensuring that users can place their bets anytime, anywhere.

There are also valuable bonuses and promo codes at Everygame, such as a welcome bonus, parlay insurance and monthly prizes, adding extra value to the betting experience. With multiple payment methods available, including cryptocurrencies, Everygame ensures convenient and secure transactions. Overall, Everygame’s combination of a comprehensive sportsbook, mobile accessibility and attractive promotions make it a top choice for sports betting enthusiasts in Kentucky.

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

One of the most common questions we get is “Can I bet on sports in Kentucky?” The answer is “it depends.” If you’re looking to go to a casino or other retail sports betting provider in the state and bet on a big game or if you want to find a local company that offers online sports gambling, then we have bad news for you.

Other than horse racing, which should come as no surprise that it is legal in the home of Churchill Downs Racetrack, there are currently no state-regulated options for in-person sports betting or online sports betting. That means no retail sportsbooks or online sportsbooks, no physical or online casinos and no video poker games.

Sports betting has been legalized in Kentucky, however, there are currently no regulated online sports betting operators available in the state nor are there any retail locations offering in-person wagering at this time. It’s likely that it will take time before the first regulated sports betting sites start accepting legal bets from Kentucky residents.

Offshore sportsbooks such as the ones in our 10 best online sportsbooks in Kentucky are available to residents of the state. There is no Kentucky state law or U.S. Federal regulation prohibiting Kentuckians from using them to bet on sports, races or casino games and from winning money on them, if you are of the legal betting age required by the sportsbooks (18). The offshore books are not subject to Kentucky’s laws or the U.S. Federal government’s legislation on gambling.

How to Sign up for a Kentucky Betting App & Mobile Site

Getting started on a sports betting mobile site or app in Kentucky is fast and easy. The entire process takes just a few minutes, from start to finish. Here is a step-by-step guide.

  1. Open a Sports Betting Account: Once you’ve decided which app or mobile site you’re going to use, go to the site’s homepage and click the “Join” button. Fill out the registration page with the requested information. You may need to verify by having them send a code to your phone.
  2. Choose a Payment Method: Next, you need to make your initial deposit and collect your welcome bonus. Go to the Cashier section and choose from multiple deposit options such as debit card, wire transfer, credit card or crypto. Then enter your information and the amount you want to deposit.
  3. Select a Welcome Bonus: New customers should be able to choose from several welcome bonuses. Many online sports betting sites offer deposit matches, which is a type of bonus where the amount of free money depends on how much of your funds you put in to open your account. You also might get additional bonus money for depositing crypto. Be sure to enter any sportsbook promo codes required to claim your bonus.
  4. Choose a Sport to Wager On: Now you can start betting. Pick the sport, game and type of bet you want to make and fill out the betting slip.
  5. Place your Bet: The final step is to place your online wagers by submitting the bet slip.

Mobile Sites vs. Sportsbook Apps for Betting in Kentucky

Throughout this guide, we’ve lumped together mobile websites and betting apps as one category, but there are key differences. Both options allow you to bet on a phone or tablet, instead of using a computer. Here’s what is different about the two options:

Mobile Site

Using a mobile site doesn’t require any downloads. Bettors just go to a sportsbook’s mobile site directly from the browser on their phone by entering the website URL. If you’ve gone to any website on your phone or tablet—whether it’s a gambling site or not—you’ve used their mobile site without even knowing it.

Pros:

  • Instant access to the sportsbook
  • You don’t need to make storage space available on your device
  • Doesn’t need to be updated regularly
  • Accessible on most devices—phone or tablet

Cons:

  • Site may be down for maintenance or other issues
  • Less secure than an app

Mobile App

To use an app, you must download and install the app on your phone or tablet. You then click it to open it when you want to use it.   

Pros:

  • Quick and easy to start up
  • More secure than mobile sites
  • Guaranteed to work on your device

Cons:

  • Many sites don’t offer apps or don’t offer it for all devices
  • Need to have enough storage space available on your device

Betting Markets Available for Kentucky Sports Betting

Just about every sports betting site has point spreads, moneyline bets and point totals. You want the best sportsbooks to provide a much wider menu of betting markets, however, including: 

  • Game props  
  • Player props  
  • Alternate lines  
  • Same game parlays  
  • Live betting  
  • Futures  
  • Parlays  
  • Teasers  
  • Pleasers  
  • Progressive parlays  
  • Reverse bets  
  • If bets  
  • Round robins  

You will also want to look for sportsbooks that offer a wide variety of different sports betting markets. You can expect to find popular American sports such as football, basketball and baseball at any online sportsbook, but where some sportsbooks truly shine is their selection of more niche sports betting markets, including esports, horse racing, auto racing, rugby, cricket, snooker and many other niche offerings. You will also want to seek out an online sportsbook that offers a nice selection of international sporting events that you can bet on.

How We Rank the Best Kentucky Betting Apps & Mobile Sites

Several factors determine which mobile sites make our top 10 list for betting sites in Kentucky. That means that our top-ranked mobile sites and betting apps need to do several different things well.

We evaluated each of the sites on a wide range of characteristics and weighed each of them based on how important we considered them in the overall gambling experience. Here are some of the factors we looked at.

Mobile Betting Experience

A mobile sports betting app or mobile platform should be easy to use. Our 10 best sportsbooks in Kentucky allow you to do everything on your mobile device that you can on the full site. Apps and mobile pages should be fast-loading, easy to navigate, user-friendly and be laid out in a way that makes sense.

They should be easy to read and have shortcuts or menus that allow you to quickly find the bet you want to make and get your money down.

Mobile Betting Bonuses

Not all bonuses are created equally. They can differ on how much of your deposit is matched, the level at which the amount is capped, the rollover requirements attached to the money and the areas on the site where the bonus money can be used.

Top-rated online sportsbooks should offer flexibility, allowing you to trade off one feature for another—for example, opting for a lower bonus amount that has fewer rollover requirements. Additionally, we went over non-matching bonuses, such as risk-free bets and free plays.

We also looked at all possible strings that might be attached when trying to withdraw the money. Other factors like minimum deposits, bonus percentages, maximum amounts, wagering requirements, rollovers and expiration dates, also weigh heavily.

Live Mobile Betting & Streaming

In-play betting requires pages that load fast and bet slips that are easy to fill out and submit. Odds are changing constantly and the game is going on as you’re betting, so delays can make your bet outdated before you place it.

The best mobile betting sites offer live, in-progress bets on many different sports and many different markets. Many sites also offer live streaming of events, so you can watch as your bets unfold.

Banking Options

When you need your money, online sportsbooks should make it easy to get. The process of depositing and withdrawing funds should be fast and easy, without unnecessary delays or exorbitant fees. There should also be a wide range of deposit methods and withdrawal options that are accepted.

The top mobile sites have simple, secure transactions that don’t take too long to complete. Fees should be kept to a minimum. Sites should offer many different payment options like credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), wire transfers, debit cards and even crypto to fund your account and receive money.

Many sites also offer extra perks and bonuses for Bitcoin players. 

Customer Service

If you have a question, concern or problem, the top sports betting mobile sites can help you with it any time of day. They should offer 24/7 customer service in multiple languages. The support agents should be professional and capable and hold times should not be extremely long. There should be several methods of getting help, including live chat, email and telephone.

Security

Security is a non-negotiable for us. If there are any concerns or questions about a mobile site or app’s security, we drop it from consideration in our rankings. Everyone in our top 10 has a flawless security record and a reputation that has been cultivated over years, if not decades, for safe, secure online gambling.

Mobile Betting Bonuses & Sportsbook Promos Available in Kentucky

There are hundreds of mobile sites and apps looking to get you to bet on sports with them. To try to lure customers to sign up with them, most major sportsbooks in the online sports betting industry offer some type of welcome bonus or other sportsbook promotions for new users. Once you’ve signed up, they’ll also offer loyalty bonuses to keep you betting with them.

Most sites are flexible, offering a wide range of different bonus offers. Below we’ll go through some of the most common types and explain what you’ll be getting.  

Welcome Bonuses

Just about every online sports betting site and mobile sports betting app offers a sign-up or “welcome” bonus. It’s the most common type of bonus given out.  

Usually, a welcome bonus will match some or all of your first deposit. It could range from as low as a 50% match, meaning that if you deposit $500, you’ll get an additional $250, all the way up to a 200% match, which would mean your $500 is matched with an additional $1,000.

Bonuses are usually capped at a maximum amount.  Amounts may also be specific to different areas of the site. For example, a site may offer a maximum $2,500 bonus to use in the sportsbook and a separate $500 casino bonus.

Existing Customer Promotions

Sites also offer current customers loyalty bonuses to keep them happy. It could be a reload bonus, which is essentially like a welcome bonus on future deposits you make after opening the account. Books will also offer cash-back programs, rewards programs, enhanced odds and risk-free bets.  

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses are rare. It basically gives you free money by funding your initial wager for free.  

They could be offered in a dollar amount or free bet tokens.

Risk-free Bets

Risk-free bets are also common. You get a chance to win without the fear of losing money. Different sites market them as free bets or bet insurance. Usually, you place a bet using money from your account. If you win, you keep what you earned and the risk-free benefit never comes into play. But if you lose, you get back the money you wagered, usually with free bet credits. 

Note: None of the bonus money you get is completely free. It usually comes with rollover requirements and expiration dates, making it tougher to withdraw from your account.

Popular Kentucky-Based Teams for Sports Bettors

Kentucky, known for its rich sports culture, primarily revolves around college sports, as it does not host any major professional sports teams. However, despite the lack of any professional teams, the state’s devotion to college basketball and football teams is notable. The following teams typically see a large volume of sports bets in the state:

  • University of Kentucky Wildcats: The University of Kentucky Wildcats, based in Lexington, are a powerhouse in NCAA Division I sports, particularly in basketball. The Wildcats’ basketball team is one of the most successful in NCAA history, with multiple national championships and a legion of devoted fans. Their football team, competing in the Southeastern Conference, has also gained prominence with several bowl game appearances and competitive seasons.
  • University of Louisville Cardinals: The Louisville Cardinals, the Wildcats’ fierce rivals, are equally prominent in college basketball. They have a strong tradition, with multiple NCAA championships to their name. The Cardinals’ college football team, playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has seen significant success, producing numerous NFL players and occasionally ranking in the top 25 nationally.
  • Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers: Located in Bowling Green, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers compete in Conference USA. They are one of Kentucky’s more high-profile NCAA teams, with several tournament appearances and a notable fan base. Their football team has also risen in prominence, making regular bowl game appearances and competing strongly in their conference.
  • Murray State University Racers: The Racers, based in Murray, are known for their basketball team. Competing in the Ohio Valley Conference, they have made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament, often as a competitive underdog capable of upsetting higher-seeded teams.
  • Morehead State University Eagles: Located in Morehead, the Eagles compete in the Ohio Valley Conference. They have participated in the NCAA basketball tournament several times and are known for their spirited play and dedicated fan base.
  • Eastern Kentucky University Colonels: The Colonels, based in Richmond, compete in both basketball and football in the Ohio Valley Conference. They have a history of competitive play in basketball, with several NCAA tournament appearances.

In the absence of major professional sports teams, Kentucky sports fans’ passion is deeply rooted in these college teams, making the state a vibrant hub for collegiate sports and college betting.

Kentucky Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for iOS & Android

Sports betting apps and mobile platforms in Kentucky should be compatible with all mobile devices such as tablets and phones, Android and iOS.  

iPhone

To download native sportsbook apps in Kentucky, iPhone users need to go to the Apple Store. You can search the store for the name of the sportsbook’s app. Some online gambling sites offer a direct link to their app’s listing in the App Store. Once you find it, it can be downloaded to your phone.

If the sportsbook you chose doesn’t have an iPhone app, you can create a mobile progressive web app on your device for free.

Android

To download an Android sports betting app, go to the Google Play Store. You can either search the store for the online sports betting app or many sportsbooks offer a link to the listing on their web page. If there is no official Android app available, you can create a mobile progressive web app on your device.

Kentucky Betting Guides

For gamblers looking for more than just sports betting in Kentucky, we recommend checking out our other in-depth online gambling guides:

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