Sound the alarms – sports betting is legal in Kentucky. Since early 2023, bettors have been waiting for the launch of retail sportsbooks across the Bluegrass State. Now, with retail betting legalized, we eagerly await the launch of mobile betting sites.
Bill HB 511 was passed earlier in the year, leading us up to the official opening of retail sportsbooks on September 7th, 2023. Soon enough, mobile betting will be legal in KY, with the first online sportsbooks opening their virtual doors on September 28th, 2023. In the meantime, we’ve been keeping busy reviewing the best spots to place your bets.
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Current position: Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?
For a long time, bettors from the Bluegrass State have only been able to purchase lottery tickets, place pari-mutuel wagers at racetracks, and play bingo games. However, back in March 2023, Bill HB 511 was passed, allowing sports bettors to rejoice as they confirmed that
sports betting is now legal in Kentucky.
For now, though, it is worth noting that bets can only be placed at retail establishments licensed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Retail sportsbooks: Launched September 7th, 2023.
Since March, retail establishments have been getting themselves prepared for an influx when doors opened on September 7th – just in time for the NFL season.
Sports bettors do not have to worry too much about the
gambling age in KY. This will stick at 18 years of age, regardless of whether you are betting at a retail sportsbook on the Cardinals or picking up a lottery ticket.With such a thriving collegiate sports scene in Kentucky, it is also worth noting that bill HB 511 allows wagers to be placed on Kentucky college fixtures – provided your chosen sports betting platform provides sufficient market coverage.
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What comes next: Mobile sports betting is legal in KY and launches September 28th, 2023.
Although retail sports betting is legal in KY already, mobile bettors will have to wait until the official launch at 6:00 am on September 28th, 2023. As things stand, a total of 27 mobile sportsbooks have the potential to launch. However, not all 27 spaces have been filled.
Licensing, age restrictions, and verification checks
In order to operate legally as a mobile
KY sports betting
platform, an official retail partner and state-specific license must be obtained from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. When the time comes to register, you’ll also find that geolocation and KYC/AML checks must be performed in order to confirm your identity and current geographical position – HB 511 makes it very clear that you can
only
place mobile wagers at a mobile sportsbook within state borders.
It is also worth noting that KY gambling laws dictate that all sports bettors must be at least 18 years old. However, certain sports betting platforms will insist that users are over the age of 21.
Popular sports, betting markets, and additional features
When it comes to betting markets, you’ll find that all major sports, teams, and competitions will be covered when mobile sports betting launches in Kentucky. Plus, many of the best sports betting platforms in KY will ensure that additional betting markets, niche sports, and esports are covered. You may also find the chance to stream games, edit-your-bets, and cash-out options are provided. Finally, it would seem that KY has considered its impressive collegiate sports scene, allowing bettors the chance to wager on all college games through their chosen mobile operator.
Legal sports betting in KY: The best mobile sportsbooks looking to launch in Kentucky
Now you have it confirmed that sports betting is legal in Kentucky, you can focus your efforts on the safest and most entertaining spots to place your bets. Although yet to launch, our mini-reviews should help to get your search for a top KY sportsbook under way.
1. DraftKings: Established online operator provides new KY bettors with $200 in bonus bets
Pros & Cons
Great pre-launch promotion
Credible payment methods
Huge market coverage
Not the best choice for new bettors
DraftKings has partnered with Cumberland Run, and has secured a license from Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, meaning that all looks set for their official launch on September 28th, 2023. The pre-launch bonus looks to welcome new users over the age of 18 with $200 in bonus bets that must be used within seven days.
Fortunately, you’ll have no shortage of available markets to choose between. Although the sportsbooks can appear a little daunting to new bettors, DraftKings has made things as straightforward as possible, while still appealing to all sports fans. You’ll also find a range of credible payment methods offered, allowing you to safely deposit and withdraw on the go.
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DraftKings Highlights
Informative stats hub
Deep global betting markets
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2. BetMGM: Promising to provide KY bettors with a huge selection of sports betting markets
Pros & Cons
Wide selection of markets
Intuitive mobile application
Established online presence
Yet to announce welcome offer
BetMGM has cemented itself as a top name across the US sports betting scene, and will soon be opening up to Kentucky sports fans. After securing a partnership with Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, September 28th can’t come around soon enough.
Although we are yet to find out further information on a pre-launch promotion, we would anticipate BetMGM to present new users with a solid welcome bonus, excellent ongoing rewards, and extended coverage of all your favorite sports. Based on our experience of BetMGM, the mobile app provides a streamlined approach to mobile betting, ensuring you won’t miss out on those competitive odds while betting in-play.
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3. FanDuel: Presenting new users with the chance to grab $100 off NFL Sunday tickets
Pros & Cons
Fantastic pre-launch bonus
Brilliant app design
Simple registration process
Withdrawals can take 10 days
What can we say about FanDuel that hasn’t already been said? Well, for Kentucky sports fans looking to join before the official launch, you’ll be eligible to pick up $100 in bonus bets and receive $100 off NFL Sunday tickets – that’s all before we mention the range of ongoing promotions that helped make it so popular in other US states.
Alongside an intriguing pre-launch offer, you’ll also benefit from a streamlined registration process and dynamic app design. In turn, you’ll be free to roam through a wide selection of markets, build bets within a few clicks, and place your wagers freely.
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4. Fanatics: Looking to make its mark on the KY sports betting scene
Pros & Cons
Live streams available
Support around the clock
In-play betting features
Lengthy withdrawal times
Fanatics is a relatively unknown online sports betting platform that has only recently ventured into the market. Prior to offering users an online sportsbook, Fanatics established itself as a sports merchandising brand.
Having taken a look at the intuitive app, and after reviewing how it has fared in other US states, we have high hopes for the official release. An official partnership with Oak Grove Racetrack has been confirmed, alongside a temporary license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. We will look forward to providing you with further details surrounding a pre-launch bonus very soon.
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5. Caesars: Kentucky license and retail partners established
Pros & Cons
Competitive odds
Selection of credible payment methods
Impressive VIP program
Yet to announce bonus
Caesars is another trusted and established online operator that has managed to secure a legitimate license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Having partnered with Red Mile Racing, we can expect the official launch to happen on September 28th; however, there are no details of a new customer promotion just yet.
With that aside, we would anticipate that the same great mobile betting experience found in other US states will soon transfer across. Caesars provides an incredible rewards programs, too, packed with all kinds of promotions, giveaways, and perks.
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Seriously competitive odds
Same game parlays
Cool Quick Pick feature
6. Bet 365: Pick up $10 per touchdown with the latest pre-launch promotion
Pros & Cons
Impressive welcome bonus
Fantastic app design
Competitive in-play odds
Withdrawals can take some time
Bet365 looks set to launch in Kentucky after securing a partnership with Sandy’s Gaming and Racing. The established online operator is also looking to present new users with the chance to pick up a welcome offer that promises $10 per touchdown scored on a nominated game. Of course, we can only speculate on the ongoing promotions; however, we suspect the weekly bonus bets offer will be available in KY, too.
Away from bonuses and legal status, Bet365 brings a user-friendly betting platform with an abundance of markets covered. Live betting odds are extremely competitive. Plus, you’ll be able to edit-your-bets and cash-out at your leisure.
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Operator
Launch Date
Retail Partnership
Welcome Bonus
DraftKings
28th September 2023
Cumberland Run
$200 in bonus bets
BetMGM
28th September 2023
Sandy’s Gaming and Racing
TBC
FanDuel
28th September 2023
Churchill Downs
$100 in bonus bets + $100 off NFL tickets
Fanatics
28th September 2023
Oak Grove Racetrack
TBC
Caesars
28th September 2023
Red Mile Racing
TBC
Bet365
28th September 2023
Sandy’s Gaming and Racing
$10 per touchdown on a single NFL game
Things to consider now mobile sports betting is legalized in KY
Now that mobile sports betting has been legalized, you’ll find a selection of top operators looking to encourage you to join their site. While many will boast similar perks, it is important you keep your eyes peeled for anything that suits your preferences. It can often be easy to be blinded by the sheer size of welcome offers, so be sure to take these key attributes into account, too.
Official licensing and retail partnerships:
As you will find across
most
US states that have legalized online or mobile sports betting, state-specific licensing and retail partnerships must be obtained before mobile sites can offer their services. Currently, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has presented temporary licenses to a select number of mobile operators, allowing them to provide bonuses and betting markets from September 28th, 2023.
Available betting markets and odds:
Naturally, the selection of available markets will quickly determine whether a mobile operator is the right option for you. As detailed, KY bettors are fortunate enough to have had collegiate betting legalized, opening the doors for various additional markets that may otherwise be excluded elsewhere. When looking directly at odds, you’ll find that these provide the backbone to your mobile wagers – the greater the odds, the greater any potential returns.
Ongoing perks and promotions:
Welcome bonuses often provide a great head start to your mobile betting experience. However, when mobile betting launches in KY, bear in mind the range of ongoing promotions and the perks released as part of the VIP program. Of course, alongside bonuses, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for any perks that suit your own preferences – 24/7 support, live streams, and a cash-out feature are all great additions. You can make use of our comparisons to help you find an operator that keeps you safe and entertained throughout your time online.
Learn more about the best operators now sports betting is legalized in Kentucky
Sports betting is legal in Kentucky. Retail sportsbooks are already proving increasingly popular across the Bluegrass State, leading us to speculate that a similar surge in interest will arrive when some heavy-hitters offer their mobile services at the end of September.
Provided an official license and retail partnership has been established, up to 27 mobile sportsbooks have the potential to open soon after September 28th, 2023. In the interim, we suggest making the most out of our updated competitor comparisons. Here, you’ll find out all you need to know about the best mobile operators that look set to launch in KY.
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Mobile betting has been legalized in Kentucky and looks set to officially launch on September 28th, 2023. Provided mobile sites have obtained a license from the KHRC and secured a retail partnership, you’ll be able to place sports bets within state borders.
🚀
When will official KY gambling laws be finalized?
Bill HB 511 has already been passed, legalizing retail and mobile sports betting in Kentucky. Retail sportsbooks have already opened their doors, while mobile betting sites look set to open theirs at the end of September.
⭐
Will all forms of gambling be legal in Kentucky?
As things stand, lottery, bingo, pari-mutuel wagering, and sports betting have all been legalized in Kentucky. We will be the first to keep you updated on any further legal developments.
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