Home Gambling Gambling in Kentucky – Is it Legal? Get $5,000 at KY Gambling Sites
Mike Austin

Gambling in Kentucky is not strictly legal at the moment. You can bet on horses through pari-mutuel sites, but aside from that, your options are fairly limited. However, Kentuckians can sign up and enjoy safe online gambling on offshore sites. 

So, if you are looking to do some sports betting or casino gaming in Kentucky right now, you should check out our detailed list of the best offshore sites out there. Take a look at the rest of our guide to learn more about how you can safely sign up for a top-quality online gambling site in Kentucky and more!

Kentucky Gambling Sites

List of the Best Gambling Kentucky Sites

With the market overflowing with gambling sites, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here is our expert-curated list of the ten best gambling sites operating in Kentucky that you can wager on.

  1. BetOnline – The best Kentucky gambling site
  2. Wild Casino – Live dealer games are excellent
  3. XBet – Superb promotions
  4. BetUS – Excellent live betting markets
  5. Bovada – Diverse range of gambling options
  6. MyBookie – Crypto-friendly deposit options
  7. Ignition – The best poker platform
  8. Everygame – Generous welcome bonuses
  9. SportsBetting.ag – Tons of sports markets to bet on
  10. Jazz – One of the best online casinos in Kentucky

Reviews of the Best Kentucky Gambling Sites

You’ve seen our top 10 list, but now we want to expand on these sites a little more so that you get an in-depth idea of what these sites have in store for you.

1. BetOnline – The Best Kentucky Gambling Site

BetOnline Sportsbook

There is no doubt that BetOnline has become one of the biggest and most exciting online gambling platforms in the US. With their extensive range of casino games that include the latest and best slot titles, it’s easy to see why so many players choose BetOnline to gamble with. Their selection of live dealer games are exceptional as well. 

In addition, with a dedicated sportsbook and racebook, BetOnline offers players a level of diversity that many other sites simply can’t match. After spending a couple of minutes on the site, you will quickly come to realize why we regard this site so highly.  There are also some stellar BetOnline bonus codes to claim at any given time as well.

Pros:

  • Excellent live betting section
  • Tons of betting markets
  • Uses top-notch casino gaming software
  • Plenty of promotions on offer

Cons:

  • High credit card fees

2. Wild Casino – Live Dealer Games are Excellent

wild live casino

As far as online gambling in Kentucky goes, Wild Casino is definitely near the top of our list of the best offshore sites. You may not be able to bet on sports or horse racing events, but if casino gaming is your thing, then you will love Wild Casino. They have a plethora of different casino games to choose from and a superb live casino section as well.

You can take your pick from several crypto deposit options to fund your account in addition to the more standard eWallet and banking options they provide. Moreover, if you ever run into any issues with your account, you can always get in touch with Wild Casino customer support which we found to be incredibly helpful. Additionally, the Wild Casino promo codes offer an incentive to test out this platform for new users.

Pros:

  • Extensive range of slots
  • Excellent selection of crypto deposit options
  • Superb user interface
  • Easy to sign up

Cons:

  • No sportsbook
  • High rollover requirements on bonus

3. XBet – Superb Promotions

xbet lobby

Gambling in KY may be tricky with regard to legality, but you’ll forget all about that when you start using XBet. XBet is everything you could ever need in an online betting site with its comprehensive sportsbook and casino offerings. Players who sign up for XBet are not only treated to high odds but also to a superb XBet welcome bonus offer.

XBet is a jack of all trades in that they offer users the chance to bet on sports and horse racing, each with its own dedicated section on the site. In addition, you can also play all the casino games you could ever ask for. All of this can be done by simply adding funds to your XBet account with the numerous deposit options they make available.

Pros:

  • Speedy transactions
  • Variety of betting markets
  • Excellent list of slots
  • Top-quality customer care

Cons:

  • Live dealer games could load faster
  • User interface is a little sloppy

4. BetUS – Excellent Live Betting Markets

Kentucky Gambling - BetUS

BetUS offers users the option to play in their dedicated casino section or bet on their array of sports. You can place live bets on major and minor tournaments from around the globe. The wide range of Esports betting opportunities they offered was a cherry on top. You can even claim a BetUS promo code to boost your bets.

BetUS has made the KY gambling scene significantly better with its excellent customer service, speedy payouts, and range of gambling options. Should you ever run into an issue with your account, don’t hesitate to contact the support service as we found them to professional and friendly when dealing with our questions.

Pros:

  • Generous bonus offer
  • Plenty of other promotions available
  • Diverse range of slots
  • Excellent UI

Cons:

  • Wagering requirements are a bit steep
  • Loyalty program needs work

5. Bovada – Diverse Range of Gambling Options

Kentucky Gambling - Bovada

Bovada has now become a household name within the US gambling scene. The name is now synonymous with the superb online casino and sports betting experience it offers. More and more players have flocked to the Bovada platform, which is why adding them to our list of quality offshore platforms was a no-brainer. 

With Bovada’s comprehensive range of sports betting markets and casino games, you are more than likely going to find something that interests you on the site. If you’re interested in claiming a Bovada bonus code, you’ll find one of those available as well.

Pros:

  • Bitcoin transactions are free
  • Promotions aplenty
  • Diverse range of betting markets
  • Excellent live casino

Cons:

  • Limited crypto deposit options
  • Credit cards fees are high

6. MyBookie – Crypto-Friendly Deposit Options

Kentucky Gambling - MyBookie

Before you even get to the excellent gambling options on the site, you are greeted by a special MyBookie welcome bonus. Once you get past the tempting bonus, you are indulged in a wide selection of sports markets, casino games, racing, and live-betting options to wet your gambling appetite. Additionally, MyBookie regularly runs many seasonal promotions, so keep an eye on their offers page while you play. 

The actual gambling on the site matches the quality of the promotions. As far as sports betting goes, you can take your pick from baseball, basketball, and tennis to football, soccer, and even rugby union. You’ll also find some of the most popular casino games to choose from as well with all the very best slots and table games on offer. The live dealer section is not too shabby either.

Pros:

  • Excellent range of sports markets
  • A good number of slots to choose from
  • Generous promotions on offer
  • An easy-to-use platform

Cons:

  • Needs more Esports markets
  • Customer service could be more responsive

7. Ignition – The Best Poker Platform

Kentucky Gambling - Ignition

In addition to a fully stacked poker section, Ignition offers players a number of fantastic slot games to play as well. In addition, their live casino offering is excellent, as the games load quickly, and the diversity of options is stellar. However, it was the software that stood out to us, as the live dealer games looked aesthetically pleasing. 

You can also reach out to their customer support seamlessly as they are always ready and willing to help their users out of a jam. You can fund your Ignition account with plenty of safe and secure deposit options as well. The process of funding your Ignition account is made better by the unmatched Ignition casino bonus offer they provide.

Pros:

  • Tons of promotions
  • Superb live casino
  • Dedicated poker section
  • Responsive support

Cons:

  • No Sportsbook on offer
  • No eWallet options

8. Everygame – Generous Welcome Bonuses

Kentucky Gambling - Everygame

You can fund your sports betting and casino gaming at Everygame with ease, as there are a number of crypto deposit options and traditional deposit methods as well. Once you top up your account, you can then start betting on everything from the MLS and NBA to the English Premier League and PGA Tour. There are enough sports to satisfy even the staunchest sports fans. 

Don’t forget to check out the promotions page when you visit the site. Everygame regularly runs a number of exciting promotions for players to claim, which can really give your bets and casino gaming a boost. There is even an Everygame welcome bonus that is a great boost for new players who sign up on the site. 

Pros:

  • Comprehensive sportsbook
  • Dedicated poker section
  • Regular promotions on offer 
  • Great casino software

Cons:

  • No live streaming option
  • No telephone option for customer service

9. SportsBetting.ag – Tons of Sports to Bet on

Kentucky gambling - Sportsbetting.ag

Only a few sites in the US offer the kind of sports betting markets SportsBetting.ag offers. You can create genuinely unique parlay bets with SportsBetting.ag as they give you all the tools to do so. Furthermore, you can create these unique bets with just about every sport you can think of. The sports betting options on the platform are seemingly endless, with a heap of betting markets to match them as well. 

What we liked about the site were the deposit limits. High rollers and casual sports betting fans will easily be able to make a deposit that suits their needs. You can also choose from plenty of reputable traditional deposit options as well. With the deposit options being accompanied by bonus offers, claiming your SportsBetting.ag welcome bonus is made easy, as no one is left out of the promotion. 

Pros:

  • Superb customer service
  • An exciting casino section
  • Crypto friendly
  • Offers cash-out feature on bets

Cons:

  • User interface could be better
  • Could do with more eWallet options

10. Jazz – One of the Best Online Casinos in Kentucky

Kentucky Gambling - Jazz

It’s clear right from the jump where Jazz’s strengths lie, and that is with their extensive casino offering. While it may be a reasonably unknown site, this has not stopped them from offering one of the most competitive casino sections we have seen to date. Their sportsbook isn’t far off their casino quality either. 

Jazz has been designed in such a way that it is super easy to use, and players who are new to the world of online casino gaming will have no issue understanding the site. Moreover, if at any point you find it difficult, there is a dedicated support team to help you through the platform.

Pros:

  • Speedy payouts
  • Excellent casino software for live dealer games
  • Plenty of promotions
  • Over 2,000 casino games

Cons:

  • Customer support can be quicker
  • Sports betting markets are limited

Frequently Asked Questions about Gambling in Kentucky

You might still have many unanswered questions about the Kentucky gambling scene. We’ve answered some of the most popular questions here:

Is gambling legal in Kentucky?

What law prohibits gambling in Kentucky?

What is the gambling age in Kentucky?

How to file Kentucky gambling winnings?

Comparing the Best Kentucky Gambling Sites

There are plenty of online gambling sites that can meet your needs as a Kentucky gambler. Below is a table of some of the best offshore sites that we have reviewed and what they offer you.

Sportsbook Sportsbook Racebook Esports Online Casino Poker Lottery
BetOnline
Wild Casino
XBet
BetUS
Bovada
MyBookie
Ignition
Everygame
SportsBetting.ag
Jazz

Is Gambling Legal in Kentucky?

At this time, your gambling opportunities in Kentucky are pretty limited. We know that’s not what you want to hear, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles when it comes to Kentucky gambling laws. There are no land-based casinos in Kentucky right now, which is ironic considering the Bluegrass State is a hub of horse racing events. What you can do is place pari-mutuel horse racing bets online. Aside from that, your gambling opportunities in the state are limited to offshore platforms. 

Who can Gamble Online in Kentucky?

You will only be able to physically gamble on horses in Kentucky if you are 18 years of age and older. With that said, anyone in Kentucky above 18 years of age can make use of the offshore gambling sites we have mentioned in this guide. 

Types of Kentucky Gambling Sites

The main source of gambling online in Kentucky may be pari-mutuel horse racing betting, but that doesn’t mean that the offshore sites we have listed stick to this trend. You’ll find plenty of other avenues for gambling online with these sites. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to find with them. 

Sports Gambling Sites

Throughout the US, no gambling sector is quite as loved as a sports betting platform. Sporting events are happening all the time across the globe, which is why it is typically the most exciting and accessible avenue for betting online. 

The best Kentucky sports betting sites may vary in terms of what they allow you to bet on, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the best sportsbooks in the US will let you bet on all the major sports in the world. In addition, some of these sites also allow you to bet on more obscure sports like table tennis, yachting, and darts.

Horse Gambling Sites

We know that Kentucky allows pari-mutuel horse racing betting, so you’ll quickly become familiar with top horse racing betting sites like BetOnline. In addition, you’ll often find that the best sports betting sites will have a separate racebook for you to sink your teeth into as well. These racebooks will cover plenty of major and minor horse racing events in the US (including the Kentucky Derby itself), along with events from horse racing crazy nations like Dubai, the UK, and Australia. 

Esports Gambling Sites

Esports betting has become increasingly popular over the years. Some of the Esports events that occur across the US and Europe have massive prize pools and draw some pretty huge crowds. There are plenty of Esports matches happening every day, from qualifiers to full-blown tournaments, and the best Esports betting sites will allow you to bet on all of them. Sites that give you more diversity are typically the best, so look out for options like CS: GO gambling, along with DOTA 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and more. 

Casino Gambling Sites

Casino gaming is incredibly popular in many parts of the US. While Las Vegas is the hub for brick-and-mortar gambling establishments, the online gambling world has taken the rest of the US by storm. The best Kentucky casino sites will make a plethora of different slots, table games, and live dealer games available to you. In addition, they also offer plenty of exciting promotions, especially for new users. Some of the offshore sites we listed are ideal for an exciting casino gaming experience. 

Poker Gambling Sites

If cards are more your thing, you can definitely find a platform that meets your needs. Poker is a beloved card game in the US, and finding a top-quality online poker site is not all that difficult. What separates the best poker gambling sites from the mediocre ones is not only the number of poker variants they offer but also the frequency with which they provide players with poker tournaments. Moreover, most of these tournaments will have massive prizes for finishing first. 

Lottery Gambling Sites

While not every state in the US provides its citizens with a lottery, you can use the Kentucky State Lottery website to buy tickets for the national lottery right now. However, none of the offshore sites we mentioned above offer lottery; instead, they offer other variants like Keno, Bingo, and scratch cards.

How to Register with Gambling Sites in Kentucky

If you are looking to register for one of the offshore gambling sites we listed, you’ll find that the process is actually pretty easy. Let’s take a look at an example of signing up for the best online gambling site in Kentucky, BetOnline.

Step 1: Hit the “Join Now” option

First things first, you need to locate the “join now” option at the top of the BetOnline homepage. Once you select this option, you will be taken to another page where you will need to enter information about yourself.

betonline join

Step 2: Filling in your details

Once you get to this page, you will need to enter some information like your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and preferred password. 

BetOnline enter details

Step 3: Verify your account and make your first deposit

BetOnline will then send you an email for verification. Once you have verified this email, you are pretty much all set to get started. The last step in the process is to top up your gambling account. Simply choose one of the many deposit options that BetOnline provides for you and deposit an amount that you are comfortable with.

BetOnline Step Three

Step 4: You’re now ready to get started

With your account fully verified and topped up with fresh funds; you can now start betting on your favorite sports or playing the latest and greatest casino games. As you can see, the whole process is actually pretty easy to get done and dusted, so there is no need to be dissuaded from using any one of the excellent offshore platforms we have reviewed in our guide. 

BetOnline Casino

Gambling Bonuses Available at Kentucky

When you get started with your online gambling in KY, you will quickly notice that many of the best sites will offer you bonuses and promotions to claim. There are a number of different bonuses that you can get your hands on so let’s take a look at what you might find out there right now. 

Match Deposit Bonuses

The most common bonus you will find on these sites is the matched deposit bonus. When you sign up to a Kentucky gambling site, you may notice that the operator is giving you the chance to claim a “100% matched deposit offer”. Basically, this just means that they will match your initial deposit. So, if you make an initial deposit of $100, the operator will match that with another $100, which leaves you with $200 to play with. 

No Deposit Bonuses

Now, this is a bonus that’s really worth getting excited for. A no-deposit bonus is a freebie that the operator gives to new players. You can simply create your account with the operator, and they will give you a bonus to play with. These bonuses are usually a lot smaller than your average matched deposit offer, but they are free. 

Free Bets

If you are into sports betting, then getting your hands on some free bets is the way to go. A Kentucky gambling site that offers you a free bet will usually do so with a few strings attached, so be sure to check out the terms and conditions of an offer like this. 

Free Spins

Free spins are the free bet equivalent, but for casino gaming. An operator may give you a free spins offer that lets you get a few free spins for a specific game. They will be quite clear about where you can use your offer. 

Loyalty Programs

Lastly, you can claim some great rewards that may include all of the above, and that is with a loyalty program. Loyalty programs usually have various levels that you can work your way through. You earn points the more you bet and play on these Kentucky gambling sites. Essentially, the more you play, the more loyalty rewards you could potentially earn. 

BetUS Promos

Payment Methods Available at Kentucky Gambling Sites

When you check out our list of offshore Kentucky gambling sites, make sure that you check out the list of payment methods that they make available to you first. They may offer you plenty of sports and casino games to play, but that won’t mean much if you can’t make a deposit with your preferred method. 

Crypto Betting Options

If you are someone that is looking to make deposits and withdrawals in cryptocurrency, then you will naturally be after a platform that allows you to do that. The best bitcoin gambling sites will give you a host of different crypto options that will not only include the major coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum but multiple other altcoins as well.

eWallet Betting Options

Players typically enjoy using eWallet deposit options for their speed. An eWallet deposit is instantaneous, as is an eWallet withdrawal. The best Kentucky gambling sites will be sure to have household names like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and more available for you to use. 

Traditional Payment Methods

Lastly, there are still plenty of online gambling fans that prefer to use traditional deposit methods like credit/debit cards from Visa and Mastercard or even wire transfers. The best Kentucky gambling sites will almost always have these options available for you to use. 

Xbet Banking Options

Who Regulates Gambling in Kentucky?

In terms of the legal gambling avenues in the Bluegrass State, it is the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Kentucky State Lottery that regulate Kentucky gambling laws. On the same note, the offshore sites that we list in our guide will have varying gambling commissions that regulate their platforms. 

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Kentucky

As per Kentucky gambling laws, the tax on pari-mutuel horse racing betting in Kentucky currently stands at 0.5% for ADW bets, 1.5% for on-track wagers, 3% for off-track simulcast locations, and 1.5% for historical horse racing (HHR) machines.

Kentucky Gambling Apps & Mobile Sites

If convenience is what you are after, then mobile apps are your best bet for online gambling in KY. There are plenty of online gambling sites in the US that provide users with the chance to download a dedicated, streamlined mobile app for betting and casino gaming. Unfortunately, the offshore sites we have mentioned do not offer mobile apps that you can download via the Apple app store or Google Play store. 

Does this mean you won’t be able to place bets or play casino games with your mobile device in Kentucky? No! These offshore gambling sites have optimized their sites so well that they can easily be used with your mobile browser. Simply search for the site you are using on your mobile browser and log in. From there, you will hardly notice a difference in the speed and efficiency of the platform. 

Gambling Sites vs. Land-Based Gambling Facilities in Kentucky

The dawn of online gambling sites brought with it plenty of benefits, but there are still some gambling fanatics who say true to the brick-and-mortar establishments they came to know and love. So, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between land-based casinos and online platforms. 

Pros:

  • Promotions and bonuses
  • Easy access
  • Plenty of gambling options
  • Convenient payment options

Cons:

  • Online casinos and sports betting sites aren’t legal in Kentucky yet
  • You will need a mobile device or laptop

Best Gambling Sites Software Providers

If you have ever played at an online casino before, then you will have noticed that the games you play are provided by specific software developers. These developers release new games all the time, while some of the software providers are a cut above the rest. Here are some of the best software providers to keep an eye out for. 

Betsoft

This is easily one of our favorite software providers in the industry right now. Betsoft has an array of quality casino games on offer that include some of the most exciting slot options around. It is a stalwart of the gaming industry, and the more you use our offshore platform options, the more you will see its name attached to the best games on these sites. 

NetEnt

NetEnt has quickly become an industry favorite, and for good reason. They provide online casino sites with some of the finest table game and slot software we have seen to date. Their games have enticing graphics, and they run as smoothly as you could ever hope for. 

Evolution Gaming

Evolution Gaming does it all. Their range of slots and table games is excellent but what really stands out with this provider is the quality of their live dealer software. You won’t wait around for a live dealer game to load when it’s been developed by Evolution Gaming. 

Playtech

The user experience when using Playtech games is second to none. They have genuinely put tons of effort into their games, and it shows. The slots and table games they provide are easy to use and are easy on the eyes as well. 

Nucleus Gaming

With more than 100 titles on offer, Nucleus Gaming is a top-notch software provider. What draws the attention of most of the users who enjoy their games is their 3D slots. In addition to this, they offer a good range of table games as well.

Tips for How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Kentucky

We have only given you a list of the best and most reputable offshore Kentucky gambling sites. Now, we will give you a few tips that can help ensure you have a safe online gambling experience.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi can expose you to unnecessary risks, like someone hacking your gambling account. So, if you are going to be playing away from your personal Wi-Fi, then it’s best to use your own data.

Stick to a bankroll

It’s always a good idea to set yourself a bankroll. When it comes to online gambling, you never want to play with more than you are already willing to lose in the first place. So, take into account what you can viably spend and then stick to your budget. 

Don’t ever share your password

This goes without saying but don’t ever share your password with anyone. You will never be asked to share your password by any of the online operators, so be wary of any scams that try to lure you into sharing this information. 

Use a reputable payment method

Using a reputable payment method option is a great way to ensure that your transactions on these sites are as safe as they can be. Be sure to stick to household names and deposit options that you feel safe using. 

Gamble responsibly

The best way to have a safe and enjoyable experience when online gambling in Kentucky is to keep your emotions in check. If you take a bad beat or a consecutive string of losses, it might be a good idea to take a break. If losing doesn’t affect you and you are still having a good time, then, by all means, keep playing. But, if you feel frustrated, then take a break.

How Kentucky Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

Kentucky may be strict with its gambling laws, but they are not all that different from neighboring states. Indiana residents are also prohibited from using legal online casinos in the state. However, Indiana does allow legal online sports betting and daily fantasy sports. The same goes for Illinois, as you can legally bet on sports online, but online casinos have yet to be legalized. And yet again, you can find similar legislation in place in Ohio as well. So, in truth, Kentucky is not all that far behind, although they do need to catch up on the legal sports betting scene. 

The Best Gambling Site in Kentucky

It should now be clear that you have plenty of quality online gambling options to choose from. The list of offshore sites that we have provided you with are some of the very best around, so your decision-making process shouldn’t be too tough now. Just remember to keep some of our tips in mind to ensure you have a safe online gambling experience. 

We highly recommend that you check out BetOnline when you get the chance. There are plenty of great sites to choose from, but if you want a reliable online gambling site that gives you access to all the casino games and sports betting opportunities you could ever need, then BetOnline is the way to go.

Mike Austin

Mike Austin

A professional writer with plenty of experience writing about sports, casino and gambling in general.