Definitely, sports bettors have the opportunity to bet on their favorite sports team legally in Kentucky. There are many sportsbooks registered in this state. These sportsbooks are strictly following the law and order, and they are providing a beautiful and fair experience to the customers. To make sure of their services, you can bet on their websites or via a mobile app.

If you want to know more about Kentucky sports betting, then you’ve landed in the right place. This article will give you in-depth detail on how online sports betting in Kentucky and retail sportsbooks works. We’ll take a closer look at the top sportsbooks working in Kentucky and how to join them. It is important that customers will prefer to choose sportsbooks based on their goals and needs. You’ll learn how to use a specific gambling platform to put bets on your favorite sports team for that purpose.

In the end, we’ll discuss the legal aspects of sports betting. Including the history of legal sports betting and tax requirements for winners and sportsbooks. Then, finally, we’ll discuss the commonly asked questions to assist you in better understanding sports betting in Kentucky.

Can you bet on sports online legally in Kentucky?

Kentucky has not yet become legal online sports betting state, however, it is considering it. In 2020, the court did not pass the proposal for online sports betting in Kentucky. Later on, on 18 March 2022, the chamber agreed to move on with a new proposal (Koeing’s bill). The law introduced by Koeing covers internet poker, sports betting, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) as well. As a result, the forecast for online sports betting legislation in Kentucky appears promising until 2023.

After state government approval, you will be able to gamble on sports. Only residents in the state would be able to register on local sportsbooks and place bets. Residents over the age of 21 will be able to place bets on different sports teams.

What sports betting sites are expected to launch in KY?

To choose the top Kentucky sports betting, there are several things you need to understand first. This is a preliminary thing to consider what is important to you as a bettor. These are the following things you need to look on:

  • Customer service,
  • Variety of payment methods,
  • Deposit and withdrawal limit,
  • Variety of sports available,
  • Site usability.

Fortunately, there are top-performing sportsbooks available that understand their customers like you. They are implementing years of best-user experience to make it easier for bettors. There are the following top-listed sportsbooks that we’ll discuss down below.

BetMGM Kentucky

It is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the United States of America. They are running several big sponsorships with professional sports teams. Importantly, BetMGM is a trusted platform with simple payment options. BetMGM is providing plenty of options for bettors which are offering slots, online poker, casino brands, table games, and many more.

They are providing plenty of exciting parlay betting options, daily boosts, and ongoing promotions for regular and frequent bettors. Therefore, it will be a good enhancement in online sports betting in Kentucky.

Caesars Kentucky

Undoubtedly, Caesar’s platform is one of the most popular sports betting platforms in the United States of America. Caesars is most known for its casino, but they have sportsbooks as well. They are doing an excellent job of showcasing the world’s most famous games and providing bettors with competitive bets.

The primary advantage of downloading Caesar’s sports betting app is that you can connect it with the Caesars Rewards account. You can cash out the fantastic rewards and keep track of your points gained in each wager with this app.

The Live Chat customer service is among the best in the industry. In this way, online sports betting in Kentucky will not be a surprise for sportsbook operators.

DraftKings Kentucky

Most certainly, it is a popular platform for sports betting across the USA. DraftKings owns the casino and retail sportsbook. The Resorts Atlantic City is its real owner. This site allows you to wager on both domestic and foreign games.

Other reasons to join this platform include unique betting options like in-game betting, sportsbook pools, and many more. Moreover, you can benefit from advanced security features and company technology that allows for a fast betting experience.

FanDuel Kentucky

Since September 1, 2018, FanDuel has grown in popularity and has extended across many states. They offer their services through websites and mobile betting apps that are compatible with the Android and iOS operating systems.

FanDuel sportsbook gives players a great opportunity to bet on their favorite team in real-time. Moreover, it provides a variety of opportunities such as Single Game Parlay options (SGP), timely promotions and odds boosts for its customers.

Additionally, they have tons of markets and bet types, live-streaming, and many more. If you’re interested, you can go to their official website and sign up for periodic updates.

BetRivers Kentucky

It is also one of the most well-known online sports betting platforms, with customers from all across the United States. Join the BetRivers and get ready to bet on your favorite sports teams. They offer sports betting online through their sportsbook, as well as through their mobile app.

Players have joined BetRivers for a variety of reasons, including hundreds of games and a selection of deposit alternatives. Furthermore, they claim to have approved 75% of quick withdrawals. If you’re curious then you should certainly explore the updates and details about Kentucky sports betting and related offers on their platform.

Online sports betting latest in KY

On April 18, 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 606, and then, the Senate and House approved it later on. The bill is still alive, but there has been no final vote on it. Without a doubt, Bluegrass states allow sports betting in any state that shares a border with them. To put it another way, Kentucky shares borders with states that allow gambling. However, the state government is not taking the issue of Kentucky sports betting legislation these days.

The general population favors legalizing sports betting in Kentucky by a two-to-one margin. Calculated margin acquired after years of the survey. It is also important that half of the eligible voters in the state vote in support of sports betting. Governor Andy Beshear, on the other hand, has previously endorsed Mr. Koenig’s initiative.

The Kentucky General Assembly, on the other hand, has repeatedly opposed gambling. In other words, sports betting has been drawn into this controversy. If Kentucky residents gamble in other states, lawmakers may become aware of the situation.

A timeline of online sports betting in KY

Sports betting is not officially permitted in Kentucky. However, a case is under consideration to make it permitted in the state. There is historical proof of relevant people’s efforts to make wagering legal.

  • 2022 – After four years of struggle, Adam Koeing introduced a bill for online sports betting in Kentucky. He did not specify in-person registration in the proposal. Koeing’s panel advocated allowing sports betting in Kentucky in this bill. Whatever the situation could be, the bill is still in the Senate, which will vote on it when the chamber decides.
    However, Senate Majority Leader Thyre Damon stated that to pass these measures, we need enough votes to proclaim a final call, but a majority is not yet sufficient. Importantly, momentum in the Senate indicates that positive results will be promising for sports bettors.
  • 2021 – Gov. Andy Bashear makes a supportive statement on the television program “Governor Andy Beshear: First Year Reflections” in January 2021. He argued that it is time to legalize online sports betting in Kentucky. After the Gov. speech, several members of Kentucky’s House of Representatives brought out three initiatives to legalize Kentucky sports betting. Unfortunately, the Senate did not take these three proposals into consideration, which means the people of Kentucky will have to wait another year.
  • 2020 – Following the legalization of sports betting online in Kentucky in 2019, the state’s administration was looking ahead to 2020. As a result, Governor Andy Beshear stated at a commonwealth event that it is time to take Mr. Koeing’s plan into account. ‘I endorse it, and it should pass,’ Andy Beshear said during his address. Following that event, Mr. Koeing made two major changes to his proposals to his committee. Which was ready to lift the restriction on college-based betting and authorize in-person registration for internet wagering. Mr. Koeing was confident about his proposals. But Senate Majority Leader Damon Thyre said, “I was in support of this initiative, but I was unable to capture the attention of individuals in the parliaments.” After the first attempt failed, Mr. Koeing’s committee decided to change the proposal with a few statements. But, the government postponed this issue until April 15, 2020.
  • 2019 – There were four bills filed, but Mr.Koenig’s bill received the most support and became the first sports betting bill in Kentucky to receive committee approval. Koeing’s bill advocated legalizing not only sports betting but also daily fantasy games and online poker. Later, however, governor Matt Bevin not only refused to approve it but also simply rejected it. It was difficult to approve the bill in a non-budget year.
  • 2018 – Following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Lawmakers chose to review the law and impose regulations for online sports betting in Kentucky. In order to do so, the panel designated nine people to look into the matter and propose laws to regulate sports betting.
  • 2017 – In the summer of 2017, Senator Julian Caroll introduced legislation to legalize horse racing betting. The government set a licensing charge of $250,000 and a 20% tax on any additional handling expenses.

Is online horse betting allowed in KY?

Yes, horse racing betting has been legal in Kentucky since 1805. Besides, you can find Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Ellis Park, and other well-known racetracks in the state. You can wager on horse racing using a variety of methods, including third-party sportsbooks and mobile applications.

To wager on the sportsbook, bettors must be at least 21 years old. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has approved the following third-party sportsbooks to accept online wagers:

  • TVG
  • Twinspires
  • AmWager
  • DRF

FAQ

What is the legal age to bet on sports online in KY?

To wager legally on sports in Kentucky, you must be over the age of 21. However, for horse race betting, you should be at least 18 years of age. They will ask you to accept terms and conditions when you sign up on Kentucky sports betting sites. You cannot fool them by simply entering your age; they will also ask for a government-issued ID, such as an ID card, driver's license, or Passport. Otherwise, they will consider it illegal and will enforce the law.

Do I pay taxes on online sports betting wins in KY?

Yes, there is a tax for every win you make while betting on various sportsbooks. To understand your investment and earning insights, you must first understand a few aspects of tax. On betting, casinos, table games, and all other forms of gambling, there will be a tax on each earning. All earnings are taxable in the United States. Some terms and conditions apply to Kentucky tax details for sports betting. The retail tax rate is 9.75 %, while the sports betting tax rate is 15.25%. This is according to the law adopted by the General Assembly's Licensing and Occupations and Administrative Regulation Committee. These are recent discoveries, and changes may occur at a later period.

Can I bet on Daily Fantasy Sports online in Kentucky?

Daily fantasy sports are also a fascinating part of the Kentucky sports betting adventure. However, it is not yet legal. It is quite close to passing Koeing's bill, which also suggested legalizing daily fantasy sports betting. Once accepted, you will be able to wager on DFS in Kentucky at the above-mentioned sportsbooks. Until then, best wishes.