KY Betting: Find the Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

As sports betting in Kentucky is not yet legal, we are unable to provide any recommendations for legal Kentucky sports betting sites. For this reason, we’ve dedicated this guide to discussing other important topics, including alternative gambling options and the current legal status of sports betting. We’ve also discussed what is happening in nearby states and how this may affect the future outlook for sports wagers in Kentucky.

We are often asked by players whether or not they should sign up for out-of-state or offshore bookmakers. It’s our opinion that the best Kentucky online sportsbooks will be legal, licensed websites, so it’s best to wait until the laws change to allow these. For now, keep reading to discover when this may happen.

Current Kentucky Sports Betting Situation

For a while, it looked as though sports betting in KY would be a reality by the end of 2020. However, with the unexpected early closure of the legislative session, lawmakers were unable to push a sports betting bill through the House and Senate fast enough to get the matter approved.

Despite the fact that Kentucky tends to be quite a conservative state, Kentucky sports betting seems to have garnered widespread approval. However, in the case that the gambling legislation is passed and the activity is legalized, it’s still unlikely that its online form will be approved. This means that the chances of Kentucky sports betting sites is a long shot.

You may have come across a number of sports betting sites that advertise themselves as being the best Kentucky online sportsbooks. Unfortunately, these websites are illegal and have not been approved by KY law. Never trust your money with an unlicensed sportsbook if you want to be certain you’re betting fairly.

Are Kentucky Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Available

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a fantasy competition that sees contestants draft teams of fantasy lineups from one particular league. Points are earned based on the real-life performance of players over the course of the competition period, and those who score the most points win a share of the pooled competition entry payments.

Fantasy sports is different from regular sports betting as it tends to involve more skill over chance, and games don’t rely on fixed odds. Despite this, DFS games are played with players from major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB, making it a great alternative to sports betting.

Daily fantasy sports is available to play in Kentucky, although it is not technically legal. Rather, games exist in a legal gray area that will not see players punished for partaking. Popular betting sites DraftKings and FanDuel are available in Kentucky, making them perhaps the closest websites to legal Kentucky online bookies.

Kentucky Online Casinos

While Kentuckians have several options when it comes to land-based casinos including the Keeneland and Churchill Downs racinos, they are not as free when it comes to online gambling. Kentucky has outlawed online gambling sites, meaning that players are unable to play online slots, table games or online poker without breaking the law.

In saying this, it’s not the actual casino games that are the problem, but rather the act of wagering real money on them. For this reason, locals are allowed to play social online casino games that require no payments to play. This is a great way for players to practise casino games legally and without the fear of breaking the law.

Online State Lottery in Kentucky

You’d be forgiven for assuming that as there are no legal Kentucky online bookies and online casinos are banned, the state would not allow for online lottery play. Surprisingly, Kentucky permits online lottery ticket sales and even some alternative online lottery games that are similar to scratch cards and slots.

These games are ran by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, which has also been volunteered to being the organization to regulate Kentucky online bookies once sports betting is legalized. Due to the success of the online lottery in KY already, we believe sports betting will be in good hands with the agency.

Off Track Horse Betting in Kentucky

A good alternative to sports betting in KY is horse racing, which is a hugely popular pastime. In fact, the name Kentucky is synonymous with horse racing due to the world-famous Kentucky Derby held annually at the historic Churchill Downs race course in Louisville.

Although there are no off-track betting parlors, bettors are able to bet on horse races online. These Kentucky online bookies can be accessed through the websites of several racecourses, including the Churchill Downs, Ellis Park and Turfway Park. These sites take bets for both local and international races.

What Would a Legal Sports Betting Market Look Like?

In the case that Kentucky sports betting sites are legalized, locals can expect to bet on everything from major league sports, college division games and even eSports. As many states are finding, there is always a hunger for new and interesting bets, so if there’s a sport out there, you better believe that you can bet on it. Of course, there’s no reason to believe that players won’t be able to bet on their favourite Louisville Raider or Louisville Colonels games too.

Once sports betting is legalized, it will be regulated by a state gambling authority. It’s the role of these organizations to decide on factors such as who can apply for licenses and at what price, as well as issues surrounding tax and player protection to ensure only the best online betting sites are available. According to recent estimates, Kentucky could take in around $48 million per year in tax revenues from sports bets.

Final Thoughts

While it doesn’t seem that Kentucky sports betting sites will be made legal by the end of 2020, we have high hopes that the state will legalize sports betting in the next two years. Recent polls show that residents of KY are supportive of the move, and lawmakers seem well aware of the benefits the industry could bring.

For now, Kentuckians have a number of gambling options, including full casino-style gambling at one of nine casinos and racinos. As for online betting options, locals and visitors can also wager on daily fantasy sports, horse racing and the lottery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about Kentucky sports betting sites or about the state’s other gambling options? Below, we’ve answered common questions about Kentucky’s gambling industry so that you can be sure that you’re making the safest, fairest, legal bets in the state.