Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting in Kentucky (USA)

Top 5 Best Kentucky Betting Sites in 2025

My testing of dozens of platforms has revealed the best Kentucky betting sites. These top 5 sites each excel in different areas and cater to different betting styles and priorities.

1. SportsBetting.ag – Best for mobile experience

SportsBetting.ag excels in mobile performance. Kentucky bettors get a smooth experience without having to download an app. The site adapts to any screen size and all features work across devices.

The site's edge comes from its complete sports coverage of North American leagues and international competitions. You can bet on MLB, NBA, NFL, Cricket, Rugby, Darts, Snooker, Handball and Auto Racing. Soccer markets are a strong point with leagues from over 25 countries and top European competitions.

SportsBetting.ag has competitive odds that give great value on popular sports. The banking system accepts traditional payments such as credit cards and wire transfers, as well as more than a dozen major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin.

New users receive a 50% deposit bonus up to $250. The site has earned its reputation as Kentucky's fastest sportsbook for payouts. Their efficient withdrawal process shows their commitment to getting players their winnings quickly.

2. Bovada – Best for betting variety

Bovada leads the American betting scene with its unmatched market selection that goes far beyond regular sports. This top USA gambling and sports betting site has great odds on NFL, Basketball and Soccer.

You'll find betting on entertainment, politics, e-sports and virtual sports. Sports fans can bet on major leagues, niche competitions and international tournaments. Baseball fans can enjoy America's pastime with 162 MLB regular season games each year, plus college events like the College World Series.

Basketball markets include NBA and NCAA games, with WNBA and NCAA women's basketball options. Hockey fans can bet on NHL games and international events such as the Olympics, World Cup and IIHF World Junior Championship.

Soccer betting has grown with the sport's popularity in the US. Markets include the Premier League, MLS (with the impact of Lionel Messi) and international matches. Tennis betting runs throughout the year with WTA and ATP events, peaking during the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

The site has great welcome bonuses and many ways to deposit and withdraw, including multiple cryptocurrencies. Their mobile platform works smoothly without losing any features, making them the top choice for mobile betting.

3. BetOnline.ag – Best for live betting and odds

BetOnline.ag has become the destination for live betting customers and boasts one of the busiest in-play betting sites in the industry. Founded over 25 years ago, the company's motto is to foster long-term, positive relationships with players and the online gaming community.

Live in-play betting allows punters to bet instantly on favorites for a fast and seamless in-play market on popular sporting events. BetOnline.ag offers extremely competitive odds along with rich prop-building options, allowing punters to bet in customizable ways not available anywhere else.

BetOnline.ag book offers a varied mix that geographically spans the entire world: North Americans enjoy extensive Major League Baseball, NBA and College Basketball, Canadian Football League, American National Football, College Football, and National Hockey League action, along with boxing and UFC mixed martial arts. World-class coverage of cricket, darts, rugby, snooker, Australian rules football, handball and futsal is complemented by professional international baseball, basketball and ice hockey leagues.

4. XBet.ag – Perfect for profit increases and reward loyalty

XBet.ag stands out for its exceptional rewards program and its ability to increase profits. The site's most notable feature is its innovative XBET REWARDS LOYALTY PROGRAM, popularly referred to as the best rakeback and special bonus unlocking system when betting on favorite sports and games.

The program's four-tier structure includes four levels for each tier (Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Onyx). Members move up by earning points for playing: straight bets, specialty games, table games, lottery, live casino, slot games, and deposits. Different activities earn different point values, for example, parlay bets earn 3 points for every $100 wagered, and straight bets earn 1 point for every $100 wagered.

XBet's promotional menu also includes a series of attractive welcome bonuses: a 50% credit card welcome bonus up to $200, 10x playthrough; a 100% cryptocurrency welcome bonus up to $200, 10x playthrough, and an extremely high 200% casino welcome bonus up to $500, 40x playthrough. Returning customers are treated to reload bonuses such as a 50% casino reload bonus up to $500 and a 100% casino weekend reload bonus up to $1,000.

Horseplayers will appreciate XBet's 7% rebate scheme, which automatically returns a percentage of losses within 48 hours. The site's referral program rewards players with a 200% bonus of up to $200 for each friend referred, and there are no referral caps.

5. BetUS – Parlay wagering and app layout are optimum here

Since its inception in 1994, BetUS has become the premier destination for parlay enthusiasts, growing into a massive operation with over 1,000 employees and round-the-clock customer support.

BetUS's parlay system yields high payouts - while betting three games alone would yield about $279.24 in winnings, parlaying them together in a $300 parlay can yield $1,852.52 in winnings plus the stake, for a total of $2,152.52. The site allows parlays from two to fifteen selections with a maximum payout of $200,000.

The site features extremely broad betting lines for baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, e-sports, football, golf, handball, horse racing, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, motorsports, NASCAR, rugby, soccer, surfing, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball. BetUS's design is remarkably clean and easy to read, complemented by their unique "BetUS TV" tab, where veteran bettors make picks and provide tips for popular leagues.

BetUS is generous with bonuses, with a 125% first deposit match up to $3,125 (100% for sports betting, 25% for casino play). Their referral bonus program, with a 300% limit, rewards patrons for referring friends by doubling their first three deposits up to a limit of $2,000.

How to Choose the Right Kentucky Betting Site

It takes more than just a familiar name to choose the right Kentucky betting site. Kentucky bettors have plenty of choices with eight online sportsbooks available and state regulations allowing up to 27 potential operators. Let's look at the key factors that will help you find a site that fits your betting style and priorities.

Check for licensing and legal status

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission handles all sports betting in the state. They set the rules that any legitimate operator must follow. Legal betting sites in Kentucky began operating on September 28, 2023. Each site works with one of the nine horse racing tracks in the state.

Here's how to verify that a site is licensed:

• Look for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission logo
• Check the KHRC eServices Portal
• Find licensing details in the site's footer

The legal betting age in Kentucky is 18. Note that BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, FanDuel and Fanatics require you to be 21 or older. DraftKings, bet365 and Churchill Downs stick to the 18 year old minimum. This makes age verification an important first step in choosing your platform.

Compare welcome bonuses and ongoing promos

Welcome Bonuses can boost your starting bankroll. Each type of bonus works differently, so here's what you'll find:

• Deposit bonuses: The site matches part of your first deposit with site credits
• First bet offers: Lose your first bet? Get bonus bets equal to what you wagered
• Bet and get offers: Place a qualifying bet and receive bonus bets whatever happens
• Odds boosts: Better odds on specific bets for bigger potential wins

The details are important here. BetMGM's $1,500 First Bet offer splits your bet into five bonus bets if you lose, each worth 20% of your original bet. Playthrough requirements can be tricky - some bonuses only last for seven days.

Regular promotions demonstrate a site's long-term value. The best sites offer odds boosts, win multipliers, loyalty programs, and refer-a-friend bonuses. Caesars stands out with one of the best rewards programs among Kentucky sites - you can turn wagering points into various perks.

Evaluate app usability and features

A good user interface makes a huge difference, especially when you're placing quick bets. Quality betting apps should have it:

• Quick market navigation and bet placement
• User-friendly search options for finding events
• Simple betting slip setup for parlays and payout checks
• Smooth live betting features

App ratings tell us a lot. FanDuel leads the pack with 4.8 (iOS) and 4.7 (Android). DraftKings follows close behind with 4.8 (iOS) and 4.6 (Android). Bet365 shows mixed results with 4.7 on iOS but only 3.4 on Android.

Special features can make betting more fun and strategic. Some sites offer live event streaming, cash-out options, same-game parlay builders, and detailed stat hubs. These tools are a great way to get better at betting.

Look at payout speed and banking options

Fast payouts make winning even better. Each Kentucky betting site and payout method has different speeds:

• E-wallets (PayPal, Venmo): Minutes to 24 hours in most cases
• Debit cards: Usually done within 24 hours
• Online banking: Takes 1-2 business days typically
• Physical checks: Up to two weeks

Caesars processes withdrawals within an hour - this is a big deal, as it means they are faster than most sites. FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365 and Fanatics usually pay within 24 hours. BetMGM takes about two business days.

The best Kentucky betting sites allow you to move money around in several ways:

• Credit/debit cards
• E-wallets (PayPal, Venmo, Skrill)
• Online banking transfers
• Prepaid cards (Play+)
• ACH/eCheck

Check that your preferred payment method works for both deposits and withdrawals - some sites limit withdrawal options.

Consider customer support and user reviews

Good support makes a huge difference when you hit a snag. Top Kentucky betting sites offer:

• 24/7 live chat
• Toll-free phone support
• Email help
• Complete FAQ sections
• Social media support teams

BetMGM's customer support gets high marks with a 4.5/5 rating. Users say that the platform is getting better every year.

Real users give us the best insight. One BetMGM bettor shared: "The app is much better than it was a year ago in terms of performance. It has very competitive odds, a great variety of bets and very fast payouts. Deposits and withdrawals are painless."

Legal Landscape of Online Kentucky Betting Sites

Kentucky betting sites developed faster than expected. Lawmakers went from passing the bill to full implementation in 2023 in just six months. The legal landscape provides important context for bettors to navigate the state's growing online wagering market.

Timeline of legalization and launch dates

Kentucky's path to legal sports betting took a quick turn after years of failed attempts. The big moment came on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on the last day of the 2023 legislative session. The law went into effect on June 29, 2023, beginning a 90-day implementation period.

Key milestones in Kentucky's sports betting timeline:

• July 10, 2023: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission unanimously approved sports betting regulations
• July 13, 2023: Governor created a "Sports Wagering Advisory Council" via executive order
• August 10, 2023: Seven operators submitted applications for online betting licenses
• September 7, 2023: Retail sports betting launched at physical locations
• September 28, 2023: Online sports betting officially went live at 6 a.m. ET

Kentucky accomplished in just six months what took other states years to do. The rapid rollout met Governor Beshear's goal of having sports betting ready for the 2023 NFL season.

Minimum age requirements: 18+ vs 21+

Kentucky's wagering framework is notable for its low minimum age requirement. State law allows anyone 18 years of age or older to place sports bets. This is consistent with the Commonwealth's existing horse racing and lottery gambling regulations.

Still, state laws and operator policies don't always match up. Many major Kentucky betting sites set their own higher age limits:

Sportsbook	Minimum Age Requirement
BetMGM	21+
Caesars	21+
FanDuel	21+
ESPN BET	21+
Fanatics	21+
DraftKings	18+
bet365	18+
Circa	18+

FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars maintain a 21+ policy even though Kentucky law allows betting at 18. This creates two different systems within legal Kentucky betting sites based on age groups.

Licensing structure and number of operators

Kentucky's sports betting licensing system is unique. The state's horse racing industry leads the way, unlike most other states. Licensed racetracks are the primary licensees and can partner with up to three online service providers.

The licensing system has:

• Operator licenses: Only nine horse racing associations can get these, costing $500,000 at first with $50,000 yearly renewal fees
• Service provider licenses: Online betting platforms partnering with tracks pay $50,000 initially with $10,000 yearly renewal fees
• Occupational licenses: Betting industry employees need these

Kentucky could support up to 27 mobile sportsbooks under this system. Currently, eight operators are live: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and ESPN BET (formerly Barstool).

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission administers all sports betting rules. Each service provider must demonstrate compliance and operate in at least three other U.S. gaming jurisdictions in order to obtain a permanent license.

Tax rates and revenue distribution

Kentucky has two different tax rates. Online betting sites pay 14.25% on adjusted gross receipts, while retail locations pay 9.75%. This reflects the lower costs and greater reach of online platforms.

The revenue figures are impressive. Officials thought they'd get $23 million in annual taxes. The first four months (September-December 2023) brought in $15.5 million. Bettors wagered a total of $892 million and operators earned $110 million.

Most of the tax money helps Kentucky's pension system by fixing unfunded pension problems. Problem gambling prevention receives 2.5% of profits. This provides a steady stream of funding for addiction treatment and prevention.

Operators must report taxes by the 20th of each month. This keeps everything transparent and provides a steady stream of money for government programs.

Promotions and Bonus Offers Explained

Promotional offers can make all the difference to bettors who choose licensed Kentucky betting sites. These attractive bonuses can significantly boost your bankroll and give you more betting options. You need to understand how they work to get the most value out of them.

Types of bonuses: deposit match, no sweat bets, profit boosts

Kentucky betting sites offer several types of bonuses. Each has its own benefits:

Deposit Match Bonuses: These match your original deposit with bonus money. These are the most common types:

• 100% match (deposit $100, receive $100 in bonus funds)
• 50% match (deposit $100, receive $50 in bonus funds)
• 20% deposit match up to $1000 (you'll need $5000 to maximize)

No Sweat bets (previously called risk-free bets): You get your initial bet back if it loses. With BetMGM's $1500 First Bet offer, your initial bet will be returned as bonus bets if your initial bet fails. You'll get one bonus bet if you bet less than $50 and lose. Bets over $50 give you five bonus bets in 20% increments.

Bet & Get offers: You receive bonus bets after placing a qualifying wager, regardless of the outcome. FanDuel's "Bet $5, Get $200" gives you bonus bets if your original $5 bet wins. bet365's "Bet $5, Get $150" pays out whether you win or lose.

Winnings Increases: Your winnings are increased by a percentage. A 50% boost turns a $100 win into a $150 win. Caesars gives you ten 100% Win Boosts after every wager of $1 or more.

Odds Boosts: These improve the odds on certain markets. Odds can jump from -200 to +100 on selected events, potentially doubling your payout.

Terms and conditions to watch for

These important terms require your attention before claiming any promotion:

Playthrough requirements: You must wager bonus money several times before cashing out any winnings. Many Kentucky betting sites have a 1x playthrough requirement for bonus wagers. Deposit games may require up to 25x playthrough.

Time limits: Bonus bets usually expire in 7-14 days. FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM bonus bets are good for 7 days. Caesars gives you 14 days.

Minimum odds requirements: Promotions often require specific odds to qualify. Fanatics wants minimum odds of -500 for promotions. A bet at -450 will work, but -510 will not.

Maximum payout limits: Some promotions cap your winnings. Caesars' Profit Boost tokens cap additional winnings at $2500 per boost.

Stake Exclusions: Bonus bet winnings do not include the original bet, unlike cash bets.

Promo code requirements vs automatic bonuses

Kentucky betting sites use two main methods to activate bonuses:

Promo code required: Some offers require a specific code to be entered during the sign up or deposit process. bet365 requires the code "CHECK" for their "Bet $5, Get $150" promotion.

Automatic application: Others activate without codes once you meet the requirements. Fanatics says "No promo code needed" and applies automatically with qualifying bets.

There are two ways to claim these bonuses:

1. Click "CLAIM PROMO" and complete registration
2. Enter the promo code during signup or first deposit

Examples of current offers from top sites

These great offers are available at Kentucky betting sites as of May 14, 2025:

• Fanatics: 10 No Sweat Bets up to $100 each over your first 10 days
• BetMGM: Up to $1500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses
• FanDuel: Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins
• DraftKings: Bet $5, get $200 instantly in bonus bets
• bet365: Pick between "Bet $5, Get $150" whatever the outcome or "$1000 First Bet Safety Net"

Welcome Bonuses require a new account and cannot be combined with other offers. Signup bonuses give you a one-time value. Regular bettors can benefit long-term from ongoing promotions such as odds boosts, win multipliers and loyalty rewards at online Kentucky betting sites.

How to Get Started with a Licensed Kentucky Betting Site

Licensed Kentucky betting sites require a simple five-step process to get started. This guide will help you comply with legal requirements and make the most of your first experience.

Step 1: Choose a licensed sportsbook

Eight authorized Kentucky wagering sites operate under the supervision of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The list includes bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and ESPN BET. Your priorities should guide your platform selection - mobile experience, bonus offerings, or payout speed. Age requirements vary from platform to platform. Some accept users 18+ (bet365, DraftKings), while others require users to be 21+ (BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel).

Step 2: Register and verify your identity

Download the application of your choice and complete the registration form. You'll need to provide your name, address, email, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. Modern e-verification software helps licensed Kentucky betting sites confirm your identity instantly. Some platforms may ask you to upload a government-issued ID. The address on your license works better than your current address if verification issues arise.

Step 3: Make your first deposit

The "Deposit" button in your account will display these payment options:

• Online banking (payout: 1-3 business days)
• Debit/credit cards (payout: 2-5 business days)
• PayPal (payout: within 24 hours)
• E-Check (payout: 3-5 business days)

The platforms usually require a minimum deposit of $10. Each payment method has its own processing time.

Step 4: Claim your welcome bonus

Welcome bonuses work in two ways - you either enter a promo code when you register/deposit, or you qualify by taking certain actions. FanDuel requires a $5 minimum deposit for their welcome offer. BetMGM's offer requires both a code and a $10 minimum deposit.

Step 5: Place your first bet

Your funded account allows you to choose your sport and event. Select your betting market, enter how much you want to bet and confirm your bet. Different promotions offer different rewards. For example, bet365 will give you $150 for a $5 bet no matter what happens, while FanDuel will only give you $200 if you win your $5 bet.

A Final Look at Betting Sites in Kentucky

Kentucky's sports betting market has taken off since its launch in September 2023. The state recorded $289 million in handle in March 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year. The state's regulatory framework allows up to 27 licensed operators to operate under the oversight of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Eight platforms are currently active in the market.

Our analysis shows SportsBetting.ag, Bovada, BetOnline.ag, XBet.ag and BetUS as the top choices. Each platform excels in areas such as mobile experience, betting variety, live wagering, rewards programs, and parlay features. These separate offerings show just how competitive Kentucky's betting scene has become.

The right platform for you depends on what is most important to you. Start by checking their licensing status, then take a look at their welcome bonuses. These range from deposit matches to no sweat bets with different wagering requirements. Your betting experience also depends a lot on how easy the app is to use, especially if you have time-sensitive in-play bets. FanDuel's iOS app, rated 4.8, provides users with a smooth experience.

Money moves at different speeds across these platforms. E-wallet withdrawals typically take 24 hours, while physical checks can take two weeks. The quality of customer service also varies. BetMGM scores 4.5/5 for quick responses, while some others are criticized for technical problems.