Attempts have been made to legalize sports betting for each of the last four years in the Kentucky legislature. HB 606 to legalize sports betting in Kentucky was nearly passed in 2022 but died on the Senate floor without advancing to a final vote.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Adam Koenig, was not put up for a vote by conservatives on the last day in the Senate. However, lawmakers in favor of the bill believe future efforts to legalize sports betting will have enough votes to pass.
Kentucky Fast Facts:
- Legal Sports Betting Y/N: N
- Year Legalized: n/a
- Retail Sportsbooks?: N
- Online Sportsbooks?: N
- Mobile Sportsbooks Y/N: N
- College Sports Betting Y/N: N
Legal Betting Apps in Kentucky
Meanwhile, there are no legal sports betting apps in the state of Kentucky. However, Daily Fantasy Sports apps are permitted in the state, with FanDuel and DraftKings being the most popular.
Kentucky Top 3 Legal Betting Apps
Sports betting is illegal in Kentucky, with the hopes of having legislation passed in 2023.
NOTE: Online sports betting sites are not currently legal in Kentucky. However, we expect some big names to go live when Kentucky legalizes betting.
| Potential KY Sportsbook | Expected Launch Bonus |
| Caesars | Second chance free bets up to $1,250 |
| BetMGM | Bet insurance up to $1,000 |
| BetRivers | Free Bet up to $500 |
| DraftKings | First Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 |
| FanDuel | No sweat free bet up to $1,000 |
| PointsBet | $500 Free Bets |
| Barstool | Free Bet up to $1,000 |
Kentucky Teams & Events to Bet On
There are no major professional sports teams in Kentucky. However, there are several major collegiate programs, with the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats fielding teams in all major sports.
Common Bet Types in Kentucky
There are no legal betting options in Kentucky except for horse racing at Churchill Downs. The racetrack recently announced it would not be involved in sports betting when it comes to the state.
Kentucky Betting App Welcome Bonuses
| Betting App | Mobile Device | Offers for Kentucky |
| DraftKings | iOS/Android | N/A |
| FanDuel | iOS/Android | N/A |
There are no legal sports betting apps in Kentucky, therefore meaning no bonuses or promotions are currently available to bettors within the state.
How to find the right betting app in Kentucky? Look for these criteria:
- State license. The mobile app should be legal in the state of Kentucky.
- Bonus Offers for new customers and easy-to-understand terms and conditions.
- Competitive odds and betting features, such as in-game betting and live streaming.
- 24/7 reliable customer support.
How to Download a Betting App in Kentucky
Since mobile betting is not permitted, there are no legal sports betting apps in Kentucky. However, many offshore sportsbooks apps say they will accept bets from Kentucky residents but are not licensed by any jurisdiction within the U.S.
Once the state legalizes sports betting, users will be able to register following similar procedures found in other states:
Here are the steps players will need to follow:
- Select a provider of your preference. And then make sure you access their desktop platform or go ahead and download their mobile app.
- Enter your full name, email address, address, phone number, and last four of a social security number to open an account.
- Once you have read all terms and conditions, you can now head on to your provider’s platform and enjoy the entire offer of betting and gaming dynamics they have included as part of their apps.
Kentucky Mobile Sports Betting FAQs
Not, yet.
Only Daily Fantasy Sports apps are permitted in the state, with FanDuel and DraftKings being the most popular.
No, BetMGM mobile sportsbook is not legal in Kentucky yet.
You will have to be 21 or over to bet on sports in Kentucky.