US State Guide

Kentucky

Legal

Kentucky Sports Betting & Casinos 2026

Sports betting is legal in Kentucky from age 18, online and in person. Online casinos are not legal, but horse racing and historical racing machines are big business.

Sports betting✓ Legal
Online casino✕ Not legal
Racetracks and HHRRacinos only
Minimum age18+

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Where to bet in Kentucky

Online and mobileLicensed apps statewide for anyone 18+ inside Kentucky
Racetrack sportsbooksRetail betting at racetracks and their satellite venues
Horse racingTrack betting and licensed online racebooks
Historical horse racingSlot-style racing machines at racing venues

Licensed Kentucky sportsbook apps

Retail betting launched on September 7, 2023, and online betting on September 28, 2023, regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

FanDuelDraftKingsBetMGMCaesarsbet365FanaticsCirca Sports

Online casinos in Kentucky

Not legal. Kentucky has not legalized online slots or table games, and there are no traditional casinos.

Historical horse racing machines at racing venues offer a slot-like experience.

Churchill DownsDerby City GamingKeenelandTurfway ParkOak Grove Racing

What can you bet on in Kentucky?

✓NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL
✓College teams, including Kentucky schools
✓Live in-game betting and futures
✓Horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby
✓Soccer, golf, tennis and UFC
✕Elections and politics

Bet on Kentucky teams

Kentucky has no major league teams, so college sports drive most local betting.

Kentucky WildcatsLouisville CardinalsWestern Kentucky HilltoppersCincinnati BengalsLouisville City FC

Offshore sites and prediction markets

Offshore sportsbooksSites such as BetOnline and MyBookie are not licensed in Kentucky, so state player protections do not apply. See all operator reviews.
Prediction marketsPrediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket offer sports event contracts in Kentucky under federal rules. Availability can change, so check each review first.

What’s next for Kentucky

•Kentucky has acted against unlicensed sweepstakes and gaming machines
•Online casino legalization is not on the agenda
•Horse racing betting continues to grow alongside sports betting
18+ only. Gambling problem? Call the national helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER, free and confidential, 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes. Retail and online betting launched in September 2023.

How old do you have to be to bet in Kentucky?

18 or older, one of the youngest betting ages in the US.

Is online casino gambling legal in Kentucky?

No. Online casino games are not legal.

Are there casinos in Kentucky?

No traditional casinos, but racing venues offer historical horse racing machines.

Can I bet on the Kentucky Derby online?

Yes. Licensed online racebooks accept bets on the Derby.

Can I bet on Kentucky and Louisville?

Yes. Kentucky college teams can be bet on.

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Kentucky?

There is no specific ban, but the state has taken legal action against some operators.

Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Kentucky?

Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed in Kentucky, so state player protections do not apply.

Are gambling winnings taxed in Kentucky?

Yes. Winnings count as taxable income for state and federal tax.

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