Table of Contents
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites in 2024: Top 10 KY Sportsbooks Reviewed
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Shawn West
- August 30, 2024
Table of Contents
Since September 2023, Kentucky sports betting has been thriving. Besides the prestigious Kentucky Derby, residents now have many betting options. Numerous retail sportsbooks and several Kentucky sports betting sites, including top offshore sportsbooks, are available.
Our guide explores the best options, their betting odds, bonuses and more for sports betting in Kentucky.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
|
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2002
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160% Free Play
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1996
|
$1,000 Cash Bonus
|
Kentucky’s sports betting industry faced a downturn in June, with total handle falling to $150.3 million—a 17% drop from May. Circa Sports debuts in Kentucky with a temporary sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall, bringing Las Vegas to the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQs
Can I bet on sports if I live in Kentucky?
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.
Can I use FanDuel in Kentucky?
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.
Does Kentucky have mobile sports betting?
All of the top online betting sites we have covered offer fully-optimized mobile betting sites to complement the desktop versions.
What gambling is legal in Kentucky?
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.
What sports betting sites are legal in KY?
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.
Can you bet on NFL games in Kentucky?
Kentucky residents can bet on NFL games online completely legally, online or from their mobile device. They have the choice of local operators or sharper offshore sites.
Table of Contents
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:
- BetOnline – Provides the fastest payouts in Kentucky
- Bovada – Most diverse prop betting menu in the state
- Heritage Sports – Provides the best mobile site for live betting in KY
- BetAnySports – Offers the best reduced juice for KY residents
- Everygame – Features the biggest selection of sporting events from around the world
- WagerWeb – Provides Bitcoin users with same-day payouts
- SportsBetting.ag – Features a mobile racebook for KY bettors
- BetUS – Provides the state’s best welcome bonuses and VIP service
- JustBet – Features high betting lines and low minimums
- 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:
Kentucky’s sports betting industry faced a downturn in June, with total handle falling to $150.3 million—a 17% drop from May. Circa Sports debuts in Kentucky with a temporary sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall, bringing Las Vegas to the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky’s ban on skill game machines upheld by court. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s online sportsbooks brought in almost $625 million in wagers and nearly $67 million in revenue from March to May.
Despite Governor’s reservations, Kentucky forms new gaming agency called the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission to supervise sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering and live horse racing.
Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, reveals plans to reach out to regulators in states with legal sports betting to remove college prop bets from all betting markets.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reports that the state hauled in $8 million in revenue over the first two months since sports betting launched.
Governor Andy Beshear announces that nearly $250 million has been wagered on sports in Kentucky since the start of legal sports betting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signs a sports betting bill that allows for both retail and online sports betting in the state.
A bill to legalize sports betting in Kentucky passes through the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee.
A group of lawmakers in Kentucky introduce a bill to legalize sports betting in the state.
The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), clearing the way for states to legalize sports betting.
Kentucky State Senator Julian M. Carroll introduces a bill that would legalize sports betting in the state, but the bill fails to gain traction.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Key Features:
- One of the few sites to offer opinionated lines
- Recent renovation has improved mobile platform to one of the industry leaders
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
Key Features:
- The most prop bets in Kentucky, including easily winnable ones to get you started
- America’s busiest live online poker room and an outstanding online casino
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
Key Features:
- Offers the best live betting experience in Kentucky
- VIP treatment for all customers, including cashback rebates and customer service
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
Key Features:
- Reduced juice offers the best value in Kentucky
- Low house edge on most betting markets, including money lines, props and futures
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
Key Features:
- Bet on more sports, leagues and events from around the world than with anyone else
- Biggest menu of casino games
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.