The best Kentucky sportsbooks are DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM, each offering unique benefits for resident bettors. DraftKings provides frequent odds boosts on Iowa teams, Caesars Sportsbook offers generous welcome bonuses, and BetMGM features diverse betting options and a rewards program redeemable at MGM properties, making them top choices in the state.
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Best Kentucky sportsbooks of 2024 compared
RANKING | KY BETTING SITE | Welcome offer | TOP FEATURE | NO. OF SPORTS | PAYOUT SPEED | SPORTING POST RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DraftKings | Best sportsbook for beginners | 25+ | 1-5 days | 5/5 | |
2 | Caesars Sportsbook | Best for sports selection | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 | |
3 | BetMGM | Best for mobile betting | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 | |
4 | bet365 | Best for selection of markets | 20+ | 1-3 days | 4/5 | |
5 | FanDuel | Best for promos and bonuses | 20+ | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
Top Kentucky online sportsbooks reviewed
Here, we discuss the best sportsbooks Kentucky bettors have access to and talk about their key features and offers players can experience.
These are our top sportsbooks legal in Kentucky that we recommend...
1. DraftKings - Best Kentucky sports betting site for beginners
DraftKings overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo offer | Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VI, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 25+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $5 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, VIP preferred check, eChecks, Venmo, Online banking, Wire transfer |
Summary
We would recommend DraftKings as the best sportsbook for beginners.
This highly praised sportsbook is a pioneer within the sports betting industry and offers customers a whole range of user-focused features, making it a great beginner sportsbook.
For users, a top-notch mobile app, seamless interface, fast withdrawals, and great competitive odds means customers can expect to feel right at the center of their service.
Moreover, a Dynasty VIP Club showers members with multiple perks and bonuses, which, for us, really sets it apart from its competitors by offering that exclusivity to customers.
By continuously placing user experience at the core of their work, DraftKings remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering superior and authentic betting experiences to those enjoying its features, especially for gambling novices.
To learn more, read our extensive expert review of DraftKings.
I turned to DraftKings for their NFL betting and was impressed by the instant payouts—much faster than any other platform I’ve used. The integration with my bank account was seamless, making the process hassle-free.
DraftKings excels with its fast withdrawals and extensive betting markets. Their odds boosts and loyalty rewards are some of the best in the industry, offering real value for regular users.
While they could improve the speed of applying promotions, DraftKings’ overall reliability and strong customer service make it a top choice for serious bettors.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
DraftKings pros and cons
We always put ourselves in the user's shoes and test every top sportsbook, so here are the benefits and drawbacks we experienced when using DraftKings...
- Exclusive VIP program that really rewards loyal customers
- Speedy banking methods that will not keep you waiting
- Competitive odds to offer its users
- The sportsbook does ask for high wagering requirements, which can be off-putting to those looking to bet smaller amounts
- Customer support can be slow at times when we tried to get in touch during testing but we did have access to a representative eventually
2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best Kentucky sportsbook for sports selection
Caesars Sportsbook overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo offer | $1000 First Bet with Caesars |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, live 24/7 chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 1966 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, PayPal, ACH Transfer, Discover, AMEX, PayNearMe, Skrill |
Summary
We would recommend Caesars as the best sportsbook for sports selection.
Caesars Sportsbook is a very popular sportsbook and boasts more than 65 million members in the US, a reflection of its focus on the user experience.
When using Caesars Sportsbook, customers can expect to have access to a range of sports, encompassing popular leagues like MLB, NFL, and NBA, as well as more niche sports like table tennis.
Moreover, we found that Caesars undoubtedly provides the most comprehensive coverage with numerous betting options for each sport.
Adding to this, Caesars offers live NFL streaming, helping you stay informed when placing bets on those big matches.
With its great focus on sports selection and betting coverage, Caesars is pushing other sportsbooks to follow in its track by not only allowing unrivaled access to sports but also giving users the freedom to choose how they want to bet.
Learn more through our detailed Caesars Sportsbook review.
As someone who has tested numerous betting platforms, I was intrigued by Caesars Sportsbook’s sign-up bonus—matching my deposit immediately was a strong start. However, I quickly noticed that losing parlays lingered in the active bets section far too long, which cluttered the interface and made managing my bets less efficient.
Caesars stands out in the competitive sportsbook market with its top-tier promotions and odds boosts, which are consistently among the most attractive I've encountered. These perks provide real value and make the platform worth considering, especially for serious bettors.
While Caesars excels in promotions, the app’s interface and functionality lag behind some of its competitors. Issues like the delayed removal of settled bets and occasional technical glitches can hinder the betting experience.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
Caesars Sportsbook pros and cons
To provide the best recommendations, we put ourselves in the user's position by rigorously testing each top sportsbook.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of using Caesars Sportsbook...
- Caesars has a great selection of sports to bet on, including very popular sports like baseball and football but also sports like table tennis, giving you a great range of options
- NFL live streaming, which we found alongside the great selection to be an excellent feature for the user
- A swift payout service. There were no issues with payouts and everything was very smooth
- Customer service could have been better and more responsive. Long waits when making a query which led to some frustration
- Mobile betting is not as good as other top sportsbooks. The layout and click response were a little clunky
3. BetMGM - Best KY sportsbook for mobile betting
BetMGM overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo offer | $1500 Back In Bonus Bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, DC, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: support.[state intials]@betmgm.com |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2018 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe |
Summary
From our research, we would recommend BetMGM as the best sportsbook for mobile betting.
BetMGM is held in high esteem within the gambling industry for its great features, like customer service.
However, they are unrivaled when it comes to their mobile betting services.
Users can interact with their high mobile functionality, user-friendly interface, and easy navigation structure, making them a leader in the field currently.
Moreover, we were able to customize our betting experience, suiting our needs and making the betting experience a lot more comfortable.
With BetMGM considering this as an important feature for its customers, we feel confident recommending this sportsbook to our readers.
Learn more about the sportsbook with our BetMGM review, written and updated by our expert team.
I signed up for BetMGM, attracted by their generous deposit bonus which matched my $500 deposit with another $500. I was initially cautious after reading some negative reviews, but my experience turned out to be smooth.
BetMGM’s daily odds boosts add significant value, making them a strong contender despite their standard sports odds. Their casino games are particularly robust, offering a great variety for those who like to mix up their betting.
The app is user-friendly and reliable, with quick deposit and withdrawal processes. However, the absence of horse racing is a minor drawback.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 3/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetMGM pros and cons
Our team ensures we understand the user completely by testing every sportsbook ourselves.
When it comes to BetMGM, here are the pros and cons of using the platform...
- The mobile betting experience is excellent, allowing for personalization and easy navigation
- Customer service was superb in our opinion and we had no issues getting in contact to solve any issues we had
- Whilst most withdrawals were not a problem, some did take a bit of time coming back into the bank account
4. bet365 - Best KY betting site for market selection
bet365 overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.6 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo offer | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IA, IN, LA, NJ, NC, OH, VA |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected], |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2000 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, PayPal, Bank Transfer, PayNearMe, Skrill, PaySafe |
Summary
We would strongly recommend bet365 as the best sportsbook for markets.
A highly-rated sportsbook, bet365 offers users extensive market coverage, giving them great access to a vast array of betting options for each event.
Whether that is standard bets like moneylines, or specialized selections like player props, bet365 is a major player and can be hailed as the best sportsbook for sports market selection.
During our testing, we found the diversity of markets to be enhanced further by the live streaming of events, allowing users to make informed decisions whilst placing bets.
Lastly, we could not fault the mobile betting experience.
It was smooth and simple, and users no matter their betting experience would be able to use the service without fault.
It was clear to us that this sportsbook did not want to compromise on providing customers with quality service in their markets for other betting features and sees this as key to their success.
Read our expert bet365 review to learn more about the sportsbook.
bet365 quickly stood out to me, particularly during an NFL game where their early payout feature allowed me to secure my winnings before the final whistle. The speed at which the funds were deposited into my account was unparalleled—minutes after the game ended, I had full access to my money.
bet365 may not boast the most visually appealing interface, but its extensive market options and the flexibility in crafting Same Game Parlays (SGPs) are what truly set it apart. Unlike other platforms that impose limitations, bet365 gives bettors the freedom to build customized bets that align perfectly with their strategies.
Though the user interface could benefit from some refinement, bet365 excels where it matters most—payment speed, market depth, and promotional value. Instant withdrawals, particularly to e-wallets like Skrill, provide a seamless experience, and their no-strings-attached free bets are a rarity in the industry.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
bet365 pros and cons
We always adopt the viewpoint of the user and meticulously test sportsbooks ourselves.
Based on our experience with bet365, these are the benefits and drawbacks we encountered...
- bet365 give users fantastic access to a diverse range of markets and was by far the best sportsbook we tested for this aspect
- Withdrawals were fast and without any problems
- The mobile betting experience was also very good, with a user-friendly interface and easy navigation
- Only available in a limited number of states, much less compared to other competitors
5. FanDuel - Best for promos and bonuses
FanDuel overview
App store rating | 4.9 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2009 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, online banking, Venmo, Wire Transfer, PayNearMe |
Summary
We would recommend FanDuel as the best sportsbook for promos and bonuses.
When testing this sportsbook, we were blown away by the selection of promos and bonuses on offer to customers.
Users can benefit from ‘bet-and-get’ offers, daily parlay boosts, and a variety of free-to-play contests.
Moreover, FanDuel always tailors their bonuses to different states, meaning users get access to personalized deals - an excellent feature of this sportsbook in our opinion.
For users, it does not matter if you are a newcomer or an existing FanDuel user, you will be rewarded regardless with either sign-up bonuses or loyalty promos, helping to keep users engaged.
FanDuel stands out for its generous and frequent promotions.
Users can benefit from daily parlay boosts, bet-and-get offers, and a variety of free-to-play contests.
FanDuel’s bonuses are tailored to different states, ensuring that users receive personalized deals.
Plus, they also offer great sets of odds, rivaling other competitors out there.
To learn more, read our extensive FanDuel review.
I was immediately impressed by FanDuel’s odds, especially when I placed a 6-leg NFL parlay. The difference in potential payout compared to other platforms was staggering—FanDuel offered nearly five times the return, which confirmed its value for maximizing profits.
FanDuel’s higher payouts on parlays and the flexibility in adjusting spreads make it an essential tool for serious bettors. Their early cash-out feature is particularly useful for managing risk, allowing more strategic control over wagers.
Despite its strengths in odds and market variety, FanDuel could enhance its offering by improving customer loyalty promotions and streamlining the app’s interface. However, the platform’s fast withdrawals and consistent market fairness position it as a top contender in the betting industry.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 3/5 |
FanDuel pros and cons
We prioritize the user by thoroughly testing each leading sportsbook.
From a customer-led point of view, these are the positives and negatives of FanDuel...
- A vast and competitive selection of bonus and promo offers that reward both new customers and loyal customers
- Along with the bonuses and promos, FanDuel also offered excellent odds pricing
- State-specific promos offer customers a great selection of opportunities for betting
- Withdrawals were slow, we found, and often took longer than other top sportsbooks
- FanDuel lacks a loyalty program that so many other sportsbooks offer to their customers
How we rate & rank Kentucky betting sites
Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of Kentucky sports betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively and easily:
Safety: We verify if the sportsbook holds a Kentucky state license and review its operating history, ensuring your money is secure. We also highlight any specific safety features.
Mobile betting app: We evaluate the app's layout, functionality, user experience, unique features, and ease of placing bets.
Web betting site: We test the website's features, identify pros and cons, and assess customization options and the bet placement process.
Deposits & withdrawals: We review the range of payment methods, ease of transactions, associated fees, and processing times for deposits and withdrawals.
Markets: We examine the variety of sports available for betting and compare the quality and breadth of markets across US sportsbooks.
Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of pre-match betting features.
In-play betting: We evaluate the live betting experience, including the quality of live markets and usability.
Welcome incentive: We detail current sign-up bonuses and compare them to those offered by other betting sites.
Customer service: We test the quality of customer service, including live chat response times and support effectiveness.
We download and use every betting site ourselves, using our own money to test the quality, to make sure the site is good enough for our readers to use.
Scoring & overall rating
Each criterion is scored on a points system, which is then converted into a star rating.
We average these scores to provide an overall rating for each legal sportsbook, making it easier for you to decide which one best meets your needs.
With our thorough and clear reviews, you can trust that you are getting an honest assessment, free from personal bias.
You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review sportsbooks.
Additionally, you can view all of our sportsbook reviews.
How do I choose a sportsbook in Kentucky?
Bonus offers: Kentucky sportsbook apps are competing to attract new customers, which means there are valuable welcome bonuses, like FanDuel’s current "bet $5, win $150" offer or DraftKings’ "$5 for $200 bonus." Evaluate the terms and conditions of these offers, as some bonuses require minimum bets or have restrictions on withdrawal, potentially affecting your winnings.
Betting variety: Different sportsbooks excel in various types of bets, from simple moneylines to complex same-game parlays, like those available on FanDuel and DraftKings. Be sure the app you choose offers the sports and betting options you enjoy, as some focus on popular leagues while others provide international events or niche sports like cornhole and snooker.
Mobile experience: Since most bets are placed on mobile devices, a well-designed app can significantly improve your experience; top-rated apps, such as those by Caesars and FanDuel, provide intuitive navigation and quick load times. Look for features like live game streaming and an accessible betting slip, which can make a big difference when placing time-sensitive bets.
Betting experience: The app’s speed, layout, and reliability all contribute to a satisfying experience, with Caesars and bet365 being particularly notable for smooth functionality and reliability. If an app feels laggy or cluttered, it can hinder your enjoyment and lead to mistakes when placing bets, so check for consistent performance, especially during peak hours.
Payment options: Kentucky sportsbooks typically support popular payment methods like PayPal, debit/credit cards, and bank transfers, but withdrawal times can vary. Ensure the app provides fast and accessible payment solutions for both deposits and withdrawals, as ease of access to funds is crucial when managing bets and winnings.
Customer support: Efficient customer service is invaluable, especially if issues arise with payouts or technical glitches; FanDuel and BetMGM, for example, offer live chat support for immediate assistance. An app with responsive customer service can resolve problems quickly, adding to the reliability and trustworthiness of your chosen sportsbook.
Odds and pricing: Odds can vary among sportsbooks, impacting potential payouts significantly—Caesars and bet365, for example, are known for competitive odds across popular leagues. Consider using multiple apps to shop for the best odds and maximize your returns, as even slight differences in odds can add up over time, especially for parlay bets.
Live betting and streaming options: Real-time betting on live games can enhance your engagement, and apps like FanDuel and bet365 provide live streaming alongside in-game betting options. If you prefer this style of betting, look for an app with minimal lag and a robust live-betting interface that helps you make informed decisions quickly.
Responsible gambling tools: Apps in Kentucky are required to offer responsible gambling features, such as spending limits and self-exclusion options, to promote healthy betting practices. Ensure the app has easy-to-use tools for setting limits, as they can be crucial in managing your spending and maintaining control over your betting habits.
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky. House Bill 551, signed by Governor Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023, legalized both retail and online sports betting, making Kentucky the 38th state to do so.
The law officially took effect on June 29, 2023, and the first in-person retail sportsbooks opened on September 7, 2023, coinciding with the NFL season opener.
Online sports betting followed on September 28, 2023, with seven licensed apps launching initially, and Circa Sports joining shortly after.
Kentucky’s law sets the legal betting age at 18, though some sportsbooks, like FanDuel and Caesars, have opted for a 21+ minimum for their platforms.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees sports betting regulations, ensuring a controlled and responsible gambling environment.
List of Kentucky sportsbooks
Kentucky sportsbook | Best for |
|---|---|
bet365 | Unmatched depth in betting features and international sports coverage |
Caesars Sportsbook | Comprehensive experience with excellent customer service and promotions |
FanDuel | Top-rated mobile app with smooth navigation and innovative features |
DraftKings | Seamless DFS integration and exclusive free-to-enter betting pools |
BetRivers | Integrated live streaming for immersive in-game betting experiences |
BetMGM | Superior platform for live betting and complex parlay constructions |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Generous rewards program tailored for frequent bettors |
ESPN BET | Trusted sports media brand with fresh appeal from Barstool rebranding |
Circa Sports | Caters to high-stakes bettors with a simple interface and high-limit betting options |
Best land-based Kentucky legal sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Casino/Location | Address | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Churchill Downs | Louisville | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 | Traditional sports betting experience with iconic venue |
Derby City Gaming | Louisville | 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213 | Accessible location with a focus on local sports |
The Red Mile | Lexington | 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504 | Casino and sports betting in one location |
Ellis Park | Henderson | 3300 Highway 41 N, Henderson, KY 42420 | Full gaming and betting experience with horse racing and sports |
Turfway Park | Florence | 7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY 41042 | Comprehensive sports betting options and live events |
Oak Grove Racing | Oak Grove | 777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262 | Large venue with sports and racing options |
The Mint Gaming Hall | Cumberland Run, Corbin | 777 Winners Lane, Corbin, KY 40701 | Known for high-limit betting and fast service |
Sandy's Racing & Gaming | Ashland | 10699 US-60, Ashland, KY 41102 | Great location for quick bets and expansive gaming options |
How to gamble responsibly with online sportsbooks in Kentucky
Before we end this article, we need to caution you to always bet responsibly.
To ensure you’re being cautious, betting sites implement various responsible gambling practices that will help you keep your betting habits in check.
Limits: Sportsbooks allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site. This prevents you from spending all of your winnings. There’s also the option for early cashout, so you can still get paid if the bet is starting to go sideways.
Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide, that helps new sports bettors understand the industry better, to play safer and more securely.
Responsible gambling organizations and charities in the US
Organization | Contact details |
|---|---|
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-522-4700 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 020 7381 7722 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-888-532-3500 |
Frequently asked questions
What sportsbooks are legal in Kentucky?
Are there any new Kentucky sportsbooks?
How do I sign up to a Kentucky sportsbook?
Which sportsbooks are legal in KY?
Can you play FanDuel Sportsbook in Kentucky?
Can I use Caesars Sportsbook in Kentucky?
Can I use Barstool Sportsbook in Kentucky?
Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
What is the minimum age for sports betting in Kentucky?
Where can I place in-person bets in Kentucky?
What sports can I bet on in Kentucky?
How are winnings from sports betting taxed in Kentucky?
Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
References
To test legal online sportsbooks accurately, we dive into analytical research of the gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.
Below are the references we use when making these decisions:
