This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Sports betting has been legal in Kentucky since March 31, 2023, and the first sportsbook launched on Sept. 28, 2023, both online and in person. Today, Kentucky has eight licensed online sportsbooks, offering mobile apps, retail sportsbooks, and ongoing promos. In this guide, we’ll cover top sportsbooks, best promos, and key legal information. Kentucky Sports Betting Overview Is Kentucky Sports Betting Legal? Yes. Kentucky legalized sports betting in March 2023 when HB 551 was signed into law. Retail sportsbooks opened on September 7, 2023, and online betting launched on September 28, 2023. Sports betting is regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. You can bet online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at approved venues such as racetracks and authorized retail locations. College Sports Betting in KY: No Restrictions Bettors can wager freely on in-state college teams like the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, including player props. Top Kentucky Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed Kentucky’s online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top five based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features. DraftKings Kentucky FanDuel Kentucky BetMGM Kentucky Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky Caesars Kentucky bet365 Kentucky All Legal KY Sportsbooks Best KY Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (February 2026) New users in Kentucky can grab roughly $500–$650+ in combined value right now by stacking top deals. Claim the welcome promos first, then decide which app you like best for live betting, parlays, and props. Always check the in-app terms for eligibility, odds requirements, settlement timing, and expiry before placing your qualifying bet. DraftKings KY Promo – Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins Offer Summary: Key Details: Quick How-to-Claim: FanDuel KY Promo – Bet $5, Win, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: BetMGM KY Promo – Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Fanatics KY Promo – Get $2,000 in FanCash Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: bet365 KY Promo – Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details Standout Perk Quick How-to-Claim Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Caesars KY Promo – $250 First Bet Match with Code FOX250BM Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: How to Start Betting on Sports in Kentucky 1. Choose a Legal KY Sportsbook Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for region-specific promos. 2. Register Online Kentucky allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+). 3. Claim a Welcome Bonus Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry. 4. Deposit Funds Common KY methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid. 5. Place Your First Bet Example: bet $5 on Kentucky to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline. 6. Withdraw Winnings Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier. Kentucky Sports Betting Handle The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle. Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%. Responsible Gaming in Kentucky Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Kentucky and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control. Help and resources: Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!