Is sports betting legal in Kentucky? Legal sports betting has now been introduced in Kentucky, and with the entry of some of the leading U.S. betting sites on September 28, 2023, bettors have the opportunity to claim up to $8,000 in new-user promos for Kentucky sports betting upon online registration.
Kentucky Best Sportsbook Bonus Codes and Welcome Offers 2023
Join BetMGM today for up to $1,500 in bonus bets Or a $1,000 match bonus for BetMGM casino ($2,5k for WV). The promo code for BetMGM is USDOTBET – T&Cs apply, 2024. Legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MD, MS, NV, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, OH.
| Read betMGM review
Join Bet365 Casino today for a 100% Deposit Match Bonus up to $1,000. Bet365 Sports you can chose between a deposit match up to $1,000 and bet $5 Get $150 in Free Bets. The promo code for Bet365 is USB365 – T&Cs apply, 2024. Legal states: CO, IA, KY, NJ, OH, VA.
| Read Bet365 reviewTop Kentucky Sportsbook Bonuses
In a newly legalized market bustling with competition, Kentucky sportsbooks such as Caesars, Bet365, FanDuel, and BetMGM constantly vie for new customers by presenting appealing new-user promos. Which among the top Kentucky sports betting bonuses is the perfect match for you? We’ve assessed the top five Kentucky sportsbook promotions to aid in steering your sports betting decisions in the right direction.
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Offer | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Kentucky | Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets | USDOTBET |
| Bet365 Kentucky | Bet $5, Get $150 | USB365 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Wager $50, Obtain $250 | Codes |
| FanDuel KY Bet App | bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets | Codes |
| DraftKings Kentucky Sportsbook | $200 in bonus bets on launch day | GET BONUS! |
The newest Kentucky betting promotion and bonuses: Sign up for TVG and get up to $200 back if your first bet doesn’t win. Additionally, get a $25 Bonus for every friend you refer. T&Cs apply.
We expect Kentucky to go live with online sports betting very soon after they legalized betting in March 2023, the state budget is missing out with Kentuckians doing out-of-state betting.
Kentucky Online Betting Bonuses
| Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus in Kentucky |
| Bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
| BetRivers Kentucky | $500 Second Chance Bet, use code USBTRV |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500K Bet Refund |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $250 back on your first bet |
| Circa Sports | TBA |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $200 No Matter What promo |
| ESPN Bet | $1,000 Deposit Match Expected |
Kentucky Sportsbook Live in 2023
At present, the KHRC is evaluating applications from seven service providers:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- Fanduel
- DraftKings
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Circa Sports – Soon expected
- ESPN Bet through Penn – Soon expected
It’s uncertain whether Penn Interactive will launch Barstool Sportsbook first in Kentucky, or wait for the ESPN BET platform to be ready. What stands out is the absence of Fanatics in the initial batch of applications released by the KHRC, especially since they plan to introduce their sportsbook in US sports betting jurisdictions this coming fall.
With the advent of legal online sports betting in Kentucky in September, 2023, enticing promotional offers have become accessible to local bettors. Here’s a snapshot of the current welcome bonuses available to newcomers:
Bet365 Kentucky
Bet365 has brought its reputable online sports betting platform to Kentucky, allowing new users to benefit from a lucrative bonus offer. By using the code USB365, new users can bet $1 and receive $365 in bonus bets. The catch is that this offer must be claimed within 30 days of registering and requires a minimum deposit of $10.
bet365 KY Bonus Bet Pros and Cons
A range of additional promotions like early payout promos, custom bet boosts, and parlay profit boosts up to 70% add to the allure of bet365. Despite being less recognized compared to some local competitors, the competitive odds and promotions offered are quite appealing.
The limitations on using bonus bets on games with odds of -500 or greater may disappoint some users. However, the generous bonus offer paired with a host of other promotions makes bet365 a noteworthy option for sports betting enthusiasts in Kentucky looking to enhance their betting experience.
BetMGM Kentucky Welcome Offer
Residents of Kentucky aged 21 and over, here’s a noteworthy BetMGM bonus for you. Apply the bonus code USDOTBET while signing up. Post a first deposit of $10 or more, you’re set to place your initial real-money wager. You could, for example, wager on teams like the Kentucky Wildcats. If your initial wager is unsuccessful, BetMGM will offer Bonus Bet credits up to $1,500, corresponding to your bet amount, to be used on the BetMGM Sportsbook within a week. The offer isn’t convertible to cash, and bonus bets have to remain whole. Seize this promotional offer, discover the platform, and you might retrieve a losing bet through Bonus Bets.
BetMGM Bonus Bet Pros and Cons
The highlights include a high $1,500 maximum match offer and the ability to use bonus bets in five equal segments. However, the bonus bets must be used within seven days, only winnings from bonus bets are cashable, and no bonus is provided if your initial wager wins.
Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky Welcome Offer
Caesars Kentucky comes into focus with its up to $1,000 first bet offer. Yet, this offer is only activated if your initial bet is a loss, which could be a letdown if you win. To claim this offer, follow the link provided to activate the Caesars Sportsbook sign-up promo code CRZFULL. Complete the registration, deposit a minimum of $20, and place a $50 wager on a sports event to qualify. The bet credit should be used within 14 days of activation.
Caesars Sportsbook Bonus Pros and Cons
The plus side includes a high bonus amount of up to $1,000 and a 30-day period to place your initial wager. The downsides are that the bonus is awarded only on a losing first bet and must be used on a single bet.
This offer might be appealing for high-rollers or those planning to place a significant first bet, though the condition of losing the initial bet to obtain the bonus could be discouraging. Nonetheless, it’s a lucrative safety net for those new to the betting realm.
FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky Bonus Bet Offer
FanDuel’s existing welcome offer in Kentucky is fairly enticing. Wager merely $5, and receive a remarkable $200, regardless of your initial wager’s outcome. This deal is especially attractive for newcomers to betting.
FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus Bet Pros and Cons
Advantages include a generous $200 in bonus bets for a mere $5 wager, unrestricted market conditions – you can bet on any sport, and no promo code is needed making it easy to claim. The drawbacks are that the bonus might take up to 72 hours to appear in your account, and bonus bets are not cashable.
This offer acts as a safety cushion, possibly enabling bettors to venture on higher odds which could lead to significant winnings. FanDuel’s flexibility in allowing bettors to distribute their bonus bets or utilize them all at once is a commendable aspect, offering more strategic betting choices to users.
DraftKings Promo Code Offer
No DraftKings Sportsbook promo code is necessary to claim the “bet $5, get $200 + $150 in bonus bets” new customer welcome offer. DraftKings awards $200 in bonus bets irrespective of your qualifying wager’s outcome, given as eight $25 bonus bets.
The secondary part of the DraftKings welcome offer furnishes a bonus bet (max. $50) equivalent to the amount wagered on an NFL game if it’s unsuccessful. This can be utilized three times (on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday) for a total of $150 in bonus bets.
DraftKings Sportsbook Bonus Bet Pros and Cons
Advantages include a generous $200 in bonus bets with only a $5 wager, unrestricted market conditions – bet on any sport, and no promo code needed making it easy to claim. Drawbacks include that the bonus may take up to 72 hours to hit your account and that bonus bets are not cashable.
Circa Sports – Expected
Circa Sports stands out as the unexpected contender, with a presence in fewer states than bet365. It’s currently live in Nevada, Colorado, and Iowa. While it’s primarily recognized for its brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Downtown Las Vegas, its online app isn’t as well-known.
ESPN Bet KY – Expected
ESPN is collaborating with Penn Entertainment to rename Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet. While an official statement is still pending, ESPN Bet has submitted an application for a sports betting license in Kentucky, positioning itself as a potential key contender in the Bluegrass State. Discover what ESPN Bet Kentucky might offer, from possible promotions to the newest updates on its market entry.
Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Compared
| DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars Sportsbook | BetMGM | |
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5, get $200 + $150 in bonus bets | Bet just $5, and get a whopping $200 | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | $1,500 in bonus bets |
| Promo Code | Not required | Not required | CRZFULL | USDOTBET |
| Bonus Type | Bet and get + second-chance bet | Bet and get | Second-chance bet | Second-chance bet |
| Bonus Form | Up to $350 in total bonus bets | $200 bonus bet can be used as you please | One (1) $1,250 bonus bet | 1 (<$50) or 5 bonus bets |
| Wagering Period | 7 days | 14 days | 14 days | 7 days |
| Min. Deposit | $5 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| PROS | 2 tier welcome offer, low initial $5 wager | Low initial $5 wager | Ideal for high rollers as bet credit to be used on one follow-up wager | bonus bets granted in five equal portions |
The subsequent sections explaining “Risk-Free” Bet, Deposit Match, and No Deposit Bonus remain relevant and applicable for Kentucky sports bettors as well. It’s essential to fully understand these terms and the associated conditions to maximize the benefits of the promotions offered by Kentucky sportsbooks.
Betting Bonus Types in Kentucky
- No Sweat Bet, also known as refund as free bet if first wager looses
- Deposit Match Bonus
- No Deposit Bonus
- Odds Boost
A “Risk-Free” Bet:
Much like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, a “Risk-Free” bet in Kentucky offers a safety net for bettors. It comes into play when your chosen bets don’t pan out, lessening the sting of losses. This type of promotion can be especially appealing when you’re supporting underdog teams like the Kentucky Wildcats.
Deposit Match Bonuses:
Kentucky sportsbooks love to double your excitement with deposit match bonuses. When you deposit funds, they match it, instantly boosting your bankroll. Imagine this scenario: a new bettor in Kentucky deposits $100 on a 100% deposit match offer. In return, they receive an extra $100 in site credit, effectively doubling their total balance. It’s like having twice the betting power, especially when you’re backing teams like the Louisville Cardinals or the Cincinnati Bengals.
No Deposit Bonuses:
While not as common, no deposit bonuses still have their charm. Bettors love them because sportsbooks occasionally credit a certain amount to their account without the need for an initial deposit, enticing them to bet over the long term.
These offers typically arise from emerging sports betting platforms or during major sporting events like the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl, or NHL playoffs within the Kentucky betting scene. For instance, a sportsbook might roll out a no deposit bonus during a Kentucky Derby to entice new players into the thrill of sports betting.
Kentucky Horse Race Betting
Undoubtedly, Kentucky is synonymous with horse racing, with a long-standing history of the sport dating back to 1805. The most prestigious and well-known horse race in the country, the Kentucky Derby, is held annually at Churchill Downs, with a tradition that has continued since 1875, serving as the first leg of the Triple Crown.
While Churchill Downs is the most widely recognized track, there are other prominent tracks in the state such as Keeneland, which many experts consider to be on par with Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont, and other top tracks in the US. Additionally, there are several other notable tracks in the state, including the Red Mile in Lexington, Turfway Park in Florence, and Ellis Park in Henderson, with the Red Mile hosting the Kentucky Futurity, the first leg of the Triple Crown of harness racing for trotters.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ
Unless it is on horse racing, then no you cannot do betting in Kentucky over the internet. Online sports and has yet to go live.
Online Kentucky betting is legal since the Bluegrass State authorities legalized betting in March 2023. Sportsbooks are now waiting to get the final go and launch date, to start offering Kentuckians online sports wagering, which all their neighbor states take for granted.
Yes, you can gamble on horse racing from the age of 18 if you want a spot of wagering in Kentucky. This is the minimum legal betting age.
There are proposals for taxing Kentucky online betting if it ever gets approved by the state authority. These suggest you would have to pay 14.25% on any winnings made from internet gambling. Any wagering done in person would be taxed at 9.75%. On Kentucky’s racetracks, you pay 3-3.5%.