Kentucky sports betting

There was surprise and dismay when Kentucky sports betting law failed to obtain support in the Kentucky statehouse in April 2022. However, Adam Koenig’s measure, HB 606, was approved by the House in mid-March. The bill was intended to allow online and mobile sports betting and retail wagering at racetracks, online poker, and Daily Fantasy Sports activities.

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Top Kentucky sportsbooks

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Here are some sportsbooks that we are sure will enter the Kentucky market as soon as the sports betting in Kentucky goes live.

Caesars sportsbook

Caesars is one of the entertainment businesses that has created a sportsbook in a number of states where sports betting is legal. Caesars Sportsbook is well-known in the industry for its generous bonuses and promotions.

Caesar’s offers an $1100 first bet insurance sign-up bonus. Furthermore, Caesars gives its customers attractive promotions and bonuses every month. One of the sportsbook’s strong points is live betting. Caesar’s live betting is one of the best in the business.

Customers can also receive odds boosts at Caesars. Who doesn’t want their chances of winning to improve? Caesars also allows customers to cash out early. This feature has recently gained popularity. Early cash-out allows bettors to cash out their winnings before the wager is completed. It enables gamblers to limit their losses.

Caesar sportsbook also has a mobile app that works with both Android and Apple iOS smartphones. The smartphone app is simple to use.

BetRivers sportsbook

This sportsbook may not be on par with the others on the list, but it is still among the best in the industry. BetRivers has built a solid reputation in recent years.

Your first deposit will be matched up to $250, with a 1x wagering requirement. One of BetRivers’ biggest features is its extensive incentive program. Through this promotion, BetRivers gives its customers actual gifts in addition to free bets.

On top of the live betting option, BetRivers also offers live streaming. This allows gamblers to watch sports while placing their wagers. It’s a somewhat uncommon feature among bookmakers. On top of that, BetRivers offers odds enhancements on a variety of sports and events.

BetRivers’ mobile app is excellent. It is quite simple and quick to utilize the software and place bets. In addition, the app is easy to navigate. Furthermore, the app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

BetMGM sportsbook

As one of the largest entertainment companies, MGM’s customers have great brand loyalty. Customers’ strong brand loyalty implies that gamblers will rush to sign up wherever their sportsbook opens. Furthermore, BetMGM’s loyalty program is outstanding, as it lets players exchange their points for a variety of events.

BetMGM’s sign-up bonus is a risk-free bet of up to $1000. This provides an advantage to bettors. Furthermore, BetMGM routinely offers free bets to its customers. BetMGM, like all the biggest sportsbooks, offers odds increases. Moreover, BetMGM also provides one of the best live betting features in the market. Live betting is accessible in all major sports across the world. BetMGM also offers live streaming for a few select events.

The BetMGM smartphone app is one for all states. Bettors can use the same app if sports betting is legal in their state. They don’t have to download separate apps for each state. Both iOS and Android users can download the app from their respective app stores.

FanDuel sportsbook

Since its inception in online sports betting, daily sports fantasy leader FanDuel has made a reputation for itself. In the realm of sports betting, FanDuel has become a household name. The sportsbook is always one of the first to establish itself in a new state where sports betting is legal. FanDuel has been forming new alliances in Minnesota in preparation for when sports betting becomes legal. It provides users with exciting offers.

The risk-free wager for $1000 is expected to be a sign-up bonus for Minnesota. FanDuel also features one of the industry’s most diverse sports market offerings. In addition, the live streaming on FanDuel is excellent. FanDuel is also one of the tops in the market because of its odds boost and early cash-out option.

The FanDuel smartphone app adds to the thrill of the game. Because it is connected with the casino platform, the sportsbook app is more versatile than its competitors. In addition, the app is accessible for iOS and Android smartphones, and users can easily download it from their respective app stores.

Kentucky Online Sportsbooks That Might Not Make The Cut

We won’t know how many KY online sports betting sites will be licensed to operate until a sports betting bill is passed. However, based on the experience of other jurisdictions that have legalized sports betting, competition will be stiff, and some huge brands may not get a license to operate in the state.

Unlicensed, illegal offshore operators who have been giving sports betting alternatives to Kentucky residents are unlikely to pass muster. Moreover, it’s difficult to imagine the state granting licenses to unlicensed sportsbooks that have enticed sports fans to bet with them.

Kentucky Sports Betting Bill Will Face Challenges to Pass in 2023

In Kentucky, there is certainly a large market for online sports betting. More than half a million Kentucky residents attempted to place bets with sportsbooks in other states.

House Bill 606, proposed by state representative Adam Koenig, was approved by a vote of 58 to 30 in the same month. State governor Andy Beshear and Senate majority leader Damon Thayer backed it, calling sports betting a “logical extension” of Kentucky’s lengthy history of horse racing betting. On the last day of legislative activity in April 2022, Thayer announced that the legislation lacked the necessary votes to pass. There was no vote on the Senate floor at the end of the session.

Some senators expressed worry that many rural citizens are still opposed to sports betting. Unfortunately, that aversion will almost certainly persist, complicating the passage of HB 606, a new sports betting bill, in 2023. In odd-numbered years, the Kentucky House and Senate meet for only 30 days instead of 60, and bills must pass with a three-fifths majority before the session ends.

Nonetheless, the possibility of generating significant tax revenue from a licensed sports betting market means that the Kentucky House and Senate will be debating a new measure or two in 2023.

Kentucky mobile Sports Betting Apps

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Many people will use a mobile betting app to interact with their favorite sportsbooks if and when KY sports betting becomes legal. As a result, leading operators have spent a lot of time, money, and effort developing and perfecting apps.

These apps provide exceptional user experiences for people who wish to bet from anywhere. Betting with the top applications is a straightforward and pleasurable experience. Naturally, the amount of information and markets available is less than on a desktop computer. But the sheer convenience of being able to place a wager quickly and easily via a mobile device is a compelling argument in its favor.

Sports to bet on in Kentucky

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The state offers many sports to bet on. Here is a list of a few sports that you can bet on in Kentucky when sports betting goes live.

NBA betting

Basketball is huge in Kentucky, especially to the success of the state’s top college teams. As a result, there is a lot of interest in the NBA. Basketball remains at the forefront of sports fans’ interest due to the length of the season and the prominence of the NBA Finals. With high scores and many interruptions in play, the sport’s format lends itself to a high level of in-play betting interest.

NFL betting

The NFL is the world’s richest sports league. As a result, it attracts a lot of interest from fans all throughout the country and beyond. Although Kentucky does not have an NFL club or any representation from the Big Four, the state has many football enthusiasts that follow a team throughout the regular season and playoffs. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl is thought to be the world’s largest yearly sports betting event.

NHL betting

The NHL’s efforts to make hockey a true cross-country sport appeared to have paid off. There are teams throughout the country, resulting in a strong level of interest and participation in games through the NHL regular season — and into the Stanley Cup Finals. In addition, hockey is a fascinating and entertaining sport to bet on because of its fast-paced and low-scoring character.

MLB betting

Baseball is still a popular sport among Americans around the country. Kentucky has delivered a steady stream of talent to Major League clubs in recent years, and the state’s minor league landscape is thriving. The MLB, on the other hand, is the place to be throughout the long summer months. And the length of the season, combined with the historical significance of the World Series, keeps sports fans and bettors entertained throughout.

College sports betting

In the absence of the Big Four professional sports, college sports, particularly basketball, are undoubtedly Kentucky’s most popular pastime. The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals are two of the most popular sports teams in the state. When sports betting becomes legal in Kentucky, it will be interesting to see if individuals may bet on teams from the state.

Horse racing

Kentucky is famous for its horse racing. Turfway Park, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Downs, Keeneland, and Ellis Park are among the five thoroughbred racetracks in Kentucky. The Bluegrass Downs, Red Mile, and Thunder Ridge Raceway all host harness racing. Horse betting has a lengthy tradition in Kentucky, unlike other sports.

Teams to bet on in Kentucky

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When the state of Kentucky votes to legalize sports betting, there will be plenty of local teams to wager on. Here are the most popular ones that are sure to catch gamblers’ attention.

Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals of the University of Louisville are on the other side of the fence from the Wildcats in the Battle of the Bluegrass, one of the most ferocious rivalries in the country. Of course, basketball is still the most popular sport in town. However, Cardinals supporters are still reminiscing about the “Year of the Cardinal,” in which the team won the BCS bowl game.

Kentucky Wildcats

Many people in Kentucky are part of the Big Blue Nation, which refers to the army of followers who follow the Wildcats’ fortunes. The University of Kentucky’s pride participates in a variety of sports. Still, basketball is the one with which the Wildcats are best known. The men’s squad leads all college basketball teams in wins. If betting on college sports becomes legal in Kentucky, expect the Big Blue Nation to rally behind their Wildcats.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Western Kentucky University’s Hilltoppers have garnered widespread praise and legions of supporters with their basketball and football accomplishments. The basketball team is one of the most successful in NCAA history. At the same time, the football and baseball programs are equally successful. This is just another club that sports bettors in Kentucky will pay attention to and invest in.

Promotions & Offers At KY Online Sportsbooks

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You may expect a lot of bonuses and promos if and when Kentucky betting sites go live. Betting companies go to tremendous lengths to acquire new customers. Those customers benefit from the added value their new accounts provide. As a result, sign-up bonuses will be available to you during the registration process, either automatically or through the use of a promo code.

Risk-Free Bets 

One of the most popular new account bonuses is risk-free bets. You earn your rewards if your initial bet, which can be up to $1,000 or more, is successful. If it loses, though, you will receive your stake back as a free bet or site credit. The main benefit is that you are not afraid of losing, which is a valuable position for any bettor to be in.

Deposit Match

Another common way for new customers to get more value is to receive a bonus on their initial investment. The sportsbook will boost your funds by up to 100% regardless of how much you deposit in your newly formed account. However, read the terms and conditions carefully because you may be required to play through your deposit a certain number of times before withdrawing any winnings.

Referral Bonuses

All sportsbooks are always looking for new ways to increase their customers. As a result, you and your friend may both be eligible for a bonus if you refer a friend who establishes an account. This is usually in the form of a free bet, which may be as much as $100 in the most generous cases.

Odds Boosts

The sportsbook can boost the odds on a particular wager to make it appear more tempting. Many of the best sportsbooks provide boosts so frequently that they have a section on their websites dedicated to them for that day or week. This is a strategy for winning more money on a gamble than you anticipated.

Choosing The Best KY Online Sportsbooks

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When Kentucky’s online sportsbooks go live, the marketing departments of their operators will go into overdrive. As a result, you will frequently get emails pleading with you to join their platform. How are you going to choose between them? The final decision is yours, but there are some characteristics that distinguish a decent sportsbook.

Great Reviews

By the time online sports betting sites in Kentucky go live, the operators will have already been serving customers across the country for some time. That means you’ll have access to extensive reviews indicating whether people in other states have been treated fairly. Of course, we’ll also review every legal sportsbook that comes to Kentucky.

Bets Allowed

People like betting on sports in a variety of ways. For example, you might prefer the moneyline or parlay betting or spend your time scouring the list of proposition bets for value. Therefore, a sportsbook must provide a wide range of alternatives so that you can wager on sports in the method that best matches your preferences.

Frequent KY Sports Betting Bonuses

A consistent supply of bonus offers and promotions can add a lot of excitement to your wagering experience. Operators will strive to tempt and maintain customers by offering free bets, odds boosts, and other substantial bonuses, especially in the early stages following launch. After you become a loyal customer, reload bonuses, rewards programs, and exclusive competitions should all be available. In addition, every sportsbook we suggest will provide a welcome bonus, such as a risk-free bet, to new customers.

Excellent User Interface

This is a very crucial factor to consider. You can get the highest odds and the biggest bonuses, but if your screen crashes every time you try to place a wager, you’re not going to stick around for long. In addition, every sportsbook with a license goes through examinations for the quality of its user experience. So whether you’re using the desktop version of the website or a mobile app, it’s critical that you can navigate and place your bets quickly and effortlessly.

Easy Deposits & Withdrawals

You will have your own favorite method of completing online financial transactions. The sportsbook you choose must accommodate your preferences. Always examine what banking methods are available so that you can deposit fast and conveniently — and that you can withdraw your earnings as well. When rating any sportsbook, we look for quick withdrawal times.

Variety Of Customer Support

You generally don’t want to have to contact your sportsbook, but if something goes wrong or an issue arises, it’s critical that the process is as simple as possible. Customer service should be accessible via various channels, including live chat, email, and toll-free phone numbers. When you make contact, the support you receive should be quick to respond and remedy the problem you’ve brought up.

Available bet types at legal KY sports betting sites

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You can expect to see some bet types in legal KY online sportsbooks.

Moneyline

The moneyline is generally always the first set of odds you see at a Kentucky sportsbook. This is the simplest way to wager on any two-sided event, such as a basketball match. The number represents how much you must risk winning $100, while the minus sign reflects the favorite’s odds. The plus sign on the outsider’s price indicates how much you can win by betting $100. 

Parlays

A parlay is a wager that combines multiple wagers into a single wager. As each of your wagers wins, the winnings roll over to the following wager, increasing the odds. For you to obtain a return, all of your wagers must win. The payout can be substantial for a small investment.

Totals

These wagers are based on the number of times a specific event will occur during a sporting event. The total points scored by both sides in a basketball game is one of the most common examples. You choose whether the final total will be over or under the number given by the sportsbook. As a result, over/under bets have become popular.

Point Spreads

One of the most common methods of betting on any sporting event. The bookmaker provides the underdog a hypothetical start, making the odds of either team winning nearly equal. You then assess whether the favorite will win by that many points or more, so “covering the spread,” and place your bet accordingly.

Prop Bets

Not all wagers are related to the final result of a game or race. There are a variety of outcomes that can be predicted during the course of a sporting event. Proposition bets, or props, are a type of wager. These could be individual performances, such as how many points a certain player would score, team successes, such as being the first to a set total, or the first half’s conclusion.

Live Bets

Sportsbooks may change their odds in real-time because of recent advances in digital technology, allowing bettors to wager on the action even after a sporting event has begun. In-play betting is becoming more popular, and the leading sportsbooks provide a large range of events for live betting.

Deposit and Withdraw from Kentucky Sports Betting Sites

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The experienced operators who are likely to be licensed to develop KY sports betting sites will provide a variety of ways to fund your account. The procedure should be as painless as quick as possible. The following methods should be included among the options:

  • Bank transfer
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express

It’s also crucial that the sportsbook you choose provides withdrawal alternatives that are convenient for you. The list of ways to get your money out is sometimes shorter than the list of ways to put it in. So make sure you can withdraw money fast and easily.

FAQs KY sports betting online

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Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Not quite yet. In April 2022, the most recent attempt to legalize sports betting failed. However, another bill is expected to be introduced in early 2023 in an attempt to amend the law.

When will sports betting be legalized in Kentucky?

There are hopes that the next attempt to legalize sports betting in 2023 will be successful.

Can you bet on sports in Kentucky?

You can only bet on horse racing in Kentucky. However, you can bet as long as you are of legal age, 21 years old.

Is FanDuel available in Kentucky?

Yes. But only daily fantasy sports are available in Kentucky.

Can DraftKings be used in Kentucky?

Yes, but only daily fantasy games are available on DraftKings Kentucky.