Kentucky Sports Betting

Find the top Kentucky sports betting apps and access the latest KY sportsbook promotions you can use today — whether you’re wagering on NFL games, college sports, or other major markets at DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, and more.

Our Best Kentucky Sports Betting Offers

 

Disclaimer: For those outside of Kentucky, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.

About Sports Betting in Kentucky

 

Kentucky Sports Betting Apps & Promo Codes

 

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about Kentucky sports betting apps — including how to claim the best available promo codes for NFL betting and other major sports. If you’re new to wagering in the Bluegrass State, this guide also explains how to get started with Kentucky sportsbooks.

 

 

Best Kentucky Sports Betting Apps & Promos

 

Since online sports betting launched in Kentucky in September 2023, residents have gained access to many of the nation’s leading sportsbook promos platforms. Most of the top-rated U.S. betting apps are now fully operational statewide.

 

Below is a breakdown of some of the best sportsbook promotions currently available in Kentucky.

 

 

DraftKings Kentucky Promo Code

 

DraftKings launched in Kentucky shortly after sports betting became legal in September 2023. Originally known for daily fantasy sports, DraftKings has grown into one of the largest sportsbooks in the United States and operates in more states than nearly any other betting brand.

 

Current Offer:

New users can receive $200 in bonus bets after placing a $5 wager that wins. Bonus bets expire seven days after being issued.

 

In addition to its welcome offer, DraftKings regularly features daily and weekly odds boosts, promotional bonuses, and same-game parlay incentives.

 

Top DraftKings Features:

 

  • $200 in bonus bets with a winning $5 wager

  • Daily boosts and special promotions

  • Strong same-game parlay options

  • Shared wallet integration with DraftKings promo code DFS (and DraftKings Casino in eligible states)

 

 

FanDuel Kentucky Promo Code

 

FanDuel is widely recognized as one of the most popular sportsbooks in the U.S., consistently leading the market in customer share. FanDuel promo code launched online betting in Kentucky on September 28, 2023 — the first day statewide mobile wagering became legal.

 

Current Offer:

Bet $5 and receive $100 in bonus bets if your first wager wins. There is no minimum odds requirement for the qualifying bet.

 

FanDuel is also credited with popularizing the same-game parlay feature, now a standard offering across most sportsbooks.

 

Top FanDuel Features:

 

  • High-profile promotional events throughout the year

  • Elite same-game parlay functionality

  • FanDuel Racing available in Kentucky for horse racing wagering

 

Caesars Kentucky Promo Code

 

Caesars Sportsbook promo code offers a flexible first-bet bonus for new Kentucky users.

 

Offer:

Up to $250 Bonus on Deposit

Get a First Bet Match up to $250 in Bonus Bets.

 

Promo Code:

Use code PLAYRACE250BM

 

 

How It Works:

 

  • Sign up for a new Caesars Sportsbook account

  • Enter promo code PLAYRACE250BM during registration

  • Make a qualifying deposit

  • Place your first wager

 

If your qualifying bet loses, you’ll receive a bonus bet equal to your stake (up to $250). If your bet wins, you keep the profit as withdrawable cash.

 

 

Caesars Sportsbook Top Features:

 

  • First-bet match up to $250

  • In-app NFL live streaming (where available)

  • Ongoing profit boosts and parlay promotions

  • Caesars Rewards integration for earning points on betting, dining, travel, and more

 

 

BetRivers Kentucky Promo Code

 

BetRivers bonus code offers a straightforward second-chance welcome promotion for new users.

 

Offer:

$500 Bonus 2nd Chance Bet

Get up to $500 in Bet Credits if your first wager loses.

 

Playthrough Requirement:

Only 1x playthrough on bonus credits.

 

Promo Code:

No exclusive affiliate code required.

 

How It Works:

 

  • Sign up for a new BetRivers account

  • Make a qualifying deposit

  • Place your first wager

  • If your bet loses, receive your stake back in Bet Credits (up to $500)

  • Bonus credits require just 1x wagering before withdrawal

 

If your first bet wins, you keep your profit as withdrawable cash.

 

BetRivers Top Features:

 

  • Simple second-chance style welcome offer

  • Low 1x playthrough requirement

  • Regular odds boosts and parlay insurance offers

  • Rivers Rewards loyalty program

 

Caesars Kentucky Promo Code

 

Caesars Sportsbook promo code also operates statewide and offers one of the more flexible rewards programs in the industry.

 

Current Offer:

New users can receive a first bet match up to $250 as a bonus bet, win or lose. The qualifying wager must meet minimum odds requirements (e.g., -500 or longer). Bonus bets must be used within 30 days and cannot be split across multiple wagers.

 

Caesars stands out for its rewards ecosystem, allowing users to earn and redeem points not just for bonus bets, but also for dining, shopping, hotels, and travel through Caesars Rewards.

 

Top Caesars Features:

 

  • Up to $250 bonus bet welcome offer

  • Caesars Rewards integration across gaming and hospitality

  • 30-day bonus bet usage window (longer than many competitors)

 

 

BetMGM Kentucky Bonus Code

 

BetMGM bonus code offers one of the largest welcome promotions available in Kentucky.

 

Current Offer:

New users can receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if their first wager loses. Simply place an initial bet (up to $1,500), and if it doesn’t win, BetMGM will refund the stake in bonus bets.

 

  • Minimum deposit: $10

  • Bonus bets expire after seven days

 

BetMGM also stands out for its rewards program. Through BetMGM Rewards, players earn tier credits that connect to MGM Rewards, which can be redeemed for discounted hotel stays, dining, and other perks at MGM properties nationwide.

 

BetMGM Top Features:

 

  • High maximum welcome bonus value

  • BetMGM Rewards integration with MGM properties

  • Second-chance style promotions on select markets

 

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky Promo Code

 

Fanatics Sportsbook promo code offers a unique welcome package that incorporates its FanCash rewards system.

 

Offer: Up to $2,000 in bet insurance issued as FanCash

 

How It Works:

 

  • Sign up using promo code 

  • Make an initial deposit of $10 or more

  • Place a $1+ wager at minimum odds of -500

  • Apply the bet insurance token

 

If your qualifying wager loses, you receive FanCash (up to $200 per day for 10 consecutive days). Winning wagers are paid in withdrawable cash. FanCash issued through the promotion expires seven days after being credited.

 

Fanatics integrates its sportsbook with its licensed merchandise platform. Users earn FanCash with every wager, which can be redeemed for bonus bets, profit boosts, or officially licensed sports apparel and memorabilia.

 

Fanatics Top Features:

 

  • Bet insurance-style welcome offer

  • FanCash Rewards program redeemable for bets or merchandise

  • Multiple deposit and withdrawal options

 

 

bet365 Kentucky Bonus Code

 

bet365 offers a straightforward “bet-and-get” style promotion.

 

Current Offer:

Place a first bet of at least $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your wager wins or loses.

 

  • Minimum deposit: $10

  • Offer must be claimed within seven days of registration

  • Bonus bets expire after seven days

 

bet365 Top Features:

 

  • Simple $150 bonus bet welcome offer

  • Competitive odds boosts, including bet365 Super Boosts

  • Extensive selection of domestic and international betting markets

 

 

Betting on Kentucky Sports Teams

 

While Kentucky does not have professional franchises in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL, the state is home to two nationally recognized college programs: the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals.

 

Kentucky is also synonymous with horse racing, hosting major events like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. These marquee races are widely available across Kentucky betting apps.

 

 

Betting on College Sports in Kentucky

 

College sports betting is fully legal in Kentucky, including wagering on in-state teams and player props. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates the market and permits approved collegiate betting markets statewide.

 

Below are examples of futures odds (as of January 2026):

 

 

Kentucky Wildcats Basketball (+3500)

 

Kentucky remains one of college basketball’s blue-blood programs. Entering the 2025–26 season, only four teams had shorter national championship odds. The Wildcats finished the 2024–25 campaign at 24–12 (10–8 SEC) in Mark Pope’s first season following the John Calipari era.

 

 

Kentucky Wildcats Football

 

Kentucky football is in a transition phase, with new head coach Will Stein set to lead the program into the 2026 season. Bettors will watch closely to see whether the Wildcats can regain momentum in SEC competition.

 

 

Louisville Cardinals Basketball (+2200)

 

Louisville posted a 27–8 record last season before exiting in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Pat Kelsey orchestrated one of the nation’s most significant turnarounds, revitalizing a program with three national championships and 10 Final Four appearances.

 

 

Louisville Cardinals Football

 

Under head coach Jeff Brohm, Louisville has regained competitiveness. The Cardinals went 9–4 in 2024, capped by a Sun Bowl victory, following a 10–4 campaign in 2023 — the program’s first double-digit win season in the ACC era since 2014.


 

 

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky

 

Sports betting can be an exciting form of entertainment and may offer the opportunity for cash winnings. However, it’s important to approach wagering responsibly. For some individuals, gambling can become harmful or difficult to control.

 

Kentucky provides resources for residents who may be experiencing gambling-related issues. Confidential support and assistance are available for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.

 

If you or someone you know needs help, contact:

 

📞 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

🌐 Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG.org)

Kentucky Sportsbooks

Currently Operating Sportsbooks

Current Sportsbooks

8

Licenses Allowed

27
Sportsbook
Partner/Retail Location

Red Mile Racetrack: 1200 Red Mile Rd., Lexington, KY 40504

Mobile Sportsbook

The Mint Cumberland Run: 777 Winners Lane, Corbin, KY 40701

The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland: 244 Penny Ln, Williamsburg, KY 40769

Sandy's Racing & Gaming: 10699 U.S. 60, Ashland, KY 41102

Mobile Sportsbook

Mobile Sportsbook

Sports Betting Legalization in Kentucky

Kentucky Sports Betting Law Highlights

  • 14.25% tax on mobile sports betting revenue and a 9.75% tax on retail revenue, with 2.5% of those proceeds going to the education and treatment of alcohol, drug, and gambling addictions, and the rest funding state pensions.
  • All retail sportsbooks are based at the racetracks and affiliate properties like OTBs.
  • Initial sports wagering license fee is $500,000, with an annual renewal fee of $50,000. The initial fee for an online operator is $50,000, with an annual renewal fee of $10,000.
  • Each of Kentucky's nine horse tracks are granted three online skins, meaning up to 27 mobile sportsbooks could theoretically operate in the state.
  • The age minimum for sports betting in Kentucky is 18, but most mobile sportsbooks have chosen to stick to the more prevalent 21+ standard.
  • College betting of all kinds is allowed, but there's no wagering on the NFL draft, elections, or entertainment industry award ceremonies.

Legalization Timeline

  • Legislature fails to pass sports betting bill despite governor's support

    April 15, 2020

    After years of opposition from his predecessors, Governor Andy Beshear voices his full support for a bill introduced by Rep. Adam Koenig. Nevertheless, the state legislature adjourns on April 15 without legalizing sports betting.

  • Gov. Beshear signs sports betting into law

    March 31, 2023

    It would take another three years before Beshear's support would translate into legislative success, as the governor signs a sports betting law that designates the state's existing horse racetracks as the fulcrum of the newly legalized form of wagering.

  • Beshear places first in-person sports bet at Churchill Downs

    September 17, 2023

    Fittingly, it is Beshear who places the first sports wager in Kentucky history. Just as fittingly, he does so at Churchill Downs Race & Sports Book, placing a three-legged parlay futures bet on the University of Kentucky and Louisville football teams to eclipse their projected season win totals and for Duke's rival pig-skinners to hit the under for theirs.

  • Mobile betting commences

    September 28, 2023

    Online wagering begins in Kentucky, with eight mobile sportsbooks accepting bets of all types.

  • Division of Sports Wagering created

    March 26, 2024

    Beshear signs into a law a bill that removes sports wagering oversight from the KHRC's Division of Parimutuel Wagering and instead places it under the supervision of the KHRC’s newly created Division of Sports Wagering, thus drawing a thin but clear line between the regulation of horse betting and sports betting in the cradle of the Thoroughbred industry.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes. While Kentucky was something of a late adapter, both retail and mobile sports betting launched in September of 2023.

Who can bet on sports in Kentucky?

As with horse betting in the state, the minimum legal age to wager on sports in Kentucky is 18. Most mobile sportsbooks have nevertheless chosen to enforce the 21+ standard that prevails in most other states that have legalized sports betting.

Who regulates sports betting in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), which includes a Sports Wagering Advisory Council and Division of Sports Wagering, regulates sports betting in Kentucky.

What can I bet on in Kentucky?

The KHRC has approved wagering on a plethora of sporting events in the Bluegrass State, including: Olympics (Winter and Summer), Australian Rules Football, baseball, softball, basketball, billiards, bowling, bull riding, boxing, chess, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, esports, football, futsal, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, rugby, sailing, snooker, soccer, competitive eating, X-Games, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and winter sports.

What can't I bet on in Kentucky?

Kentucky has declined to approve wagering on award ceremonies like the Oscars or Grammys, esports, and political elections. College sports wagering of all types is allowed.

Is DFS legal in Kentucky?

Daily fantasy sports are a gray area in Kentucky, which has neither approved nor explicitly banned DFS. Despite this limbo state, DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS contests in Kentucky.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Kentucky?

Does a bear spit in the woods? Of course it's legal to bet on horse racing in Kentucky, home to Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, and the epicenter of the U.S. equine industry. Patrons can bet on live races at no fewer than nine racetracks, while simulcast wagering is available through their affiliated off-track betting facilities and several advance-deposit wagering websites, including Churchill's own TwinSpires platform. Kentucky is also home to the nation's most lucrative collection of slot-like Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines, which can be found at several tracks and OTBs.

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Responsible Gambling

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.