Last Updated: June 25, 2024

Kentucky Sports Betting Apps – Sign-Up Bonuses & Reviews

This Betting Hero guide highlights several of the best Kentucky sports betting apps, explaining their unique features, looking into their sign-up bonuses, and offering insight into the betting options they provide.

Sports betting is extremely popular in Kentucky. This state is known for having a passionate sports fan base and several of the country’s top online sportsbooks are set to operate here. Learn more about Kentucky’s road to sports betting legalization and the online sports betting platforms launching here today.

The Legal Landscape Of Kentucky Online Sports Betting

Kentucky took its time legalizing sports betting. Shortly after the removal of PASPA in 2018, various lawmakers in the state began presenting bills to regulate and legalize this form of gambling. Prior to 2023, each of these bills failed to gain approval in the House and Senate.

Finally, during the 2023 Kentucky legislative session, members of the Kentucky House and Senate agreed on a bill to legalize both retail sports betting and online sports betting. Kentucky Governor Andry Bechear officially signed House Bill 551 into law on March 31 to legalize sports betting in the state.

Various online sports betting companies immediately began pushing to obtain a Kentucky sports betting license. That includes some of the biggest betting operators in the country including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission was first tasked with regulating sports betting in the state and set an online sportsbook launch date for September 23. In July, Governor Beacher created a “Sports Wagering Advisory Council” to better guide the oversight of this new industry.

Seven major online gambling brands have already received online sports betting licenses in Kentucky. The first retail sportsbooks are set to launch in Kentucky on September 7, in time for bettors to wager on the first 2023/2024 NFL regular season games. Kentucky’s first online sportsbooks are set to launch on September 23.

Top Kentucky Sports Betting Apps

Kentucky is home to a large, passionate group of sports fans eager to bet on their favorite teams and players. Many of the country’s top sports betting operators recognize that, and have already received a license to launch here. Learn more about some of the Kentucky sports betting apps set to go live below.

DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky

DraftKings is one of the country’s biggest, most established online gambling brands in the United States. In early August, this company announced it had received a license to operate in Kentucky. DraftKings is expected to grow extremely popular here, as it offers a huge number of betting options and one of the best designs of any online sportsbook.

The live sportsbook at DraftKings Sportsbook is world-class, too. This gives bettors the option to wager on sporting events as they take place. DraftKings has a number of other modern features, too, such as same-game parlays, early cash-out options, and a massive variety of prop bets on nearly all sports.

For a full review of DraftKings Sportsbook click here.

DraftKings KY New User Offer

DraftKings Sportsbook is offering its new members in Kentucky an excellent welcome bonus of in the form of a Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly offer.

FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky

FanDuel Sportsbook is another one of the biggest and best online sports betting brands in the United States. It announced its entry into the Kentucky sports gambling market in August. FanDuel will soon begin offering its huge list of betting odds, world-class design, and generous promotions to millions of people across the state.

The design of FanDuel is perhaps what receives the most praise. It has a modern user interface with a blue and white theme that users love. Navigating the entire site is easy using both a mobile device and a desktop computer. FanDuel has many of the same modern features as DraftKings with a design that is perfect for both beginners and experienced sports gamblers.

For a full review of FanDuel Sportsbook click here.

FanDuel KY New User Offer

FanDuel Sportsbook is offering Kentucky sports betting fans a very generous welcome bonus. This one offers $150 in bonus bets after you place and win your first bet at FanDuel (minimum $5).

These bonus funds do not need to be used in one lump sum. All bonus bets expire after seven days. New members of FanDuel Sportsbook simply need to place (and win)  a first bet of $5 or more to receive this bonus money.

BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky

BetMGM offers a fantastic design and odds on nearly all major sporting events taking place around the world. BetMGM is perfectly suited to new bettors, as it features a simplistic design that even first-time sports gamblers can easily understand.

BetMGM also features a fantastic customer support system. A live chat feature and helpful FAQ page are available to help answer a wide variety of questions. BetMGM Sportsbook is a well-rounded wagering platform with great odds, a solid live betting system, and one of the most simplistic designs of any online sportsbook.

For a full review of BetMGM Sportsbook click here.

BetMGM KY New User Offer

The welcome bonus/new user offer from BetMGM Sportsbook comes in the form of a $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back offer.

Make your first bet at BetMGM, and you’re eligible for a losing bet rebate worth up to $1,500 in bonus betting credits to your account.

Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky

Caesars Sportsbook has grown into one of the most popular online sportsbooks in the US. It is set to launch in Kentucky on September 23 and will likely develop a massive user base immediately. Caesars works seamlessly using a mobile device and has one of the best loyalty programs of any online sportsbook in the country.

The Caesars Sportsbook loyalty program, called Caesars Rewards, offers bettors some incredible perks including free accommodation and dining credits. Members here also have access to a huge variety of odds on both domestic and international events. Caesars could improve its desktop sportsbook, yet acts as one of the best mobile sportsbooks in the US right now.

For a full review of Caesars Sportsbook click here.

Caesars Sportsbook KY New User Offer

Caesars Sportsbook is offering a fantastic welcome bonus in the form of a

Bet365 Sportsbook Kentucky

Bet365 was first launched in the UK, yet has been rapidly expanding around the US. It will soon launch in Kentucky, where it will offer a huge variety of odds and some of the best bonuses. Bet365 has used its experience as one of the top European sportsbooks to provide one of the best designs and a massive collection of betting odds to its members.

Bet365’s design is not quite as sleek as some competitors. It makes up for that with its huge bet variety, including one of the biggest collections of prop wagers for different sporting events. These features, along with the site’s excellent promotions, will likely help to make Bet365 Sportsbook one of the most popular sports wagering platforms in Kentucky.

For a full review of Bet365 Sportsbook click here.

Bet365 Sportsbook KY New User Offer

Bet365 Sportsbook is providing Kentucky sports bettors with $200 in bonus bets by placing just a first wager of $1. This is one of the easiest welcome bonuses to earn in 2023. After signing up to Bet365 Sportsbook and making a deposit of at least $10, players need to make a first bet of $1 on any betting market to receive $200 in bonus bets.

All new players can easily take advantage of this offer, yet it must be claimed within 30 days of signing up. Bonus funds expire after 30 days and the initial bet must be on an event with odds of -500 or greater.

Top Sportsbook Bonuses in Kentucky

Check out our handpicked top bonuses for Kentucky sports betting apps:

  1. Social Betting: Engage with friends in a fun environment.
  2. Low-Risk Betting: No real-money stakes involved
  3. Wide Sports Selection: Over 60 leagues available.
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  1. $5 minimum deposit.
  2. $5 minimum bet to access offer.
  3. $200 in Bonus Bets are applied once your qualifying wager is placed.
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  1. Bet $5 on any pregame, live, parlay, or prop bet
  2. Bonus Bets expire 7 days after issued
  3. only receive bonus bets if you win
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  1. Choose Between Bet Insurance or a Bet & Get Offer
  2. International Brand
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  1. Bonus Bets only pay out if you lose
  2. Available in 20+ States
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  1. $20 deposit & bet minimum
  2. Offer applies to new users only
  3. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Kentucky Sportsbooks Regulations - What You Can and Can't Bet On

Kentucky allows for wagering on nearly all sports. That includes some of the most popular sports in the state such as football, baseball, basketball, and mixed martial arts. Nearly all sportsbooks here will provide odds on a variety of domestic and international sports leagues. 

Below is a list of popular sports that will become available to wager on in Kentucky. 

What You Can Bet On:

  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Ice Hockey
  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • Boxing
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Motor Sports
  • College sports (including in-state programs)
  • Esports

What You Can NOT Bet On:

  • Kentucky has taken a relaxed approach toward sports betting. Virtually all forms of sports betting are set to become available here. There are some notable exceptions, however, particularly when wagering on non-sporting events.  Political betting will not be made legal in Kentucky. Bettors here will be unable to legally bet on any major political elections. Entertainment awards show betting will also be prohibited here.

Sports Betting Updates in Kentucky

Kentucky had a long, complicated road to sports betting legalization. Unlike many neighboring states, it took years for a Kentucky sports betting bill to gain approval. Take a look back at the timeline to approve sports betting here below. 

September 28, 2023 The first legal online sportsbooks go live in Kentucky.
July 13, 2023 Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear creates the “Sports Wagering Advisory Council” to guide the state’s legal sports betting industry. 
March 31, 2023 Governor Beshear officially signs House Bill 551 into law, officially making sports betting legal in the state of Kentucky. 
March 12, 2023 Kentucky’s House of Representatives approved HB 551 by a margin of 63-34, pushing this bill to the Senate. 
April 14, 2022 The Kentucky Senate fails to approve House Bill 606 on the last day of the state’s legislative session, delaying the legalization of sports betting until at least 2023.
January 7, 2020 House Bill 137, Kentucky’s first-ever sports betting bill, is officially presented to the House. This bill would have legalized sports betting, online poker, and daily fantasy sports. 

Popular Sports Teams Among Kentucky Sports Fans

Kentucky is not home to any major professional sports teams. Despite that fact, there are millions of hardcore sports fans in the state who have been pushing for legal wagering options for years. Fans here can now place wagers on sports teams around the country. 

Several popular college sports teams are based in Kentucky. Learn a little more about these teams:

Kentucky Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats are the college athletic squad of the University of Kentucky. It is a Division I school with a total of 23 varsity teams. The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team is its most successful, with a total of eight championship victories to date.

The Wildcats Football Team is also hugely popular in the state. It has earned some impressive victories over the decades, yet has not won a national title since 1950. All Kentucky sportsbooks are set to offer odds on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals is a football team that represents the University of Louisville. Going into the 2023 season, this team has a combined record of 530–481–17 and a Bowl record of 12-12-1. The Cardinals have also earned 8 conference titles.

The Cardinals’ first season took place in 1912. The team plays in a stadium with a capacity of 65,000 and is one of the most popular sports teams in the state. All online sports betting apps in Kentucky will offer odds on each of the Cardinals’ games in 2023.

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ

  • Is online sports betting legal in Kentucky? Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on March 31, 2023, making sports betting legal in the state of Kentucky. The first retail sports betting operators are set to go live here on September 7. The online sports betting launch in Kentucky will take place on September 23. 
  • What sports betting apps are legal in Kentucky? Kentucky’s sports betting bill allows for up to 27 online sportsbooks to launch in the state. Some of the most popular online sports betting operators are set to go live here on September 23. That includes brands such as DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM Sportsbook. 
  • Is FanDuel legal in Kentucky? Yes. FanDuel announced its approval to operate in Kentucky on August 22, 2023. FanDuel is one of the most popular online sports betting operators in the country and will offer thousands of daily wagering options to Kentucky bettors each day. 
  • Is DraftKings legal in Kentucky? Yes. DraftKings was given its Kentucky sports betting license in late August 2023. It will offer a huge variety of sports wagering options to Kentucky bettors beginning on September 23, 2023. 
  • Is college sports betting legal in Kentucky? Yes. House Bill 551 allows for college sports betting in Kentucky. 

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky

You can find resources for responsible gambling in Kentucky at the link below:

https://www.kycpg.org/