Kentucky 18 and Up Online Sports Betting Sites For 2023
If wagering on horse races was lumped into the same category as sports betting, then you can bet that Kentucky would have legalized gambling on sports for adults 18 and over decades ago since the state is home to the most prestigious — and most bet on — horse races in the world: The Kentucky Derby.
And while race tracks are legal, state-licensed sportsbooks are not allowed to operate in the state, but you can legally place wagers online for both horse racing and all sports at the 18+ online sportsbook found on this page. Additionally, we explain the sports betting laws of the state and provide information on any pending bills in the Bluegrass State.
Top Rated 18+ Kentucky Sports Betting Sites
| Sportsbook | Bonus | USA | Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% Bonus Up To $1,000 | 5/5 | Visit SiteReview | |
 | 125% Bonus Up To $3,125 | 4.8/5 | Visit SiteReview | |
 | 50% Bonus Up To $500 | 4.1/5 | Visit Site |
Can you bet on sports at age 18 in Kentucky?
Yes, if you are at least eighteen years old in Kentucky, you can legally bet on sports at licensed online sportsbooks that are located outside of the United States. However, there are no sportsbooks operating in the jurisdiction of Kentucky, meaning that betting offshore is your only legal option.
Is it legal to bet at 18+ online sportsbooks in Kentucky?
There is no law that prevents Kentucky adults who are at least 18 years of age from betting at licensed offshore online sportsbooks. Because Kentucky itself does not allow sportsbooks to operate within state lines, there are no online options to gamble on sports at this time.
Are sports betting sites safe for Kentucky residents?
The Internet can be a scary place and scams are everywhere, which is why we dedicated our time to reviewing and properly vetting the sports betting sites you see on this page so 18+ Kentucky residents have a sports wagering option that is both legal and safe. Each site featured on this page is 100% safe and secure. We can vouch for these sites, but we can’t guarantee your protection if you choose to bet at any other online sportsbooks.
How did the SCOTUS repeal of PASPA impact legal sports betting in Kentucky?
With the Supreme Court decision in May 2018 that ruled PASPA unconstitutional, Kentucky and all 18+ sports betting states were granted the right to choose whether or not to legalize sports betting within their jurisdiction. Kentucky is in the process of presenting legislation that would provide options for legal sports betting in the Blue Grass State.
18+ State-Licensed Sportsbooks in Kentucky
There are currently no state-licensed sportsbooks available to players who are 18 years old or 21 and up in Kentucky. When the state legislature does pass a sports betting bill, then there will likely be sportsbooks operating in Kentucky within one to two years after it’s signed into law.
Legal Football Betting Options For 18+ In KY
18 & Up College Football Betting In Kentucky
The Wildcats and the Cardinals are the major attractions when it comes to NCAAF in Kentucky. For 18 and over sports gamblers that are looking for online College Football betting in KY, the prime-time sportsbook sites are listed in the table above and are accepting wagers now for games across the country. College Football Playoff betting, prop bets, game lines, and more are available now, so browse through each one of our recommended sportsbook sites to find out what we mean.
Over 18 NFL Betting In Kentucky
Pro football is by far the most popular sport across the country. and that holds true even in college-heavy regions like Kentucky. 18 & over NFL betting sites like the ones recommended above can handle any popular football bet, proposition, point spread and even includes year-round online Super Bowl betting that can pay out huge if taken advantage of early enough. Have a look through our top-rated online KY sports betting sites, and you’ll be sure to find loads of NFL odds at any time of year.
Kentucky College and Professional Sports Teams
The Bluegrass State has produced some of the best athletic talent in the country, especially when it comes to basketball. While Kentucky does not currently have a professional sports franchise, below you can find all of the NCAA Division I schools from the state that you will routinely see at our recommended online sportsbooks.
NCAA Division I Teams:
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels and Lady Colonels: Ohio Valley (Richmond)
- Kentucky Wildcats: SEC (Lexington)
- Louisville Cardinals: ACC (Louisville)
- Morehead State Eagles: Ohio Valley (Morehead)
- Murray State Racers: Ohio Valley (Murray)
- Northern Kentucky Norse: Horizon (Highland Heights)
- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers: C-USA (Bowling)
Legal Minimum Gambling Age in Kentucky
Although Kentucky is completely open to gambling on horse racing and allows anyone who is at least 18 years old to place a bet at a race track, the state does not allow any casinos to operate in the state, and because of this, there is no minimum gambling age requirement in the state for the most popular forms of wagering like slots, table games, and poker.
Other Forms of Legal 18+ Gambling in Kentucky
Even though Kentucky does not allow casinos to operate inside state lines, adults who are 18 and up can bet on horse racing, play the lottery, and participate in bingo games. Additionally, the online sports betting sites we recommend also offer licensed offshore online casinos and poker rooms for anyone who is at least 18.
Additional Resources
If you or someone you know lives in Kentucky and is currently at risk of developing problem gambling tendencies, please contact the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling for immediately.