Kentucky Sports Betting – Best KY Sportsbooks November

The best Kentucky sportsbooks are FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings—all fully regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. We’ve tested all 8 licensed operators to highlight the best options for Kentucky sports betting. This guide covers the top apps, bonuses, and how to wager on the Wildcats and Cardinals.

Best KY Sportsbooks Ranked by KentuckyBettingHub

Here are the leading KY sportsbooks currently available, ranked by app quality, live betting features, odds pricing, and market range.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best KY Sportsbook Experience

FanDuel is a top choice amongst Kentucky bettors, thanks to its exceptional live betting features, high-rated mobile app, competitive odds, and range of generous promotions.

Here’s a closer look at what this Kentucky Sports betting app does right:

• Live Betting: You’ll find markets for major leagues here, like the NFL, NBA, and NHL. Live stats are available to help you make more informed bets, and streaming is available for many events.
• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets if your moneyline bet wins.
• Range of Promotions: Currently, players can benefit from NFL and NBA betting profit boosts, bet protection offers, and SGP specials.

Read about FanDuel here.

2. Caesars Sportsbook – Top Choice for Mobile and Live Betting

Caesars is another licensed Kentucky sports betting operator, offering a range of markets for both popular and niche sports, and an easy-to-use app that’s minimal yet packed with all the features you would expect.

Here’s what you can find at this KY sportsbook:

• Welcome Bonus:  Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on your next 20 bets.
• VIP Programme: With Caesars Rewards, you’ll get plenty of perks both on and off the sportsbook. This includes Bonus Bets, Profit Boosts, Odds Boosts, and vouchers for Caesars Casino and its entertainment venues.
• Live Streaming: Streaming is available directly on the app for over 40% of NBA games.

 For more information about this sportsbook, check out our Caesars guide here.

3. DraftKings Sportsbook – Best for Betting Features and Tools

DraftKings is an industry giant in the Kentucky sports betting online landscape. Boosts here are available daily, and you have access to a 24/7 customer support team in case of any issues.

Why it’s one of the best Kentucky Sportsbooks:

• Welcome Bonus: Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you win your first wager of $5.
• Live Betting: Odds here update in real-time, especially for Kentucky teams like the Wildcats and Cardinals.
• Mobile App: Highly rated KY sportsbooks mobile app with 4.8 ratings on iOS and 4.5 on Android from over hundreds of thousands of players.

You can find more information about DraftKings here.

4. BetMGM Sportsbook – Best Sportsbook for Bonus Offers

This Kentucky betting site has everything you need for a premium gaming experience, especially when it comes to the choices of bonuses. Making a bet is simple, and you have access to all the hottest markets, along with some options for international sports.

Highlights of the operator:

• Welcome Bonus: First Bet Offer of up to $1500. This means that if your first stake loses, it will be awarded in bonus bets.
• Regular Promotions: You can currently find daily odds boosts, parlay boosts, daily specials, and even a refer-a-friend bonus.
• Loyalty Program: BetMGM has a loyalty program where you can get access to promo codes, along with dining credits and event tickets.

Check out our official BetMGM Sportsbook guide here.

5. bet365 Sportsbook – Excellent for International Sports

If you’re looking for competitive odds, a variety of markets, and a great selection of bonuses, you should consider checking out bet365.

Best Features:

• Welcome Bonus: Unique opportunity to select one of two Kentucky sports betting bonuses; either $150 in bonus bets with a $5 bet, or a first bet safety net up to $1000.
• Excellent Kentucky sports betting app: It’s clean, fast, and very user-friendly. You’ll find a variety of features to make live betting a breeze, including live stats and built-in streaming.
• Range of Markets: The selection of markets here is unmatched, even for international leagues and niche markets.

You can find more information about bet365 by clicking on this link.

6. Fanatics – Best for Fan Gear & Unique Rewards

Apart from offering a fully-fledged betting site and app, Fanatics offers features that you won’t find at every Kentucky Sportsbook, mainly the chance to redeem FanCash for official sports merchandise.

Why bettors like it:

• Welcome Bonus: New users can get a Kentucky sports betting bonus of $2000 in bonus bets after placing their first qualifying wager.
• Sports Merch Rewards: By collecting FanCash with every wager, you can redeem it for merch for major leagues like the MLB, NHL, and NFL.
• Live Streaming: You can watch and wager on NFL games all in one app or site.

Check out our dedicated Fanatics KY Sportsbook Guide.

7. ESPN Bet- Best for Sports Media Integration

ESPN BET blends sports betting with ESPN’s broader media ecosystem, giving players an experience that feels familiar if they already follow ESPN news. This makes it a top choice for bettors who follow daily sports news and want a sportsbook that feels connected to the sports media they follow.

These are it’s highlights:

• Kentucky Sports Betting Promo: Bet $10, Get $100 in bonus bets, regardless of whether you win or lose.
• Insight Tool: ESPN Bet’s players’ Insight tool gives you access to stats and trends to help make smarter bets.
• Great option for local fans: Like all the other best Kentucky Sportsbooks mentioned here, you can bet on teams like the Wildcats, Cardinals, and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Find out everything you need to know about ESPN Bet here.

8. Circa Sports- Best for High-Stakes Bettors & Fair Odds

If you’re looking for a minimal Kentucky sports betting app that’s very easy to get the hang of, then Circa might be the option for you. This is an app that’s designed for experienced players looking for long-term value.

Here are some of its main features:

• High Wagering Limits: Great for players who bet bigger amounts.
• Competitive Odds: This Kentucky betting site is often praised for its sharp odds pricing.
• Fast Withdrawals: The platform makes it very easy to withdraw funds electronically or as cash at ATMs, via their Play+ card.

More information about this KY sportsbook can be found in our Circa Sports guide.

Kentucky Sports Betting Facts & Figures

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky? Absolutely. Sports betting in Kentucky is regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). This regulatory body makes sure all sportsbooks follow the state rules, protect users, and offer fair play.

In Kentucky, you can place bets either with online sportsbooks or at physical locations. To bet online, you must be inside the state, and your location is checked using special geo-technology. The legal age to bet is 18, so when signing up, sportsbooks must confirm your identity by checking details like your birthdate and Social Security number.

Since launching in 2023, the Kentucky sports betting market experienced exponential growth, crossing $3.6 billion in handle by 2025. The state has collected approximately $49 million in tax revenue, with most of the money coming from Kentucky online sportsbooks.

Which Sports Are Legal to Bet on in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you can place wagers on a variety of markets. All bets must be placed at legal Kentucky sportsbooks, and bettors must be physically located within the state when placing a wager.

Here are all the sports and markets you can legally bet on at KY sportsbooks:

• Professional sports, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
• College sports, including football and basketball. This means you can wager on teams such as the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals.
• International sports, like soccer, tennis, golf, and cricket.
• Horse racing; this includes the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs races.
• Combat sports, mainly UFC and boxing.

Prohibited Sports Betting Activities in Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has set clear rules outlining who can place wagers in the state and which types of bets are not allowed. To stay fully compliant with Kentucky betting regulations, here’s what you cannot do:

• Betting if you’re under 18 years old. Some operators might also prohibit betting if you’re under 21. Always double-check the Kentucky sportsbook age requirement at your platform of choice.
• Wagering from outside Kentucky state borders.
• Betting on offshore or unlicensed platforms that aren’t regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
• Place player prop bets on college athletes. This restriction applies statewide, though the exact limits may vary slightly by operator.

Signing up with Kentucky Sportsbooks

Signing up at legal Kentucky Sportsbooks is straightforward and usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. This process is standardized across all regulated Kentucky online sportsbook platforms, whether you’re using a desktop or mobile app.

Follow my step-by-step process to get started:

1. Choose a licensed Kentucky sportsbook from the list above.
2. Locate the ‘Sign Up’ button and follow the on-screen instructions. This includes personal data such as name, surname, address, and date of birth.
3. Verify your identity by inputting the last four digits of your SSN or uploading a photo of your ID.
4. Make your first deposit using one of the available payment methods.
5. Input any promo code if required.
6. Make your first qualifying wager and receive the welcome bonus. Make sure to read through the terms and conditions before placing it.

Benefits of Multiple Sportsbook Accounts

It’s a good idea to create accounts with more than one Kentucky sports betting site. Here’s why:

• You can take advantage of welcome promotions across all 8 operators, which, when combined, offer up to $5000 in value.
• These platforms also offer a range of Kentucky sports betting bonuses for existing customers, giving you more ways to add value to your bets.
• Having multiple accounts also lets you compare odds before placing a wager. Remember, even a half-point difference on a spread can make a considerable profit difference in your overall profit across a season.
• You can pick Kentucky betting sites according to their best features. For example, you can use FanDuel for SGPs, DraftKings for NFL, and bet365 for live streaming.

Recommended Strategy: I suggest signing up with 3-4 KY sportsbooks initially, such as FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, and bet365, and then add others as needed.

How Kentucky Sportsbooks are Rated

Here at Kentucky Betting Hub, we review all Kentucky sports betting apps using a clear and consistent set of criteria. This includes:

• How competitive their odds are
• Available markets
• Payment methods
• Payout speeds
• Bonuses and promotions
• Mobile app quality
• Overall user experience

Keep reading this section to learn more about how we break down each section.

Sports Betting KY Odds and Available Markets

When evaluating a sportsbook, we make sure they’re offering competitive odds across a wide selection of markets, especially for major U.S. leagues. This includes those for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAAF, and NCAAB. For this reason, we regularly compare prices to see which operators offer the best deals.

Additionally, Kentucky online sportsbooks must also offer markets for international competitions and niche markets, along with strong options for local teams like the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals, both of which are very popular among bettors in the state.

Payment Methods and Pay-out Speed

We test each operator to ensure they’re offering a good selection of safe and secure banking solutions. We’ll always outline whether they support payments with:

• Debit Cards
• PayPal
• Play+
• ACH / e-check
• Bank Transfers

Additionally, we also make sure that withdrawals are processed in a timely manner, and we’ll always outline any minimum/maximum transaction limits across different methods, so you’ll always know what to expect.

Welcome Bonuses and Promotional Value

We compare Kentucky Sports betting promos to check which ones offer the best value for both new offers and existing customers. In our guides, you’ll find outlined:

• Wagering requirements
• Minimum odds
• Bonus type
• Expiration date

We also highlight ongoing sports betting KY promotions for returning players, including profit boosts, parlay boosts, and seasonal offers.

Mobile App Quality and User Experience

Nowadays, it’s more common for bettors to place bets via their smartphones rather than desktops, and for this reason, app quality is a major part of our review process.

We evaluate the best Kentucky betting apps for:

• App Store and Google Play ratings
• How easy it is to place a bet
• Live betting performance
• How quickly do odds update
• How promotions work on mobile
• Reliability of in-app banking and customer support
• How well the banking and customer support work

Top Tips for Picking a Kentucky Sports Betting Site

Here’s how to go about picking a sports betting KY sportsbook according to your betting needs:

1. Check Age Requirement: Most sportsbooks in the state will allow you to bet if you’re over 18 years old, but a few operators set the minimum age at 21. Always check this information before signing up.
2. Welcome Bonuses: The best Kentucky betting apps offer different types of offers, so it’s worth comparing them to see which one you prefer before signing up.
3. Terms and Conditions: Make sure to read through the bonus terms and conditions, especially the minimum deposit, wagering requirements, and odds restrictions, to confirm they match your bankroll and betting style.
4. App Quality: If you prefer betting on mobile, check the operator’s user reviews. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what the app does right and where it lacks, and you can make a choice accordingly.
5. Payment Methods: Ensure the operator supports your preferred deposit and withdrawal methods. Each operator offers a slightly different list of banking methods.
6. Consider Team Coverage: If you’re interested in betting on teams like Wildcats or Cardinals, review the site’s betting markets to ensure they cover the teams and conditions you’re most interested in.

College Sports Betting in Kentucky

Kentucky bettors enjoy placing bets on college sports, with basketball and football taking the spotlight. The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals are the two teams that attract the most attention, and all legal Kentucky sports betting sites offer markets for their games. This means you can bet on college sports in a safe, regulated environment across the state.

College Basketball Betting

College basketball is especially popular in Kentucky, and this market is open year-round, with more wagering options during SEC play and March Madness. Bettors can choose from a wide range of options across both Kentucky teams.

Popular Bet Types:

• Point spreads, moneylines, and totals for Wildcats and Cardinals games.
• Futures, such as National Championship odds and SEC/ACC title odds.
• Tournament markets like March Madness brackets and game-by-game wagers.
• Live betting on college basketball throughout the season.

Locals:

• Kentucky Wildcats (SEC): The most popular team for bettors statewide.
• Louisville Cardinals (ACC): Attracts a lot of attention, especially in the Louisville area.
• UK vs UL rivalry: One of the most bet-on matchups of the season.

College Football Betting

College football betting is available at all KY sportsbooks, with plenty of markets for regular-season and bowl games.

Markets available:

• Point spreads, moneylines, and totals.
• Team futures: Conference titles, season win totals.
• Championship markets for the College Football Playoff.
• Live betting during SEC and ACC games.

Kentucky College Betting Rules

There are a few essential restrictions on college KY sports betting, primarily intended to protect student-athletes. The most notable is the statewide ban on individual player props for college games.

What’s allowed:

• Game outcomes, spreads, totals
• Team futures and season win totals
• Conference tournament betting
• In-play/live betting on team markets

Keep in mind that some KY sportsbooks may apply additional limits or exclude specific markets based on their own policies.

Kentucky Sports Teams and Local Betting

Kentucky doesn’t have any professional major league teams of its own, so the state’s sports culture is heavily centered around college athletics. As a result, the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals garner a lot of attention in the local betting landscape, with both teams attracting large fan bases and a lot of wagering interest throughout the year.

At the same time, many Kentucky bettors follow nearby professional teams like the Tennessee Titans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Nashville Predators. You’ll find their markets are available at every licensed Kentucky sportsbook.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular nearby teams:

Kentucky Wildcats (NCAAF & NCAAB)

The Kentucky Wildcats are the most popular team in Kentucky, and their matchups garner a lot of attention from bettors statewide. Interest in the team keeps growing every year, as they’ve been competing strongly in the SEC.

Here’s when betting peaks:

• Basketball: November-April (SEC play and March Madness).
• Football: September-December (SEC schedule and bowl games).

Markets available:

• Game spreads, totals, moneylines.
• Futures: SEC championship, national championship.
• Player awards and team win totals.
• Live betting throughout games.

Louisville Cardinals (NCAAF & NCAAB)

Louisville Cardinals also have a strong following in Kentucky, especially in the Louisville metro area. Each season, bettors look forward to the annual Wildcats vs. Cardinals rivalry games, which bring in a large share of the state’s betting activity.

Betting peaks for Cardinals games:

• Basketball: November – April (ACC play and tournaments).
• Football: September – December (ACC schedule and bowl games).
• Governor’s Cup (UK vs UL football) – highest betting game.

Markets available:

• Game spreads, totals, moneylines.
• Futures: ACC championship, bowl game odds.
• Rivalry game specials and props.

Nearby Pro Teams (Titans, Grizzlies, Predators)

As mentioned, Kentucky does not have professional teams in the NFL, NBA, or NHL, and for this reason, many Kentucky bettors like to bet on teams close to state borders. All licensed Kentucky sportsbooks offer full markets for these franchises throughout their respective seasons.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular nearby teams.

Tennessee Titans (NFL):

• This is the closest NFL team to Kentucky, especially those in the south and west of the state, making them a popular choice for local bettors.
• Kentucky sportsbooks offer complete coverage of every Titans game, including preseason lines, weekly matchups, and postseason markets.
• Popular markets include spreads, player props, and same-game parlays.

Memphis Grizzlies (NBA):

• Closest NBA team for Western Kentucky residents.
• KY sportsbooks offer a full selection of player markets for every Grizzlies game, including points, assists, rebounds, and made threes.
• There’s a lot of interest during the regular season and payoffs, especially when the Grizzlies push for playoff spots or feature in nationally televised games.
• Live betting and Same Game Parlays are available for all Grizzlies matchups at every major operator.

Nashville Predators (NHL):

• All Kentucky sportsbooks offer full NHL markets, including puck lines, totals, player props, and Stanley Cup futures.
• Markets are available across all licensed operators in Kentucky, making them easy to bet on during the entire NHL season.

Available Sports Betting Wagers at KY Sportsbooks

When signing up with the best Kentucky sports betting online platforms, you’ll have a wide range of bet types to choose from. Each type serves a different purpose, whether you’re predicting the winner or combining multiple selections into one wager.

Below, I’ve outlined each bet type in more detail, so you can find which one best fits your betting interests.

Moneylines

A moneyline is the simplest form of betting and involves picking which team will win the game. The favorite is shown with a minus sign (-), while the underdog is shown with a plus sign (+).

Point Spreads

This is a way to level the playing field when two teams aren’t evenly matched.  Instead of only picking the winner, you’re betting on whether the favorite will win by more than the set spread, or whether the underdog can keep the game within that margin.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals, also called Over/Under bets, involve predicting whether the combined score of a game will go over or under the number set by the sportsbook.

Same Game Parlays

This allows you to combine two or more selections from a single game of your choice, be it point spreads, player props, or totals. These bets offer higher potential payouts, but all selections must win for the parlay to cash.

Prop Bets

This lets you bet on specific events within a game, so you can wager without focusing on the game’s outcome. Examples include team totals, scoring runs, and quarter-by-quarter outcomes.

Futures

These are long-term bets that can be placed before or during the season. Often, these bets settle at the end of the season and include markets such as championship winners.

Live Betting

This allows you to place bets on matches while they are in progress. Odds update in real-time here, giving you the chance to react to momentum shifts as soon as they happen.

Teasers

Most commonly used in basketball and football, this type of wager allows you to adjust the spread or total in your favor across multiple games. This can reduce the risk in the bet, but also lowers the payout you can get from it.

Online vs. Retail Sports Betting in Kentucky

Bettors in the state can choose between two ways to place wagers: online sports betting or visiting a retail sportsbook in person. Online betting can be done through Kentucky sports betting apps or desktop platforms, allowing you to place bets from anywhere within Kentucky state lines.

Retail sportsbooks, on the other hand, require you to place bets in person at a physical location, usually a racetrack or gaming venue.

Below, I’ve outlined the main differences between the two options:

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky – Betting Safely & Getting Support

Betting is only fun when it’s done within limits; if you place wagers with more money than you can afford to lose, this can lead to a lot of financial stress. One of the advantages of betting in a regulated market is that you have access to many resources. In this section, I’ll walk you through all the options available.

If you or anyone you know has a problem with gambling, you can reach out to the following resources:

Kentucky Resources:

• Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling: kygamblinghelp.org, 1-800-GAMBLER
• Gam-Anon Kentucky: Support for loved ones at gamanon.org
• Gamblers Anonymous Kentucky: gamblersanonymous.org

National Resources:

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Home – Gamblers Anonymous

Setting Limits at Kentucky Sportsbooks

When playing at any licensed Kentucky online sportsbook, you’ll have a full range of responsible gaming tools to help you play within limits. This includes the following:

• Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on the amount you allow yourself to deposit into your account. 
• Time Limits: Set a limit for how much time you’ll allow yourself to bet.
• Loss Limits: Put a cap on how much you’re willing to lose during a betting session.
• Cool-off Period: Take a couple of days’ break from gambling.
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily prohibit yourself from visiting all Kentucky sportsbooks for a couple of years, up to a lifetime.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problematic gambling behaviours usually show up in the following ways:

• Betting more than you can afford to lose.
• Chasing losses with larger bets.
• Choosing to bet over going to work or spending time with family and friends.
• Borrowing money to fund your gambling activities.
• Hiding betting activity from loved ones.
• Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling.
• Not being able to cut down on gambling.

If you show any signs of these behaviours, seek help immediately. All resources in Kentucky are confidential and can help you make the first step towards leading a life without gambling.

Kentucky Sports Betting – Common Questions

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting has been legal in Kentucky ever since March 2023.

Who regulates sports betting in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees and regulates sports betting in the state. Their role is to ensure that all operators follow state laws and put player protection first.

What is the minimum age to bet in Kentucky?

You must be at least 18 years old to place a bet in Kentucky. Some operators may set a higher Kentucky sportsbook age requirement depending on their policies.

What sportsbooks are available in Kentucky?

As of 2025, the major licensed Kentucky sportsbooks include:

• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• DraftKings
• Caesars
• bet365
• ESPN BET
• Fanatics
• Circa Sports

Do I need to be a Kentucky resident to bet online in KY?

No, you do not need to be a Kentucky resident to bet online in Kentucky; however, all bets must be placed within state borders. This means if you’re a visitor in Kentucky, you can place wagers.

Are college player props allowed in Kentucky?

No, college player prop bets aren’t allowed in Kentucky.

What payment methods can I use at Kentucky sportsbooks?

You can use a variety of payment options at Kentucky Sportsbooks, although the list varies depending on which operator you’re betting with. Typically, you’ll be able to choose from the following: debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, ACH/e-check, and bank transfers.

Where can I bet on sports in person in Kentucky?

You’ve got a couple of options where you can place wagers in person in Kentucky. This includes:

• Churchill Downs
• Kentucky Downs

How long do withdrawals take in Kentucky?

This depends on the sportsbook that you’re betting with and the payment option you’re using; Most Kentucky betting sites process payouts within 1–5 business days, with e-wallets being the quickest.

Which Kentucky sportsbook has the best live betting experience?

This depends on your personal preferences as a bettor, but FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings are widely considered to offer some of the best user experiences.