Kentucky Online Sports Betting 2024 – Compare the Top 9 KY Betting Sites

Written by Sandra Simonovska

Updated: 10:37 pm EST, 26/08/2024

On September 28, 2023, Kentucky sports betting via US-regulated online sportsbooks began. Kentucky now has a regulated market, but the best offshore sportsbooks for Kentucky sports betting have advantages over their licensed competitors. Here, you will find information about sports betting in Kentucky and reviews of the top offshore sportsbooks.

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Kentucky Sports Betting at a Glance 2024

Let’s examine some basic information on Kentucky sports gambling to help you navigate the fertile Kentucky online sports betting landscape.

List of the Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites 2024

We will first look at the best KY sportsbooks in a quick list to make things easier to compare. These offshore sportsbooks are reputable, safe, and licensed. Plus, their bonuses are typically better than those of US-regulated sportsbooks in Kentucky.

Reviews of the Best Sites for Sports Betting in Kentucky

You’ll have no shortage of options when choosing from online sportsbooks in Kentucky, so finding the best one for you can be challenging. We’ve done the work, and the top nine online sportsbooks we’ve selected stand out based on our comprehensive evaluation criteria. Here, we’ll review the top five based on security, user experience, betting markets, bonuses, banking, support, and more to make your decision easy.

1. BetOnline – The Best Online Sportsbook in Kentucky

• Payout time: 0-2 days
• Established: 2004
• License: Panama Gaming Authority
• Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
• Available in Kentucky: Yes

Our Verdict: 9.9/10

BetOnline has a robust reputation as our top overall choice for betting in Kentucky. The site offers 25+ sports, including football, basketball (Kentucky NCAA included), baseball, esports, and international sports. All common markets are available, from moneylines to live betting and futures.

BetOnline’s odds are market standard or better across the board, and betting lines are released earlier than many competitors. This is perfect when snagging the best odds for futures bets.

BetOnline will 50% match your first deposit up to $1,000 to get you started. Reload bonuses of 25%, bonus bets, loyalty rewards, and exclusive betting contests are also offered to ongoing BetOnline members.

Secure and convenient payment methods include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency options.  The platform prioritizes quick processing times, typically handling withdrawals within 24-48 hours.

Other highlights include a user-friendly website design optimized for desktop and mobile devices. Friendly and efficient support is offered via multiple channels (live chat, email, and telephone). We’d like to see live streaming added and credit card fees lowered, but all things considered, it doesn’t get any better than BetOnline.

Features Overview

• Betting Options: 9/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Streaming & Features: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
• Desktop Experience: 10/10
• Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

2. BetWhale – Best Live Betting Lines

• Payout time: 0-3 days
• Established: 2023
• License: Gaming Curacao
• Headquarters: Curacao
• Available in Kentucky: Yes

Our Verdict: 9.6/10

BetWhale is an emerging online sportsbook quickly gaining traction for its unique features and immersive betting experience. It covers many sports, including popular choices in Kentucky, like football and basketball, and niche sports. Spreads, moneylines, props, and all the usual markets are offered with competitive odds.

A wide variety of in-play live lines on a nice selection of sports are featured all day, every day. Live sports bettors will find BetWhale a top choice, thanks to the rapidly updated odds in real-time.

New bettors enjoy substantial sign-up bonuses, while regular promotions (including a daily odds boost) keep existing players engaged. BetWhale supports credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies, offering flexibility and convenience in banking. Super fast payouts can be enjoyed via user-friendly mobile and desktop platforms.

If you need support, various human-run channels (live chat, email, and phone support) ensure your queries and issues are resolved promptly. A few more live-streaming options would be excellent, but this is a minor gripe regarding our number two choice for sports betting in KY.

3. Bovada – Quick In-Game Betting Odds Updates

• Payout time: 0-1 days
• Established: 2017
• License: Curacao
• Headquarters: Curacao
• Available in Kentucky: Yes

Our Verdict: 9.4/10

With a stellar reputation for online sports betting coverage and competitive odds, Bovada is among the most well-known sportsbooks on our list. Even though it has a somewhat antiquated look, the user interface’s strength is its simplicity. It is easy to navigate all aspects of the site via mobile or desktop, whether receiving quick payouts via the banking section or placing live bets.

Among Bovada’s most appealing features is a handy prop-creation tool that allows you to easily construct your prop wagers, even as a novice bettor.

Some NFL games feature as many as 150 markets, showcasing the vast choices for America’s most popular sports. Kentucky NCAA sports enthusiasts will be pleased with the number of betting options for college sports. You’ll also find plenty of niche choices and an excellent parlay selection, including teasers, with the ability to follow the action via a decent live-streaming selection.

The improved crypto welcome offer is an option for those who enjoy betting using cryptocurrency, while the standard USD bonus of up to $750 is nothing to scoff at. If you have any issues with your bonus or anything else, we’ve been pleased with the customer support through live chat, email, phone support, and extensive FAQs.

The absence of as many continuous promotions as you may find at some competing sites is a minor gripe. Still, the loyalty program is fantastic, which makes up for this slight complaint.

Features Overview

• Betting Options: 10/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Streaming & Features: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

4. Sportsbetting.ag – Low-Margin Odds and NFL Touchdown Bonuses

• Payout time: 0-3 days
• Established: 1999
• License: Antigua and Barbuda
• Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
• Available in Kentucky: Yes

Our Verdict: 9.0/10

SportsBetting.ag extensively covers the most famous American sports, with many props and alternative lines. Niche sports, entertainment, and political markets are also available, and odds are, on average, competitive.

The speed with which SportsBetting.ag prices their opening lines is a huge plus, and we have found that it is often faster than some of the competition.

Many payment methods are available, and most of them have quick payouts. These include debit and credit cards (American Express included), bank transfers, and a decent selection of cryptocurrencies.

The user interface could be more interesting as it is a bit bland, but it is generally easy to use and navigate and gets the job done. It’s easy to get started on desktop or mobile, and if you run into any difficulties, we’ve found that customer service is readily available via multiple channels and quite helpful.

One thing that sets this operator apart from some of the competition is the 100% up to $500 deposit bonus on your first two deposits. Generally, sites only offer a match deposit bonus on your first deposit, with some more limited reload bonuses coming down the line. This makes it well worth signing up for that alone.

Features Overview

• Betting Options: 8/10
• Betting Odds: 9/10
• Streaming & Features: 8/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

5. BetUS – Huge Betting Limits

BetUS is a premier online sportsbook attracting bettors from the United States with its reliable and user-friendly platform. Known for its comprehensive sports coverage, BetUS provides an extensive selection of betting options, competitive odds, and a secure gambling environment. BetUS is dedicated to delivering an exceptional user experience and offers a range of features and top-notch customer support to keep players engaged and satisfied.

Features

• Extensive Sports Coverage: BetUS covers many sports, from major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to niche sports and international events.
• Live Betting: The live betting platform allows users to place bets in real time as events unfold, adding an extra layer of excitement.
• Competitive Odds: BetUS offers attractive odds, ensuring users can maximize their potential returns.
• Generous Bonuses and Promotions: The site offers various bonuses and promotions, including a substantial welcome bonus and ongoing offers.
• Casino Games: BetUS features a comprehensive online casino with a wide selection of games, including slots, in addition to sports betting.
• Mobile Compatibility: BetUS is optimized for mobile devices, enabling users to place bets and play casino games seamlessly on their smartphones and tablets.
• Secure Banking Options: The platform employs advanced encryption and security protocols to ensure safe and secure transactions.

Best Sites for Sports Betting in Kentucky Compared

It might help to look at some details for each of our top nine sports gambling sites in Kentucky, so please see below.

How We Select the Best Kentucky Online Sports Betting Sites

You might wonder what considerations we make to decide which Kentucky sportsbooks rise to the top of our rankings. There are several key factors to consider when choosing a site for online sports betting in Kentucky. We evaluate each operator based chiefly on the criteria to follow.

Safety and Security 

One of the most crucial factors when evaluating online sportsbooks is security and trustworthiness. To pass our tests, a sportsbook must employ state-of-the-art encryption technologies like SSL certificates to safeguard user data and transactions. Additionally, sportsbooks should have a clear track record of reliability and integrity, transparency in terms and conditions, up-to-date licenses, responsible gambling resources, and fair play policies.

Sports Betting Markets

The breadth of sports and betting markets is vital to an online sportsbook’s appeal. Our top-rated sportsbooks provide extensive options ranging from popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball to niche events like esports and international sports like cricket or rugby. Various betting markets are available for covered sports, including moneyline bets, spreads, over/under wagers, prop bets, and futures.

Bonuses and Promotions

Attractive bonuses and promotions are significant draws for many bettors. Our rankings favor leading online sportsbooks that offer incentives such as sign-up bonuses, bonus bets, deposit matches, and loyalty rewards. We also consider the terms and conditions associated with these promotions, including wagering requirements and expiration dates.

Payment Options and Withdrawal Speeds

Flexibility and efficiency in payment choices are critical factors when we rank an online sportsbook. Bettors should have access to a wide range of secure payment methods, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency options. Equally important are the speed and reliability of withdrawals.

User Interface and Experience

A seamless and intuitive user interface significantly enhances the betting experience; we highly value this factor in our ranking decisions. High-quality online sportsbooks offer a streamlined and user-friendly design that allows bettors to navigate effortlessly through various sections such as betting markets, account management, and customer support. Features like one-click betting, responsive design across devices, and personalized dashboards contribute to an engaging and efficient user experience.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support provides bettors peace of mind, knowing that any issues or queries will be resolved promptly and efficiently. The best online sportsbooks we promote offer multiple support channels, including live chat, email, and telephone. Additionally, a comprehensive FAQ section will help users resolve common questions independently.

Can You Sports Bet in Kentucky?

When will sports betting be legal in Kentucky? This was a long-asked question that has finally been resolved.

Indeed, on March 31, 2023, Kentucky became the 34th state to legalize sports betting and the 25th with mobile sports betting after House Bill 551 passed. Online sports betting became available in the Bluegrass State three weeks later, on September 28, 2023, after retail sports betting went live on September 7, 2023. You can bet on various US-regulated online sites or at retail locations if you are over the age of 18.

In addition, it has been legal and safe to bet in Kentucky on offshore sportsbooks such as those we promote since the 1990s. No US citizen has ever been prosecuted or arrested based on betting on these sites, which function legally under international licenses.

These sportsbooks and those who bet on them are not subject to US gambling laws in their states. They often feature better bonuses, advantageous odds, robust payment options, an added layer of anonymity, and quicker banking. There are many reasons to choose these options over their US-regulated counterparts, even after the Kentucky sports betting launch.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Kentucky?

Most US states require individuals to be at least 21 to wager at US-regulated sportsbooks. However, sports betting is legal in Kentucky for individuals 18 and older, both online and at retail locations. This aligns with the state’s rules on horse racing betting, as Kentucky’s racing and betting industries are overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

Additionally, one must be within Kentucky state lines to place bets with US-regulated sportsbooks operating out of the state. Nonetheless, this is not a factor when betting with our favorite offshore Kentucky sportsbooks, as you can bet on most of them in almost all states.

Some sportsbooks, however, may choose to keep the required age at 21, regardless of the state’s rules. Please check with any sportsbook you choose to bet with to make sure that you meet its criteria regarding age, residency, or any other factor.

Legal Framework for Sports Betting in Kentucky

Horse racing, pari-mutuel betting, and sports betting in the Commonwealth are regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC), an autonomous state government body. Both retail and online betting via regulated US sportsbooks are available. In addition, you can legally bet on often superior offshore sportsbooks regulated by international governing entities.

Is DFS Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, you can legally play DFS in Kentucky. This applies to classic DFS formats and newer prop-based DFS pick’em sites.

Taxes on Sports Betting in Kentucky

Sports bettors in Kentucky are subject to federal and state taxes. The state and federal governments require reporting net betting winnings like other forms of gaming or corporate profits.

A regulated US betting operator often withholds profits exceeding a certain threshold to satisfy state and IRS taxes. Net annual profits are reported to the IRS and the state if not withheld. Maintaining a record of your yearly profits will help you keep track of your obligations.

Betting tax regulations in Kentucky are consistent with those of other states in that IRS taxes are due on net winnings. However, the state tax rate will fluctuate from one person’s home state to another, and some states do not have a state income tax.

Regarding the operators, a sales tax of 9.25% is assessed on sports betting venues in Kentucky, and a gross revenue tax of 14.25% on internet sportsbooks.

Always remember that the best places to wager are trustworthy offshore sportsbooks that we promote. Even though you are legally obligated to report all gambling wins to the IRS, offshore sportsbooks usually won’t divulge your gains, deduct taxes from them, or give you a W-2G. Thus, the onus is on the gambler to maintain accurate financial records detailing their winnings and losses for the year and to file their taxes accordingly.

Kentucky Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

• 2024: Regulated Kentucky sports betting options debut at Churchill Downs, site of the first-ever Kentucky Derby. Apr. 1 marks the introduction of Circa Sportsbook in the Bluegrass State.
• 2023: On the final day of the Kentucky legislature’s 2023 session, Rep. Michael Meredith’s sports betting measure, HB 551, is approved. In-person sports betting is launched on September 7, and mobile sports betting on September 28.
• 2022: The House of Representatives finally approves a sports betting bill introduced by Rep. Adam Koenig, who had attempted the same for the preceding four years. Previous bills had failed to reach the Senate.
• 2021: Even with Beshear’s backing, three more sports betting bills are introduced, but none pass the legislature.
• 2020: When Representative Adam Koenig introduces a bill to legalize sports betting in the state, Governor Andy Beshear makes his public endorsement of the idea clear. After several revisions and varied evaluations, the legislature recessed without enacting a bill.

How To Sign Up for a Kentucky Betting App & Mobile Site

Next, let’s look at how to sign up for a Kentucky sportsbook. In this example, we will use BetOnline, our favorite sportsbook, but similar processes will apply regardless of the operator you choose from our list.

1. Go to the Sportsbook

Visit a Kentucky sportsbook we recommended, such as BetOnline. Follow the links here to ensure you receive the special bonuses we’ve procured.

2. Start the Registration Process

If you aren’t immediately redirected to the registration page, look for the “Join Now” or similar option. Enter your email address and choose a password. In some instances, you might also be able to enter a promotional code we’ve provided.

3. Provide Personal Information

Name, date of birth, phone number, and address may be required personal information for verification purposes. You will typically be asked to respond to a verification email and provide further information to process a withdrawal.

4. Sign In and Deposit

Once your account is activated, you can enjoy your welcome offer and start betting by signing in and depositing. You may be asked to provide a promo code to redeem your bonus when you deposit.

5. Enjoy Your Welcome Bonus and Have Fun!

Your welcome bonus will be credited to your account upon depositing at most of the offshore sportsbooks we recommend. For your bonus to be activated, you must make a qualifying deposit. You must also meet the wagering requirement to withdraw funds earned using the bonus, so be sure to understand the sportsbook’s terms and conditions carefully.

Mobile Betting Bonuses & Sportsbook Promos Available in Kentucky

Many online sportsbooks offer enticing bonuses and promotions to attract new users. Kentucky residents can use these offers by signing up with these sites. Here are some common types of bonuses and promotions available.

• Welcome Bonuses: These are typically offered to new sign-ups upon registering and making their first deposit. Welcome bonuses may come in the form of a deposit match, where the sportsbook matches a percentage of the initial deposit or bonus bets, which can be used to place wagers without risking personal funds.
• No-Deposit Bonuses: Some betting platforms offer no-deposit bonuses that allow new bettors to place wagers without requiring an initial deposit. These bonuses are usually smaller in amount but provide a great way to try out the platform’s betting options.
• Bonus Bets: Bonus bet promotions refund the bettor’s stake if their wager loses. This provides a safety net for players, allowing them to place the bet with less apprehension.
• Reload Bonuses: Existing bettors with a sportsbook can benefit from reload bonuses, similar to welcome bonuses but available for subsequent deposits. These bonuses are often offered seasonally or promotionally to keep loyal players engaged.
• Enhanced Odds: Enhanced odds promotions or boosts offer better payouts on selected events. These promotions can significantly increase potential winnings and are usually available for major sporting events.
• Loyalty Programs: Many betting apps have loyalty programs that reward the bettor with points for every wager. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for bonus bets, cashback, or other perks.
• Refer-a-Friend Bonuses: Sportsbook members can earn bonuses by referring friends to the platform. The referrer and the new registrant typically receive a bonus once the new person signs up and makes a qualifying deposit or bet.

Before taking advantage of any bonus bets or promotions, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully. Understanding wagering requirements, eligible bets, and expiration dates can help you maximize the benefits of these bonus bets and offers. Kentucky residents can enhance their sports betting experience at our favorite Kentucky sportsbooks with these bonuses and promotions.

Popular Kentucky-based teams for Sports Bettors

Kentucky is known for its passionate sports fans, particularly in NCAA basketball and football. No professional teams in the central US sports leagues exist in Kentucky, but familiar regional favorites include Cincinnati teams like the Reds (MLB) and Bengals (NFL). Here are some popular teams in Kentucky proper that attract many bettors.

University of Kentucky Wildcats

The University of Kentucky Wildcats are a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, primarily known for their men’s basketball program. The team has a rich history, with numerous NCAA championships and a tradition of producing NBA-caliber talent. Their football program also garners attention, particularly its competitive games against SEC rivals.

University of Louisville Cardinals

The men’s basketball team of the University of Louisville is a perennial contender in the NCAA, providing plenty of opportunities for sports bettors to get involved. Known for their intense rivalry with the Kentucky Wildcats, the Cardinals offer thrilling games that draw significant betting action. In addition to basketball, the Louisville football team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and is a popular choice for bettors during the college football season.

Louisville City FC

For soccer enthusiasts, Louisville City FC offers exciting opportunities for sports betting. Competing in the USL Championship, Louisville City FC has a solid following and a history of success, including multiple league titles. The team’s consistent performance, passionate fanbase, and thrilling matches make them a popular choice for betting on American soccer.

Conclusion

Kentucky’s sports betting landscape is rapidly evolving, with regulated US sports betting a reality and offshore sportsbooks continuing to chug along. With various bonuses and promotions available, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and enhance your enjoyment of sports. In our thorough review of all available options, BetOnline takes the cake for its bonuses, sports and market selection, banking choices, usability, and more.

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