Kentucky Sports Betting Promos July | Best KY Betting Sites

Our Criteria for Ranking Kentucky Sports Betting Sites 

Every bettor in Kentucky deserves a sportsbook that’s secure, fair, and easy to use. That’s why our team puts in the hours to place bets, check bonus terms, and analyze betting markets to highlight only the top-rated Kentucky sports betting apps and sites. Here’s what we look at before making our recommendations:

Licensing and Regulation

Every sportsbook we recommend holds a valid sports betting license issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. This isn’t just red tape. It guarantees that the platform meets strict state standards for transparency and consumer protection. Simply put, if a book isn’t licensed, it doesn’t belong on our list.

Safety & Security

With sports betting in Kentucky now live, protecting your data matters more than ever. Player security goes beyond basic encryption. We look for sportsbooks with two-factor authentication, secure logins, and straightforward account controls to ensure your information and your money always stay safe.

Bonus Quality

A big sign-up offer might catch your eye, but we focus on long-term value. The best sportsbooks offer promotions with fair wagering terms, typically between 3x and 5x. Ongoing boosts, parlay insurance, and loyalty rewards help keep your balance growing well after you join.

Payment Methods

Reliable banking is non-negotiable for us. We test how quickly KY sports betting sites process deposits and withdrawals using debit cards, e-wallets, and even crypto. The top performers complete cash-outs within 24–48 hours, with low fees and options that suit local bettors.

Odds and Market Depth

We evaluate how each site handles odds across major sports and leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and NHL. But price isn’t everything. Variety counts too. Top KY betting sites cover everything from the Kentucky Derby to UFC, tennis, and niche sports, while offering broad betting options like props, live bets, and futures. 

Kentucky Sports Betting Laws and Regulations

Sports betting became a reality in Kentucky on March 31, 2023, after Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551. This sports betting bill gave the green light to legalized retail and online sports betting, making it possible to wager on everything from college basketball to the major sports and leagues in the United States. Oversight is handled by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), which oversees licensing, compliance, and operator conduct.

As of 2025, eight online Kentucky sportsbooks live in the state, with in-person betting available at all nine racetracks across Kentucky. Each track can partner with up to three mobile operators, creating room for steady market growth. Here is how legalization unfolded in the Bluegrass State:

May 14, 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, opening the door for states to legalize betting.

March 31, 2023: Gov. Beshear signs House Bill 551, legalizing betting in Kentucky.

June 28, 2023: Law takes effect after the required 90-day waiting period.

September 7, 2023: In-person sports betting locations begin accepting wagers.

September 28, 2023: Mobile betting apps go live across the state.

December 11, 2023: KHRC files permanent rules, set to replace emergency regulations in April 2024.

The legal betting age in Kentucky is 18, which perfectly aligns with pari-mutuel horse wagering and the state lottery. While KY bettors must be physically located within state lines to place a legal wager, state residency is not required. Moreover, KY sports betting platforms allow wagers on in-state college teams like the Kentucky Wildcats and prohibit prop bets on individual college athletes. 

Latest Kentucky Sports Betting News

June 19, 2025: May's sports betting handle hit $655.4 million, a solid 10.4 jump from the previous year. Interestingly, sportsbooks achieved their best win rate in 2025, earning 11.6 of all money wagered.

July 3, 2025: A bill to legalize and regulate esports betting was introduced in the House. That said, a separate proposal to tax and oversee “skill games” remains under debate due to disagreements over rate structure.

July 6, 2025: Less than two years post-launch, Kentucky surpassed $1 billion in wagers during the first four months of 2025. That milestone signals a solid, maturing market under KHRC's watch. 

Taxes for Sports Betting in Kentucky

All sports wagering income in the US, including winnings in Kentucky, must be declared on your federal income tax return. The state deducts 6% for wins exceeding $600, with operators issuing tax forms. Moreover, accurate records are essential, as documented losses can offset your winnings. 

On the other hand, betting operators in Kentucky are taxed at 14.25 for online bets and 9.75 for retail sports betting revenue. This income from sports wagering taxes funds state programs, including the Kentucky Problem Gambling Assistance Fund, which supports responsible gaming initiatives.

Bonuses and Promotions on Kentucky Betting Sites

Online sportsbooks in Kentucky offer a mix of promotions meant to attract new sign-ups and keep existing bettors engaged. Each type of offer works differently, with its advantages and limitations. Here are the most common promotions you’ll encounter:

Welcome Bonuses

Almost all KY sportsbook platforms offer a matched deposit to newly registered bettors, often doubling their first deposit up to a limit. These promos suit bettors who don’t mind making a bigger deposit upfront. 

Pro Tip: Spread your bets across different markets to meet the wagering requirements easily and unlock your winnings a bit sooner.

Risk Free Bets 

As the name suggests, this offer lets you place a “risk-free” bet, which is excellent for anyone who’s a little unsure about jumping in. If your first bet loses, the site typically refunds it as bonus credits. That said, most of the top sports betting Kentucky platforms will require you to wager that refunded amount again before you can cash anything out.

Pro tip: Go for higher-odds picks, since a loss just means getting site credit back.

Odds Boosts and Parlay Promotions

Odds boosts are a common part of Kentucky sportsbook promos, offering better payouts on select bets or parlays. While these offers are a nice way to add value, they usually apply only to specific games or markets. 

Pro tip: Winnings from boosted parlays may be capped or come with bonus restrictions, so always check the terms

Free Bets and Bonus Credits

You’ll find a lot of free bets on KY online sports betting sites, especially around special events or promo deals. These let you place bets without using your money, but if you win, the free bet isn’t included in your payout. 

Pro tip: These offers often come with limited validity on certain sports or quick expiration, so it’s good to check those before you use them.

Loyalty and VIP Rewards

Top bookmakers in the Bluegrass state often have tiered loyalty programs that reward frequent punters with points, perks, and exclusive access. These programs can be really tempting if you bet a lot, but in the online betting industry, casual players might not see much benefit since they usually take time and commitment to pay off.

Popular Sports at Kentucky Online Sportsbooks

From football to horse racing, Kentucky’s legal sports betting market offers something for every fan. The state’s betting culture draws heavily from its collegiate rivalries and historic events, but there’s growing interest across all major U.S. leagues. Here are the most bet on sports in the Blue Grass State:

Football

The National Football League (NFL) attracts the most traffic at Kentucky online sports betting sites, despite the state lacking a professional NFL team. Kentucky fans closely follow nearby franchises like the Cincinnati Bengals, who are a strong playoff contender in the AFC North. 

While some niche fans also place wagers on the Canadian Football League, most stick to traditional football betting options like the NFL and National Collegiate Athletic Association games. 

Basketball 

The NBA features 30 teams, but none are based in Kentucky. Still, KY online sports betting sites offer full coverage of the National Basketball Association, be it  regular season lines or playoff futures. Punters often back professional sports teams from various states, like the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks. 

Watch out for competitive odds for international FIBA-sanctioned events and the Women’s National Basketball Association at Fanatics Sportsbook. 

Baseball 

Kentucky bettors get plenty of baseball betting options despite having no local team. This is mainly because nearby top-tier MLB teams like the Texas Rangers and  Baltimore Orioles win the World Series and attract the best talent. DraftKings Sportsbook covers everything from standard money lines to exotic props. 

And for those craving off-hours action, Asian leagues like Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball or the Chinese Professional Baseball League can be great options.

Ice Hockey

Kentucky’s closest NHL sides to bet on include the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Los Angeles Kings, which means no shortage of Ice hockey betting for state residents. In fact, from the American Hockey League to NCAA hockey, there are plenty of domestic sporting events to explore beyond just the NHL’s 32 teams. 

Keep an eye on Caesars Sportsbook for odds boosts on both pro and international matchups sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation. 

College Sports

Thanks to Kentucky’s legal betting age of 18, the college betting market has grown fast. Bettors often bet on college sports, especially when the Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals are playing. KY sportsbooks cover every National Collegiate Athletic Association event, offering everything from futures to live props. The best Kentucky sports betting sites now feature college player prop bets, making it easier to bet on in-state sports teams.

Horse Racing 

Kentucky generates over $1.3 billion annually from horse betting, and a considerable chunk comes during the Kentucky Derby, hosted at Churchill Downs in Louisville. But betting on horse racing has been legal in Kentucky for decades and goes well beyond Derby weekend, especially during the Kentucky Downs turf meets. Top online sportsbooks now provide detailed past performances alongside traditional betting options.

Daily Fantasy Sports In Kentucky

Daily fantasy sports betting is legal in practice, though Kentucky hasn’t formally passed a law to regulate it. A bill to explicitly legalize Daily fantasy sports remains stuck between the Kentucky House's approval and the Senate's rejection, leaving DFS in a legal gray area. However, since there’s no active enforcement or statewide ban, major platforms continue to operate freely.

Leading KY betting sites like DraftKings and Boom Fantasy allow Kentuckians to bet on DFS with full access to the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. These sites cater to different skill levels, offering quick-entry DFS contests and larger tournaments with flexible buy-ins.

Rather than sticking to traditional bets, DFS games in Kentucky give sports fans a fresh, skill-based way to follow the action. You choose your sport, build a lineup under a salary cap, and track real-time scoring. With daily and weekly contests available, it's an engaging alternative that fits into almost any fan’s schedule.

How to Bet with Real Money at Kentucky Online Sportsbooks

Here is how to get in on the action with the best Kentucky sports betting sites, offering secure platforms and great bonuses for newcomers:

1. Sign Up at a Licensed Kentucky Sportsbook Pick one of the legal KY sportsbooks listed on this page. We only recommend operators that follow strict rules for security, fairness, and have a licence.

2. Set Up Your Account and Verify Your Info Fill in your details and confirm you’re at least 18 years old, which is the legal betting age in Kentucky. Most platforms will also prompt you to upload a valid ID.

3. Deposit Funds Safely Now, visit the deposit section to add money. You’ll find familiar options like debit cards, PayPal, and online transfers, typically with a minimum limit of $10–$20. While depositing, check for welcome bonuses such as risk-free bets or deposit matches at the best KY sportsbooks.

4. Start with Simple Wagers Pick a sport or event, select your market, and confirm your wager; it's that simple. You can start with small bets as you get familiar with how the site works.

Kentucky Sports Betting Apps

The Blue Grass State saw more than $70 million in handle during its first full month of online betting, and a huge chunk of that came from mobile. Top KY sportsbooks offer smooth, responsive sports betting apps that make wagering simple for Kentuckians, whether in line at the grocery store or while watching a game.

You can download a Kentucky sportsbook app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, or opt for mobile-friendly websites if storage space is tight on your device.

Many operators even feature exclusive mobile promos, like odds boosts or bonus credits for in-app bets. You’ll also find tools like live scoreboards, cashouts, and live betting options, which let you respond to the action in real time.

The Bluegrass Is Greener at Top Kentucky Betting Sites

Kentucky may be new to the online betting game, but it’s already making waves with record handles and a growing list of sportsbook apps and sites. With horse racing, college hoops, and the ability to bet on football, it's easy to see why the best sports betting sites in KY are drawing attention fast. 

Of course, the market is still relatively new, and there is ample room for improvement in terms of uncertainty surrounding DFS, college prop bets, and the limited niche sports betting options. But it shows real promise, and bettors have more access and flexibility as compared to neighboring states.

So if you're ready to explore the most popular sports in the U.S. or just check odds on the top Kentucky sports betting sites, now’s the time to pick your platform and play smart.