Kentucky Sports Betting: Pre-Launch Is Now Live!

Get ready for legal online sports betting in Kentucky! Discover top operators, generous welcome packages, and exciting promotions for the 2023 NFL Season.

Last Updated: September 26, 2023

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Bonus

Prelaunch is live

Leading sports betting platform
Generous pre-launch bonus.
Going live on September 28.

$100 in Bonus Bets

Pre-Launch Offer

no deposit is required

Get Bonus » or read our full review »

Accepting Registrations

$200 in bonus bets up for grabs
Variety of betting markets.
Going live on September 28.

$200 in Bonus Bets

Pre-Launch Offer

no deposit required to claim

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

Kentucky Sports Betting Latest Updates

Sep 26
Only two days left until mobile sports betting goes live in Kentucky. Open an account with BetMGM and DraftKings during the pre-launch and claim $300 in Bonus Bets – no deposit required!
Sep 22
Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council adds Formula 1, National Rugby League Australia, Professional Fighters League, Bellator MMA and Universal Tennis League to the betting catalog.
Sep 22
Governor Andy Beshear reveals that more than 60,000 bettors signed up during the pre-launch for mobile sports betting in Kentucky.
Sep 20
The most popular football teams in the state Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats are at a 3-0 record this season.
Sep 18
Ten days left until online sports betting goes live. Pre-launch offers are still available!

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Kentucky. The state legalized sports betting, including online platforms, in March 2023. Residents and visitors will be able to place bets on sports events through authorized online sports betting sites or mobile apps within the state’s boundaries from September 7, 2023 (retail shops) and September 28, 2023 (online betting).

The Best Sportsbooks in KY

With Kentucky being one of the most recent states to make online sports betting legal, no wonder there is going to be big competition between operators to grab as many customers as possible in the opening weeks.

BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have confirmed their betting apps will be ready for the Kentucky launch on September 28, 2023. If they are going to follow the same patterns for brand-new launches before, these operators should offer their standard welcome packages for fellow Kentuckians, while some of the pre-launch offers are already live!

Pre-Launch Offers — How They Work

Even though online sports betting in Kentucky will launch on September 28, bettors don’t have to wait for this date to claim bonus bets. Right now there are two pre-launch offers and the process of claiming them is straightforward. Don’t miss out as there are only a couple of days left!

Take a couple of minutes to open a new account using our promo links below and receive $100 or $200 in bonus bets on the launch date! There is no deposit required and claiming both offers is also an option.

BetMGM Sportsbook Kentucky

BetMGM was one of the first to communicate and reach an agreement with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), getting a license to operate in the state. It is ranked as one of the best sportsbooks in the United States, offering a vast selection of betting markets for over 25 different sports.

All the modern features like cash out, bet editing, same-game parlay builders, and live streaming are available at BetMGM. We’ve always praised this sportsbook for the competitiveness of its odds, especially for NHL and NBA action.

BetMGM Sportsbook has announced their special Pre-Launch, No Deposit Required offer in the last week of August, giving $100 to all new players who sign up before September 28, 2023. Don’t miss out on this fantastic promotion and get your bonus bets ready by opening a new account using THIS LINK.

As for the welcome package, a First Bet Offer of up to $1,000, should be available for Kentucky players on launch day. How it works: if a player fails to land their first bet, they will get their initial stake refunded in bonus bets, up to $1,000. On top of that, BetMGM runs frequent promotions and rewards loyal customers.

Head to BetMGM for more info and to sign up for its brand-new Kentucky Sportsbook.

Last verified: August 2023

Special Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer!

Get $100 in bonus bets just for signing up!

Bonus bets issued as 4 x $25 bets
Offer available for limited time only, so don’t wait to claim!
Enjoy live streaming of popular events
Great mobile betting experience

Claim Signup Offer

See BetMGM.com for Ts & Cs. Must be 21+ to wager. KY only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky

Although primarily known for its interstellar Daily Fantasy Sports services, DraftKings US has successfully expanded into the sports betting and casino realm. According to the latest reports, DraftKings is the number one DFS provider for Kentucky players, who will also be delighted to use this operator for all their wagering needs.

DraftKings is among the first Kentucky sportsbooks to promote a Pre-Launch bonus for new players. The DK pre-launch bonus requires minimal investment and can lead to building a significant betting bankroll for new players. Sign up now and receive $200 in bonus bets (8 x $25 bonus bets) automatically on September 28, when DraftKings KY goes live. That’s it. No deposit required!

The DraftKings Sportsbook App is one of the best mobile betting platforms in the industry and is notoriously easy to use. It doesn’t matter which sports you prefer the most — this provider has a great selection of sports, markets, and promotions, while the odds are more than competitive.

Learn more about the DraftKings Sportsbook KY pre-launch no deposit bonus, or simply follow this link to sign up and secure your $200 in bonus bets!

Last verified: August 2023

Special Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer!

Special limited time $200 bonus for Kentucky players that pre-register
Access to renowned DraftKings Rewards Program
Great mobile sportsbook app

Claim Signup Offer or read our full review »

FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky

FanDuel has also offered Daily Fantasy Sports services in the Bluegrass State for years. They are going to be one of the first operators to launch their sports betting application and website in Kentucky.

This brand has been up and running since 2009 as one of the most popular DFS providers in the country, but they have successfully branched out to online sports betting and casino realms.

Right now, FanDuel Sportsbook is running a generous Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets, and this is going to be their standard welcome package for Kentucky players as well when mobile betting goes live.

Eight Mobile Operators Received Temporary Licenses

Regulators in Kentucky awarded temporary licenses to eight mobile sportsbooks on August 22, 2023. Sports bettors will be able to sign up with these operators and claim pre-launch deals on Monday, August 28. Here is the list of licensed mobile sportsbooks for the Bluegrass State:

ESPN Bet
DraftKings Sportsbook
Circa Sport
Caesars Sportsbook
BetMGM
BetFanatics
Bet365
FanDuel

KY Online Sports Betting Laws and Regulations

Initially, local government representatives showed little love for sports betting in Kentucky despite the industry-revolutionizing PASPA repeal in 2018. The US Supreme Court gave all states the power to decide whether or not they would embrace sports wagering by overturning the federal ban in 2018.

While some states rushed to take advantage of the opportunity offered by a new, unexplored gambling market, Kentucky declined to enact sports betting for years. Representative Adam Koenig made his first attempt to move a sports betting bill through the state legislature in 2019, but that effort and subsequent ones over the next three years all came up short.

But calls to enact sports betting gradually grew and resistance to the idea began to wane. The House passed a sports betting bill, HB 606, on a 58-30 vote in 2022, but it did not advance in the Senate.

The breakthrough finally came in 2023 after Representative Michael Meredith took over the effort. His bill, HB 551, received the required support in both House (63-34) and Senate (25-12) on the very last day of the legislative session. The final piece fell into place when Governor Andy Beshear signed the bill into law, clearing the way for legal sports betting in Kentucky.

The new law allows all nine of Kentucky’s horse racing tracks and the Kentucky Speedway to host retail sports wagering rooms on their properties. Each of the nine premises can welcome up to three online betting operators. This allows room for as many as 27 online sports betting operators in the Bluegrass State.

All applicants must secure licensing and approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), which was selected to be the governing body in charge of regulating the state’s new gambling industry.

Kentucky Online Sports Betting and Taxes

As per HB 551, retail sportsbooks are subject to a 9.75% tax rate, while the online sports betting tax rate goes to 14.25%. While not as low as Nevada’s 6.25% rate, these rates are better than the average standard across the United States.

For the sake of comparison, sportsbooks in New York need to pay a massive 51% tax rate. The Kentucky rates thus only work in favor of the betting operators, meaning we have all the reasons to expect lucrative Kentucky sportsbook promo offers upon launch.

As for bettors, they need to pay a 25% federal tax and a 6% local tax for any gambling wins of $600 or more at a sportsbook or elsewhere. To avoid having your single-wager winnings deducted (remember, the deductions only happen if the winnings are $600 or more), you can fill in a W-9 form. Once you do so, your Kentucky sportsbook will always pay you in full, but you will need to settle your tax bill with the IRS at the end of the year.

The good thing with this is that any losses you suffer throughout a year will be deducted from your winnings, meaning you will only pay the tax for the profit made between January 1st and December 31st.

How to Bet on Sports in KY

Retail sportsbooks opened on September 7, while online sports betting in Kentucky will go live three weeks later, on September 28. You will have no shortage of places to bet, as the state laws allow up to 27 distinct wagering operators to go live in Kentucky. We already have confirmations from several US industry heavyweights who will hit the new KY market on launch day, including DraftKings and BetMGM.

The process of placing a sports bet in Kentucky will thus be straightforward, knowing the reputation the aforementioned operators have. It includes the following:

To start, you will need to visit one of the KY sports betting apps (the first ones will go live on September 28) and create your account.
Give accurate information regarding your personal details and select Kentucky as your state while filling in the registration form.
Once you have your new KY sportsbook account, you should check for any promotions it offers.
Most sportsbooks will offer a hefty welcome package for new players. You should check all the terms and conditions of these promotions to be able to take maximum advantage of the bonus.
Make your first deposit with the sportsbook, using any relevant bonus codes, if available.
Once you fund your betting account, you are all set to start making your first wagers.

What Sports You Can Bet on in Kentucky?

Kentucky regulator revealed their initial list of approved sports for online betting and retail shops. The most popular leagues in the country like MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, WNBA and Nascar have made it to the list. Sports bettors will also have markets available for soccer (both US and European matches) eSport events, racing & motor sport (US events only), golf (international tournaments), darts, chess and more.

The catalog received a significant update on September 21, 2023, so sports bettors in the Bluegrass State are getting lines and markets for sports like Formula 1, National Rugby League Australia, Professional Fighters League, Bellator MMA and Universal Tennis League on day one!

Why Bet with Legal Sportsbooks?

Kentucky became the 37th US state that legalized online sports betting. The luxury of placing legal bets on your favorite teams from the comfort of your home without any unwanted risks represents a significant upgrade for the state’s sports aficionados.

In the absence of legal sportsbooks, some residents in Kentucky placed real money wagers with risky offshore operators. These sportsbooks are not licensed to operate in Kentucky or any other US state. While they may promise to always pay out their winnings, we have seen numerous cases in which they have failed to live up to that promise, causing significant problems for bettors, particularly those who have landed serious winnings and have large amounts of money at stake.

The worst part about offshore operators is that there is no legal way for you to demand the payout of your winnings. They are not licensed, and, as such, they are not obligated to pay debts. The only downside for them would be a poor reputation in these cases.

However, these times are luckily now behind us as Kentucky has finally embraced legal sports betting, which will be available in September. From now on, local residents can pick one of several legally operating, fully licensed sportsbooks in the state, where they won’t need to worry about anything else other than the outcome of their wagers.

To obtain a license, sports betting operators must follow the strictest security measures, including separating player funds from the money of their operational costs as well as securing timely payouts on every single occasion. Licensed operators guarantee 100% fair treatment. They also pay taxes, so a portion of their money goes to various socially beneficial programs.

Banking Options at Kentucky Sportsbooks

Unlike some other states, Kentucky sports betting does not impose restrictions in terms of banking methods. The real money sports betting operators that go live in September will thus offer an array of options, including the following:

Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Discover
VIP Preferred (e-check)
Play+
Venmo
Online Banking
Wire Transfer
PayNearMe
Physically at a Retail Sportsbook

Learn More: Most Popular US Sportsbooks That Accept PayPal

FAQ

When does sports betting start in Kentucky?

Fully licensed and regulated retail sportsbooks will open on September 7, while Kentucky’s online sports betting apps will launch on September 28.

What are the best betting apps in Kentucky?

DraftKings betting app has an average rating 4.8 out of 5 on the app store after more than 250,000 customer reviews. It’s well-designed, easy to use and it will be available for all Kentucky residents to download and use. BetMGM’s betting app is slightly less polished, but deserves high rating as well.

What sportsbooks are in Kentucky?

The KY sports betting bill (HB 551) allows up to 27 online sports betting apps to go live in the Bluegrass State. All the biggest companies in the niche, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, have confirmed they will launch in the newly opened Kentucky market, so bettors will be spoiled for choice once everything goes live.

How old do I need to be to place legal sports wagers in Kentucky?

You must be at least 18 years old to legally bet on sports in KY. You will need to verify your age during the registration process with any Kentucky sports betting operator.

Can you bet on Kentucky college teams?

Like in all other states where online sports betting is legal, bettors from Kentucky won’t be able to place bets on in-state college teams, but wagering on all squads outside the state is perfectly fine and permitted.

Are there any Kentucky sportsbook bonuses?

Yes! In fact, we expect Kentucky sports betting operators to come up with even more attractive promotional offers because of the low tax rates in the state.

Who regulates online sports betting in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is responsible for overseeing retail and online sports betting in the Bluegrass State.

Can I combine Pre-Launch Bonus Bets with standard welcome packages?

According to the latest info from BetMGM and DraftKings Sportsbooks, sports bettors from Kentucky are able to choose between pre-launch offer and standard welcome bonus, but unable to claim both.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500

Kentucky Sports Betting History

Sep 26
Only two days left until mobile sports betting goes live in Kentucky. Open an account with BetMGM and DraftKings during the pre-launch and claim $300 in Bonus Bets – no deposit required!
Sep 22
Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council adds Formula 1, National Rugby League Australia, Professional Fighters League, Bellator MMA and Universal Tennis League to the betting catalog.
Sep 22
Governor Andy Beshear reveals that more than 60,000 bettors signed up during the pre-launch for mobile sports betting in Kentucky.
Sep 20
The most popular football teams in the state Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats are at a 3-0 record this season.
Sep 18
Ten days left until online sports betting goes live. Pre-launch offers are still available!
Sep 07
Retail sports betting is now open in Kentucky! Governor Andy Beshear makes the first wager at Churchill Downs.
Sep 01
Kentucky’s Sports Wagering Advisory Council releases the initial list of sports approved for betting. Alongside all major sports leagues, there’s also some less common competitions on the list.
Aug 30
BetMGM Sportsbook launches their Kentucky pre-launch deal. You can open a new account and receive $100 in Bonus Bets with no deposit required.
Aug 28
DraftKings Sportsbook is among the first to launch a pre-launch welcome package. Join before September 28 to receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
Aug 22
Kentucky issues licenses to nine sportsbooks, including eight mobile. Major US sports betting brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are included in the list of approved apps
Aug 18
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announces that players will be able to claim pre-launch offers for mobile sports betting in Kentucky beginning on August 28.
Aug 12
Sports Betting in Kentucky will launch on September 7 for retail shops, and September 28 for online betting. Seven operators are among the first to apply for mobile licenses.