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Kentucky sports betting is expected to launch in time for the first game of the 2023-24 NFL Season (Sept. 7, 2023). Worst case scenario, bettors can expect access to Kentucky sports betting promotions in December 2023.
We expect Kentucky sportsbooks to offer pre-launch bonuses in the coming months. This is where bettors can sign up early, before launch day, to lock in bonus bets on day one. We will update this page as these offers come in.
In the meantime, here are the Kentucky sports betting promos coming soon to the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky Sports Betting Promo Codes – Offers on Launch Day
Kentucky sports betting promo codes below won’t be available until state regulators approve the launch of online sports betting (hopefully on or before Sept. 7, 2023). But we can take a look at other legal states to get an idea of what we expect to see:
📱 KY Sportsbook 💰 Promotion 📝 Promo Code
🎁 DraftKings Kentucky: Deposit $5, Get a $50 bonus bet + a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000 Link Coming Soon
🎁 BetMGM Kentucky: Up to $1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets (Not valid in DC, MA, MS, NY) PLAYSPORTS
🎁 Caesars Kentucky: Get up to $1,250 on Caesars + 1,000 Tier Credits + 1,000 Reward Credits SBBONUSFULL
🎁 BetRivers Kentucky: Get a Second Chance Bet up to $500 (up to $100 in NY) BONUSPLAY
🎁 FanDuel Kentucky: Sign up for a No Sweat First Bet up to $2,500 Link Coming Soon
🎁 PointsBet Kentucky: 5 Second Chance Bet Credits up to $250 Link Coming Soon
🎁 WynnBET Kentucky: Bet $100, Get $100 Bet Credits ($50 on sportsbook and $50 on casino) Link Coming Soon
🎁 Bet365 Kentucky: Bet $1, get $200 in bonus bets Link Coming Soon
🎁 BallyBet Kentucky: Get your stake back in bonus bets if your first bet loses, up to $250. Link Coming Soon
Terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+. Always practice Responsible Gaming.
When Will Kentucky Sports Betting Launch?
On or before Sept. 7, 2023, is the hopefully launch date for Kentucky sports betting. On March 31, 2023, sports betting became legal in Kentucky when Gov. Andy Beshear signed the House Bill 551 into law. However, regulators need to hammer out the rules, approve licenses, and set a launch date before we can know for sure when Kentucky sports betting will launch online. Based on the launch of previous states, our best guess is on or before the first day of the 2023-24 NFL Season, which is Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
Kentucky Sports Betting Timeline – Lead-Up to Launch
The Kentucky sports betting timeline in the lead-up to launch began in Feb. 2023 with the introduction of a bill to legalize sportsbooks in the state. Other notable events we’ll be highlighting include apps that receive licenses, updated launch dates, and more:
| 🔮 Sept. 7, 2023 | Hopeful launch day of Kentucky sports betting online. |
| 🔮 Aug. 2023 | Pre-launch Kentucky sportsbook promotions will become available from the top sports betting apps. |
| ✅ Jun. 29, 2023 | The rulemaking process can begin on this day, according to the bill that legalized sports betting in the state. |
| ✅ Jun. 1, 2023 | In a press conference, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear emphasized the state's commitment to launching in time for the NFL Season, which kicks off on Sept. 7, 2023. |
| ✅ Mar. 30, 2023 | Sports betting is officially legalized in Kentucky following the passage of the bill in the Kentucky State Senate and the Governor's signature. |
| ✅ May 16, 2023 | Caesars partners with Keeneland and Red Mile race tracks to bring sports betting to the state. |
| ✅ Feb. 7, 2023 | KY Rep. Michael Meredith introduces bill HB551 to legalize sports betting in Kentucky. |
| ✅ Nov. 29, 2022 | DraftKings partners with Churchill Downs to offer horse racing, which sets the groundwork for a sports betting partnership between the two brands in Kentucky. |
| ✅ Aug. 20, 2021 | FanDuel and Kentucky Downs enter a 3-year sponsorship deal, which sets the precedent for a potential sports betting partnership between FanDuel and Kentucky Downs to bring sports betting to the state. |
Key: 🔮 – Predicted, ✅ – Verified
How To Sign Up at a Kentucky Sportsbook & Claim the Sports Betting Promo
You aren’t yet able to create an online sportsbook account in Kentucky, but we want to help you get ready for when you are able to get started. Here’s what you’ll need when creating a Kentucky sportsbook account:
Claim the Pre-Launch Sports Betting Promotions
A month or two before the official launch, online sportsbooks in Kentucky will offer pre-launch promotions. Some examples from previous deals include signing up early to receive $100 to $200 in bonus bets, bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets on launch day, and other deals. Bettors can claim every pre-launch offer before launch day, and we’ll have them all on this page so you don’t miss out.
We expect Kentucky pre-launch sportsbook promotions to come out sometime in late July or August 2023.
Sign Up for a Free Account
Per state law, you’ll need to provide personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. This information is used to verify your identity, and legal online sportsbooks employ the highest levels of digital security to ensure that it is processed safely and securely. You’ll then need to create a unique password and username.
Utilize a Sports Betting Promo Code
Some sportsbook offers, like the DraftKings Kentucky promo code, automatically apply when you click one of our affiliate links. Others require you to enter (or copy and paste) a promo code to receive the deal. But it’s definitely worthwhile to make sure you get a Kentucky sports betting bonus when you sign up for an account. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions beforehand so you know the ins and outs of your specific deal.
Make a Deposit
Add money to your sportsbook account using any one of a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, online bank transfer, Play+ Card, debit card, and more. We recommend you avoid using a credit card for a deposit because it usually counts as a cash advance, which comes with extra fees.
Place Your Bets
Kentucky sportsbooks will offer a huge range of betting options. From moneyline, points spread, and over/under points to player props, parlays, and futures, you’ll have access to it all at your fingertips.
Cash Out Winnings
Online sportsbooks make getting your money a breeze. While you’ll likely have to verify your identity the first time you cash out, you usually don’t have to any time after that. That makes withdrawals take between a few minutes and about 24 hours at Kentucky sports betting apps. Withdrawal options include PayPal, Play+ Card, online bank transfer, and more.
Consider Joining Multiple Sportsbooks
All online sportsbooks in Kentucky will offer competitive odds. But some will have better odds than others depending on the event and the number of bets being placed on their site. That’s why sharp bettors will join multiple sportsbooks to shop for the best odds before placing their bet, maximizing win potential. There’s also no limit to how many Kentucky sports betting promo codes you’ll be able to claim.
Kentucky Sportsbook Bonuses for 2023-24 NFL Season
Overall Best Kentucky Sports Betting Promo
Get all the details on DraftKings Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: Churchill Downs Racetrack
Prelaunch Bonus
The DraftKings Kentucky prelaunch bonus is expected to be $200 in bonus bets when you sign up before launch day. The moment the prelaunch bonus becomes available, you’ll be able to claim it right here.
Launch Promo
The DraftKings Kentucky promo is expected to be a $50 Bonus Bet with a $5+ deposit, plus a 20% deposit-match bonus up to $1,000. Here’s a breakdown:
- Both offers apply only to first deposit
- Bonus Bet wins are paid as winnings only and do not include the wager amount
- 20% deposit-match is credited in $1 for every $25 wagered, effectively 5x wagering requirements
- Must deposit $5,000 to claim the maximum deposit-match bonus
- Minimum deposit is $5 to qualify for both offers
For example, let’s say your first deposit is $500. You could immediately place a $50 Bonus Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals moneyline at +100 odds. If it won, you’d receive $50 in cash you can immediately withdraw. If you then bet $50 on other markets, you’d receive $2 in Bonus Bets, and you can continue earning from there, up to $100 in Bonus Bets (20% of $500).
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Overall Best Kentucky Sports Betting Promo
Best Rebate Promotion in Kentucky
Get all the details on BetMGM Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: TBA
Prelaunch Bonus
Like the DraftKings prelaunch deal, sign up in advance at BetMGM Kentucky for $200 in bonus bets. The similarity of the two deals highlights how smart it is to claim multiple Kentucky prelaunch promotions. That’s $400 in bonus bets the moment things go live before even making a deposit.
Launch Promo
The BetMGM Kentucky promo code is pending launch and will be available the moment the app goes live. Bettors can expect First Bet Insurance up to $1,000 back in Bonus Bets. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up and make a deposit of at least $10
- Place any bet, including straight bets or parlays, that will be settled within 7 days
- If the bet loses and it’s $49 or less, you receive a single bonus bet equal to the wager
- If the bet loses and it’s $50 or more, you receive 5 bonus bets, each equal to 20% of the lost wager
- Bonus Bet wins are paid in winnings only
- Bonus Bets must be used within 7 days of receipt
For example, if you bet $1,000 on the Indianapolis Colts points spread at -110 and win, you’d receive a payout of $1,909.09. However, if it loses, you’d receive five Bonus Bets, each worth $200.
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Best Rebate Promotion in Kentucky
Best Promo for Earning Loyalty Rewards Points
Get all the details on Caesars Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: Keeneland
Prelaunch Bonus
The Caesars Kentucky prelaunch offer will likely be a $100 bonus bet for signing up in advance. This won’t be the biggest Kentucky prelaunch offer, but if you’re signing up for these deals in order, you’re already up to $500 in Bonus Bets on the first day.
Launch Promo
The standard Caesars Kentucky promo code will get new bettors a second-chance rebate up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets, plus 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits to Caesars Rewards.
For example, let’s say you place a $500 wager on the Tennessee Titans moneyline at +200. If the bet wins, the payout would be $1,500. If the bet loses, you’d receive $500 in Bonus Bets.
Bonus Bets expire after 7 days and wins only include winnings, not the wager.
Bettors earn Caesars Rewards points for every real-money wager placed on the app. This Caesars Kentucky signup bonus gets both new and existing members of Caesars Rewards a nice boost. Bettors can also earn points betting at over 30 Caesars Entertainment properties across the country, including Caesars Palace and Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino.
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Best Promo for Earning Loyalty Rewards Points
Best Promo for Budget Bettors in Kentucky
Get all the details on BetRivers Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: TBD
Launch Promo
The massive Kentucky sports betting promos we’ve already highlighted can be a bit intimidating. While the “up to” numbers are just the maximum, most of us can’t afford to risk over a thousand dollars on a bet, even if we get a second chance to place it again. That’s where the BetRivers Kentucky bonus code comes into play, offering budget bettors a second-chance bet between $10 and $500.
Here are the key terms to keep in mind:
- Odds for the second-chance bet and Bonus Bets must be -200 or longer (-250 or -300 would not qualify, odds -200, -110, or +100 would qualify)
- Bonus Bet wins are winnings only
- Bonus Bets expire after 30 days (good shelf-life compared to other sportsbooks)
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Best Promo for Budget Bettors in Kentucky
Most Flexible Rebate Promo in Kentucky
Get all the details on FanDuel Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: Kentucky Downs (likely)
Prelaunch Bonus
While DraftKings and BetMGM are likely to offer the same amount for prelaunch, Caesars and FanDuel are likely to offer the same amount as well. However, the FanDuel Kentucky prelaunch bonus should be $100 in betting credits rather than free bets, giving bettors more flexibility. For example, bettors could place 100 $1 bets instead of one $100 bet, and anything between.
Launch Promo
It’s a similar situation for the FanDuel Kentucky promo after launch. Bettors can place a No Sweat First Bet up to $2,500 back in betting credits. Here’s what to know:
- Bonus Bets can be used in any amount on any wager
- Wins using Bonus Bets only include winnings and not the wager
- Bettors can easily switch between bonus money or real money, whichever they choose
- Bonus Bets expire after 7 days
FanDuel members in Kentucky can also expect tons of No Sweat Bet deals going on all the time on the app. Just be sure to regularly check the promotions section after FanDuel Kentucky goes live.
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Most Flexible Rebate Promo in Kentucky
Best Promo for Multiple Second-Chance Bets
Get all the details on PointsBet Kentucky
Available Via: iOS, Android, Web browser
Kentucky Partner: TBD
Prelaunch Bonus
The expected PointsBet Kentucky prelaunch promo is $200 in bonus bets when the app goes live. This competes well with all the best Kentucky sports betting promos leading up to launch day. Bettors who sign up for all the apps can claim hundreds in bonus bets for 2023-24 NFL Week 1 and 2.
Launch Promo
PointsBet puts a twist on the second-chance bet offer for new signups. Instead of offering one second-chance bet, members receive five second-chance bet credits up to $50 each for a total of $250. The terms and conditions are generally the same from there:
- Second-chance bet applies to the first bet per day for 5 consecutive days
- Must utilize each second-chance bet each consecutive day or they’re lost (but you can miss a day and continue)
- Bettors receive a Bonus Bet equal to a lost second-chance bet
- Bonus Bets can be split equally up to four times (e.g., a $20 bonus bet can also be two $10 bets or four $5 bets)
- Bonus Bet wins are winnings only and do not include wager
- Bonus Bets expire after 7 days
Note that neither the second-chance bet nor the Bonus Bets apply to the special “PointsBetting” feature at PointsBet.
Additional terms and conditions apply. Must be 21+ to claim. Offer not available until Kentucky sports betting goes live. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online here.
Best Promo for Multiple Second-Chance Bets
Kentucky Sports Betting News Updates
Bonus Q&A: Adam Koenig of Kentucky on Problem Gambling as Sports Betting Launch Nears
June 1, 2023 |Adam Koenig is a familiar name in the Bluegrass State, considering he spent 16 years in the Kentucky House of Representatives. However, he should probably also be known for the $225 million problem gambling fund he tried to set up in 2022. Bonus believes it might be the most ambitious attempt a state legislator’s proposed […]
Kentucky Sports Bill Passes – Kills All Hope of Online Poker
March 30, 2023 |The Kentucky sports betting bill needed the approval of at least 23 members of the Kentucky State Senate in order to pass on March 30. Exactly 25 Senators voted in favor of HB551, which Gov. Andy Beshear promised to sign into law once it came his way. Update on March 31: Beshear signed the bill […]
Kentucky Skill Game Ban Passes Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature
March 14, 2023 |Senators voted 29-6 on March 14 to approve a Kentucky skill game ban, HB594. The bill takes on a gray area of legal gambling that’s spurred lawsuits nationwide and defied full regulation in many states. The bill that passed the House on March 8 in a 64-32 vote and the Senate today moves on to […]
What Sports Can I Bet on in Kentucky?
As far as we know, when Kentucky sports betting launches, there will be no restrictions on the sports you can bet on. While that may change when the rule-making process begins on June 29, 2023, we don’t expect to see things like a ban on in-state college betting like in states such as New York and New Jersey.
While there’s no major league teams based in Kentucky, there’s a lot of evidence that the state’s favorite NFL teams include the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans. But whatever your favorite major league teams may be, you’ll find all the games at every online sportsbook in the state.
Beyond the initial Kentucky sports betting promotions, online sportsbooks offer ongoing promotions for existing members, big odds boosts, special features, and other deals to try and attract and retain customers. Most of these deals surround major league sports as well as college basketball and football, only further emphasizing why it’s smart practice to join more than one sportsbook. That way, you can find the best possible odds and never miss out on a potentially-lucrative promotion.
It doesn’t get much bigger than The Battle for the Bluegrass, or the rivalry between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals basketball teams, which will bring in tons of bets in the state. Bettors can also expect big Kentucky sports betting promos surrounding this matchup, as sportsbook love giving odds boosts and other offers for local teams.
You can also expect to see a good amount of football wagering towards the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers.
Of course, the Kentucky Derby is the most iconic in-state individual sport competition, and sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings have begun incorporating horse betting into their offerings. But bettors who want to bet on the PGA Tour, MMA and UFC, NASCAR, boxing, tennis, and any other solo sport will have access to tons of options on the sportsbook. In fact, individual sports will often bring second-chance bets for existing members, like “get your bet back if the golfer you bet to win places in the top 10 instead.”
Kentucky sportsbooks are also expected to offer wagering on many international sports, including but not limited to European soccer, rugby, cricket, the World Cup, and more. Large international tournaments are often some of the most-wagered-on sporting events, and Kentucky sports bettors won’t have to miss out on the action.
Betting on esports isn’t the most common option, but it is available in some states. Whether or not Kentucky will offer esports betting will depend on regulators. We’ll update this page accordingly when we know more.
In some states, bettors can wager on major TV events like the Oscars, including New Jersey, Indiana, Colorado, Michigan, and Louisiana. Like with esports, it’s uncertain if Kentucky regulators will allow this type of wagering, but it’s becoming more common by the year.
Responsible Gambling Measures in Kentucky
Practicing Responsible Gambling is among the most important things to do when playing online, and this applies to Kentucky sports betting as well. There are many resources available to bettors in the state of Kentucky, including but not limited to the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling and responsible gambling tools offered directly on Kentucky sportsbooks.
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling offers many different resources on its own, including referrals to Gamblers Anonymous or certified gambler counselors, crisis response, and distribution of responsible gambling informational materials throughout the state. Players can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER at any time to receive help as well as National Problem Gambling Helpline chat support.
The KCPG also offers recommendations on both questions to ask before gambling and good practices while gambling:
- WHETHER you should gamble, knowing that losing is likely, that you cannot control chance, and that it doesnʼt interfere with other responsibilities?
- WHEN is it appropriate to gamble, understanding that gambling is not a healthful way to deal with emotions or stress?
- HOW MUCH money and time can you gamble, recognizing gambling is entertainment and not an essential expenditure of time or money?
- DURING GAMBLING:
- Keep track of preset time and money limits.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Avoid the ATM or other sources of money or credit.
- USE THE RESOURCES
- Online sportsbooks offer helpful responsible gambling resources. You can quickly and easily set your daily, weekly, or monthly deposit and betting limits, or restrict yourself from the apps altogether.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the National Problem Gambling website.
Who Licenses Sportsbooks in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will formulate the rules surrounding sports betting in the state as well as grant licenses and regulate the industry going forward. The KHRC offers licensing for a wide range of things related to horse racing and gambling. It will also handle dispute resolutions, and offers gambling help resources.
Retail Sports Betting at Horse Tracks in Kentucky
Kentucky sports betting bill HB551 also legalized in-person sports betting in addition to online sports betting. This means that Kentucky sports bettors will also have the opportunity to head to a sportsbook in person. While the launch for these is uncertain, it’s exciting to know that you’ll likely have sports betting at the following Kentucky casinos:
- Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
- Ellis Park, 3300 U.S. Highway 41 North, Henderson, KY 42420
- Keeneland Association, 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510
- Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, KY 41042
- Kentucky Downs, 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42134
- The Red Mile, 1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504
- Oak Grove, 375 Thompsonville Lane, Oak Grove, KY 42262
These retail sports betting locations can be located at horse racing tracks in Kentucky. We have yet to see if every horse racing track in the state will apply to host in-person sportsbooks, but will always keep this page updated with the latest information.
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ
Sept. 7, 2023. Regulators and experts are optimistic that online sportsbooks will be approved to launch in time for the 2023-24 NFL Season, which starts on Sept. 7, 2023. At the latest, online sports betting will be live in Kentucky before the end of December 2023.
Yes, Kentucky legalized online sports betting on March 30, 2023. Lawmakers now need to create the rules for the new online gambling market, accept applications from sportsbooks, and grant licenses before bettors have access to online sports betting in the state.
DraftKings Kentucky promo code will be the best sports betting bonus in the state. This has been consistent across the US as other states launched online sports betting. DraftKings Kentucky will likely start with a $200 pre-launch signup bonus, followed by a $50 Bonus Bet with a $5+ deposit, plus a 20% deposit-match bonus up to $1,000.
All Kentucky sports betting bonuses and promos are fair game. Bettors can sign up for every sportsbook available in the state and claim all the bonus money on offer. There has never been a limit to the number of online sportsbooks a bettor can sign up for in the US.
1x. Typically, Kentucky sports betting promos consist of Bonus Bets, which only have a 1x wagering requirement. That means bettors only need to wager the amount of the bonus one time, then withdraw whatever winnings are left over.
No restrictions on college sports betting has been announced in Kentucky. However, rules have not yet been hammered out, so it’s unknown whether bettors will be able to wager on in-state college teams.
Fliff Sports Picks offers folks in Kentucky an option for winning cash prizes making wagers on sporting events. No purchase is required to participate, and after the initial Fliff promo code, you get $1 Fliff Cash every day that you log in to the app.
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