After a two-part launch for mobile sportsbooks in September 2023, a selection of Kentucky sports betting apps is live and legal in the Bluegrass State.
Today, eight sportsbooks are available to KY bettors: BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and Circa Sports.
Below, we break down the top Kentucky sports betting apps, how to sign up, and what you can legally bet on.
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Apps
The Bluegrass State offers a bevy of sports betting apps to choose from.
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BetMGM Kentucky
BetMGM Sportsbook is one of the most popular mobile betting platforms in Kentucky. It offers a solid user interface, competitive odds, and a wide selection of bonuses to new and existing customers. On top of that, BetMGM offers great live betting and stellar customer support, making the BetMGM Kentucky bonus code a great option for new bettors.
To bring sports betting to Kentucky, BetMGM partnered with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky (RRKY) and also opened a retail location at Sandy’s Racing and Gaming.
- Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
- *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Bonus Code: TODAY
Highlights at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Key features: Ease of use, user interface, odds value
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.5
- Live streaming? Yes
bet365 Kentucky
Founded in 2000, bet365 is a sports betting powerhouse that entered a multi-year partnership with Sandy’s Gaming and Racing. This partnership means that Sandy’s can permit online bets for sporting events in Kentucky through the bet365 platform. With its launch, Kentucky became the sixth US state that bet365 has entered. KY newcomers are eligible to use the bet365 Kentucky bonus code after registration.
The bet365 app has been praised for its domestic and international betting markets, plus a terrific live wagering experience. Unique features of bet365 include its same-game parlay and early cashout options. Users must be 18+ to bet with bet365 in Kentucky.
- First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000, or Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
- Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
- Use Bonus Code: GTODAYVA
Highlights at bet365
- Key features: Global betting options, live betting, early cashout
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Live streaming? Yes
FanDuel Kentucky
FanDuel is arguably the hottest name among all sportsbook apps. Its cutting-edge technology provides a seamless mobile app experience, supported by various betting markets, and an industry-standard live streaming experience for its customers. FanDuel is partnered with the famous Churchill Downs to offer its mobile sports betting app in Kentucky.
This sportsbook app offers a streamlined user interface, ongoing promotions, and excellent live betting options. In April 2023, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen told WDRB the company “entered into contracts to provide certain online wagering platforms including FanDuel access to the Kentucky market.”
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- Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
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- Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
- To Claim: Click Play Now
Highlights at FanDuel Sportsbook
- Key features: Mobile app experience, betting markets, live streaming
- App Store rating: 4.9
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Live streaming? Yes
Caesars Kentucky
Caesars is most well-known for its extensive loyalty program that rewards loyal customers. All Caesars Sportsbook users are automatically enrolled in the program. It has six tiers and offers many benefits, from bonus bets to hotel and dining credits. You can collect points from casino games and sports betting.
In Kentucky, Caesars Entertainment, Inc., reached an agreement to become the official sports betting partner of Keeneland and Red Mile. The agreements gave the operator market access to offer legalized mobile sports wagering in Kentucky and the ability to open the only brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook locations within Central Kentucky. Customers above the age of 21 can unlock the excitement of sports betting rewards via the Caesars Sportsbook promo code.
- Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10 Times
- Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
- 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Promo Code: TODAYDYW
Highlights at Caesars Sportsbook
- Key features: Rewards program, odds boosts, promos
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.3
- Live streaming? Yes
DraftKings Kentucky
DraftKings Sportsbook tends to be the favorite among serious NFL bettors, as it shows team histories, trends over time, and other analytics for every matchup. It also offers one of the best in-game betting platforms, allowing users to live bet games easily. With fantastic market depth and variety, an excellent opening bonus, and competitive odds for all professional American sports leagues, it’s no surprise that DK is known as one of the most popular and versatile sports betting platforms in the industry.
DraftKings Kentucky launched in the Bluegrass State when legal online sports betting became available. Cumberland Run Racetrack is DraftKings’ mobile and retail betting partner in Kentucky. Users must be 18 years or older to bet with DraftKings.
- Bet & Get up to $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
- PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
- PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
- PLUS Weekly King of the Court NBA Prop Token
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Highlights at DraftKings Sportsbook
- Key features: Live betting options, NFL betting options, competitive odds
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.7
- Live streaming? Yes
Fanatics Kentucky
The Fanatics Sportsbook joined the Kentucky sports betting scene in September 2023 when sports wagering launched in the Commonwealth. The launch brought a new level of excitement for Kentucky bettors, who quickly appreciated the ease and efficiency of the Fanatics app. One of the top points of praise for the Fanatics app has been how clean and straightforward its navigation is.
New users will find it easy to search for bets and explore various features, making it a user-friendly option for both beginners and seasoned bettors alike. In addition to the seamless navigation, users can also take advantage of the “FanCash” rewards program, which allows them to earn FanCash based on the amount bet, providing an extra incentive that can be used on their merchandise. If you’re looking to dive into Kentucky’s sports betting scene, be sure to check out the Fanatics sportsbook new user promo to make the most of your experience!
- Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- To Claim: Click Play Now
Highlights of Fanatics
- Key features: Pre-game stats, pre-packaged same game parlays, early cashouts, strong live betting section
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store Rating: Apple 4.7; Google 4.6
How To Bet on Sports in Kentucky
Learning how to bet in Kentucky is quick and easy. However, there are key steps that need to be followed. Here is the process bettors must go through to place their first bets on a Kentucky sportsbook app.
Claim Sportsbook Welcome Offer
Choosing the right sportsbook for you is important, so be sure to explore all the options listed on this page. Click one of our sportsbook sign-up links to claim a Kentucky sportsbook bonus offer to begin registering for an account.
Players will want to pay attention to any sign-up and welcome bonuses that may come with their sportsbook(s) of choice. This could be bonus bets, bet insurance, or deposit-match bonuses. Clicking one of Gaming Today’s exclusive links will automatically apply the welcome offer to your account, but you may still be prompted to enter the promo code.
Create a Sportsbook Account
Once you’ve chosen your sportsbook, create an account with personal information such as your name, address, birthday, SSN, and email. These are all standard industry requirements for verifying your identity.
Download a Legal KY Sportsbook App
Most legal KY sportsbooks are available for both iOS and Android devices. iPhone users can simply download their sportsbook(s) of choice straight to their devices by searching for the sportsbook name in the App Store. For Android users, the Google Play Store also has sportsbook apps available.
Deposit Funds
After registration is complete, players can fund their accounts using a variety of deposit methods. While Visa and MasterCard are usually options, online bank transfer or PayPal are the most popular options to avoid fees.
Place First Bet
After funding their accounts, players can immediately place wagers using their downloaded sportsbooks. All Kentucky sports betting apps offer bets on major league sports and college events. Aside from those, the options can vary depending on the platform, so make sure it has what you’re looking for before joining.
What To Look for in Kentucky Betting Apps
Below are some factors you should consider when picking your next sportsbooks to sign up with.
Quality of Odds
Most Kentucky sportsbooks will offer similar odds for any sporting event or outcome. However, there is typically some variance as sportsbooks balance expected profit and risk differently. While one may offer an outcome at -150 odds, another may offer the same outcome at -145 odds. Comparing odds for the same event across different sportsbooks is called line shopping. By registering with multiple sportsbooks, you can always ensure you are getting the best odds for any given event. If you consistently get the best odds on the market, it can significantly impact profitability over time.
Betting Market Variety
Most sportsbooks will have standard spread, moneyline, total, and prop-betting options for most major sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, etc.). However, some have more options, whether there be more prop and parlay options or offering odds on niche sports such as tennis, cricket, rugby, golf, or MMA.
User Interface
Each Kentucky sportsbook will look and act differently. Some things to consider when grading an interface are how fast the software runs, its navigability between pages, whether it’s organized in a way that makes sense, and how easy it is to find the wager you want. Remember that an interface that works for a friend may not work for you.
Offers and Promotions
Users new to sports betting should always look at the sportsbook promos available to them. Popular welcome bonuses include bonus bets, first bet offers, and deposit matches. Other sportsbooks have huge selections of promotions for existing users, including weekly promotions, parlay specials, and profit and odds boosts.
Full List of Mobile Kentucky Betting Apps
Kentucky offers several strong sports betting apps for Bluegrass State bettors. Here’s a look at what they offer new users.
| 📱Kentucky Sportsbook |
|---|
| 📱BetMGM Kentucky |
| 📱bet365 Kentucky |
| 📱FanDuel Kentucky |
| 📱Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky |
| 📱DraftKings Kentucky |
| 📱Fanatics Kentucky |
| 📱ESPN BET Kentucky |
| 📱Circa Sports Kentucky |
Types of Bets at Kentucky Sportsbooks
Certain bets are standard at any of the top sportsbooks, and some are more complicated wagers than others. Since these bets are everywhere, understanding them is critical to becoming a successful sports bettor.
The types of wagers offered by Kentucky sports betting licensees are defined in the sports wagering administrative regulations.
Moneyline
A moneyline is a bet that only includes odds, as in “odds to win.” For example, a moneyline of +150 is just +150 odds (bet $100 to win $150) for the listed team to win. A moneyline of -150 is just -150 odds (bet $150 to win $100) for the listed team to win.
Point Spread
Point spreads (also referred to as lines or handicaps) are accompanied by odds. Most of these bets will have odds at or around -110. For example, if Indiana and Chicago are playing a basketball game and the line is -5.5 for Indiana, they would need to win by six or more points to “cover.” If Indiana wins 105-100, bets on them to cover would lose.
Total (Over/Under)
A total (Over/Under) is a bet on the total amount of points scored in a game by both teams combined. A bet on the Over means that both teams combined must score more than the number shown, whereas a bet on the Under means that they must score less than the number shown.
Parlays
Parlay bets combine two or more selections into one larger bet. For a parlay to be successful, each of the individual legs must win. In a parlay bet, all wagers have to win for the parlay to cash. There’s no partial credit. It’s risky, but it boosts the odds and increases payouts.
Props
A prop is a bet that isn’t tied to the outcome of a game. Player props are tied to an individual player’s performance in an event. For example, a set number for points, assists, receiving yards, etc., where you can bet the Over or Under. Game props are tied to another specific aspect of the game (other than player performance).
Sports you can find in a Kentucky sports betting app
Kentucky isn’t home to any major sports leagues or teams, but that doesn’t mean its residents don’t have strong rooting interests. College sports are a huge part of the culture in Kentucky.
| 🏆 Sports Teams In/Near Kentucky | Odds Available |
|---|---|
| 🏈 Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans | NFL Odds |
| 🏀 Indiana Pacers | NBA Odds |
| ⚾️ Cincinnati Reds | MLB Odds |
| 🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators | NHL Odds |
| 🏫 Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals | College Football Odds College Basketball Odds |
Professional Sports Betting in Kentucky
In Kentucky, most people like to support the Cincinnati Bengals or the Tennessee Titans as they are closest in proximity to the state. You can rest assured that all sportsbooks in the state include betting odds for both teams among their diverse NFL betting markets.
NBA betting is also likely to be a hit. Kentucky residents like to bet on the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies. On the baseball side, the Cincinnati Reds are the closest major team to Kentucky, and many Kentucky residents who live near Covington are likely to be significant fans.
The only two professional sports teams in Kentucky are soccer teams: Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC.
College Sports Betting in Kentucky
While Kentucky has no professional sports teams, the state has two of the most passionate fan bases supporting the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville in college basketball. Historically, states have been split regarding whether they offer college sports betting for in-state teams, but Kentucky allows it.
University of Kentucky
Kentucky is the most successful NCAA Division I men’s basketball program in history in terms of all-time winning percentage (.765). The Wildcats won their last NCAA title in 2012, which was the UK’s eighth NCAA men’s basketball title.
The UK football team has enjoyed much success under coach Mark Stoops in recent years. With Stoops at the helm, the Cats have clinched bowl eligibility for eight consecutive seasons, the longest in Kentucky history. UK is one of only eight teams in the nation and one of only three in the SEC (along with Alabama and Georgia) with at least eight consecutive bowl appearances. There are plenty of college football betting odds to choose from in Kentucky.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville men’s basketball team won two NCAA championships in 1980 and 1986. The Cardinals’ title in 2013 was vacated due to NCAA violations. Louisville also had to vacate 123 wins and the 2012 Final Four appearance as part of the NCAA Committee on Infractions’ ruling.
The Cardinals football team had a national resurgence in 2023, making their first appearance in the ACC title game, falling to No. 5 Florida State. In coach Jeff Brohm’s first season leading his alma mater, he guided the Cardinals to a 10-3 overall record, the school’s first 10-win season since 2013. The Cards had a run of eight seasons with bowl appearances from 2010–2017 and made their 26th appearance in a bowl game when they lost to USC in the DirectTV Holiday Bowl at Petco Park on Dec. 27, 2023.
Payment Methods at Online Sportsbooks in Kentucky
The best Kentucky sports betting apps all offer a variety of withdrawal methods to choose from. Each payout method varies in terms of how quickly it will process withdrawals, and several have maximum/minimum amounts required. To help decide which method is best for you, Gaming Today has a rundown of the fastest payout betting sites.
Some of the most common deposit and withdrawal methods at top Kentucky sportsbooks include:
Debit and credit cards are the most convenient deposit and withdrawal methods. You may encounter fees with credit card payments, though, so be sure to review the terms and conditions.
- Average processing time: 3-5 days.
PayPal/Venmo is one of the easiest methods to use as you create a new account and link your credit card information to your PayPal digital wallet.
- Average processing time: Less than 24 hours.
An electronic fund transfer is made between banks and credit unions across the Automated Clearing House network (ACH). ACH is used for all types of fund transfer transactions, including direct deposit of paychecks and monthly debits for routine payments.
- Average processing time: 1-5 days.
KY’s Counterparts: More States With Legal Sports Betting Apps
Kentucky is one of the newest legal sports betting markets across the US. Here, we review the availability of sportsbook apps across other markets nationwide.
Florida
Bettors in Florida can only use one regulated online sportsbook: Hard Rock Bet. The app is permitted to operate under the terms of a gaming compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe, which owns Hard Rock. More FL sportsbook apps may be granted licenses in the future, but Hard Rock Bet currently has a monopoly over the third-most populous state in the country.
Illinois
Online sports betting is tightly regulated in the Prairie State. Illinois sports betting apps can take bets on professional sports and most college sports, but bets on college teams located in the state can only be placed in person at retail sportsbooks. There are eight legal online sportsbooks in the state, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Maryland
The first Maryland sports betting apps launched in November 2022, offering a wide range of bonuses for new and existing customers. They take bets on popular teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles, as well as college teams like the Terps. Before launching in the Old Line State, online sportsbooks must gain licenses from the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has issued licenses to seven online sportsbooks, including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and ESPN BET. These Mass sportsbook apps can take bets on professional and college sports, but betting on in-state teams like UMass and Harvard is prohibited unless those teams compete at a tournament.
Michigan
Anyone aged 21 or older can bet on thousands of events each week at Michigan sportsbooks, such as BetMGM, BetRivers, and FanDuel. Ensure you only use sports betting apps and websites that have gained licenses from the Michigan Gaming Control Board if you are in the Great Lakes State.
North Carolina
North Carolina was the first large state to roll out legal online sportsbooks in 2024. State law permits up to 11 sports betting apps, which are required to team up with local sports teams, venues, or tribes for market access. The top North Carolina sports betting apps include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sportsbooks have been welcoming online sports bettors since 2019. They must pay $10 million up-front licensing fees and a 36% tax on any revenue earned, so only companies with deep pockets have launched sports betting apps in the Keystone State. However, after several new apps launched in 2024, there are now 11 legal PA online sportsbooks to choose from.
Kentucky Sports Bettings Apps FAQ
Yes. Kentucky allows mobile wagering on both professional and college sports. In-person betting is also allowed.
There are eight sportsbook apps available in Kentucky: BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and Circa Sports.
Yes. While Kentucky is not home to any in-state NFL teams, the league is completely legal to bet on. Other professional sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, and MLB are also legal to wager on.
Yes. DraftKings is available to Kentuckians both online and in person. Its retail sportsbook is available at Cumberland Run Racetrack, and its mobile app can be found on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The age requirement for sports betting with DraftKings in Kentucky is 18.
Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook is completely legal in Kentucky. Its mobile app is available for both iOS and Android users, and its retail partnership is with the historic Churchill Downs.
You can wager on both professional and collegiate sports in Kentucky. This includes University of Kentucky men’s basketball, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college football, and more.
Yes, you can bet on horse racing online in Kentucky using the FanDuel Racing App. Other horse betting apps available in Kentucky are TwinSpires and DK Horse.
The legal betting age is 18 years old. However, many sportsbooks still enforce the traditional age requirement of 21. bet365 and DraftKings are among the sportsbooks in the state that allow people 18 and older to bet on the site.
Mobile sports betting apps went live in Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2023. Circa Sports Kentucky is the latest app to launch in the state, going live in May 2024.
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