There are currently no land-based casinos in Kentucky. Fortunately, several racing tracks offer slot machines and other electronic games. These include Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Kentucky Downs.
Best Online Gambling Sites Kentucky
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Sports lovers and horse racing enthusiasts probably know Kentucky best for its Derby. While horse racing betting, both online and in-person, is legal, the same can’t be said about online casino games using real money. Unfortunately, you can’t play Kentucky online casinos with real money legally, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to enjoy online gambling!
One of the best ways to enjoy casino gambling is through sweepstakes casinos that are legal in the state. Whether you want to play games, participate in the state lottery, or want to know what Kentucky casinos are available for in-person live dealer games, we’ve got you covered! Here is everything you need to know about betting on sportsbooks and racing, Daily Fantasy Sports, and so much more. Keep an eye out for changing laws, which will hopefully bring online casino apps, online slots, and other fun gaming options to the state soon.
The Best Kentucky Casino Sites
Kentucky, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 6Best Games ChoiceBonusUp to 1,000 Gems and Get 50% Extra Gems
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:700+
Benefits- Massive selection of slots from top providers
- Unique currency system with Gems and Shards
- Good customer support options, including live chat
- Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $4.99
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
- Live chat option for VIP members
- User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
- Various bonuses and promotions
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $0.99
- Min withdraw $200
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Gambling Sites KY
Our team has carefully assessed and chosen the best platforms available for Kentucky players. These sweepstakes and social casinos are celebrated for their wide range of games, enticing bonus offers, secure payment methods, and excellent customer service. Discover the ultimate online gaming experiences tailored specifically for players in Kentucky today.
WOW Vegas
WOWVegas is much more than a social casino. It’s one of the few social casinos with backing by a celebrity, and for good reason. Launched in 2021, this sweepstakes casino has grown a wide following thanks to its plethora of slot games, prizes, payment methods, and more. Now, our team brings you everything you need to know about this platform, from WOWVegas casino reviews to the best games and more to explore!
- Website
- Bonus 1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Established 2021
- Games 1200+
- Legal in States All except WA, NV, MI, ID
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Cons
- Jackpots are only available in WOW Coins
- No dedicated mobile app available at this time
Funrize Casino
Funrize Casino is as good as it gets for players looking for a simple, easy-to-use, and fun platform to play casino-style games. Most Funrize casino reviews only give an overview of this site, but we’ve gone in-depth and played games for ourselves, signed up for an account, and interacted with their customer support team to get a better picture of how this sweepstakes casino works. Find out what we’ve learned in this Funrize Casino review.
- Website
- Bonus 400 000 Coins + 1000 Entries
- Established 2022
- Games 400+
- Legal in States All except WA, ID, WY, MI
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Diverse game selection with over 130 titles
- Excellent customer service through live chat and social media channels like Twitter and Facebook
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
Cons
- Limited software developers
- Payment methods limited compared to other online casinos
- Limited game selection for table games and live dealer options
NoLimitCoins
Small but mighty, NolimitCoins casino is quickly becoming one of the most reputable, fun, and simple social casino platforms on the market. It’s easy to find a slot that satisfies your need for a Vegas-style game, purchase gold coin packages to extend the fun, and win daily bonuses! Find out more about this new sweepstakes casino in our NolimitCoins review.
- Website
- Bonus 400 000 Gold Coins & free 1000 Super Coins
- Established 2021
- Games 350+
- Legal in States All except WA, NV, ID
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Cons
- Limited game selection compared to other online casinos
- No mobile app
- Limited depositing options
- No table or live dealer games
Spree Casino
- Website
- Bonus 1,000,000 Free GC + 2.5 SC
- Established 2024
- Games 800+
- Live Dealer yes
Pros
- More than 1,280 games from 21 top-tier providers
- Massive SC referrals and leaderboard tournaments
- Mobile-first interface with beginner-friendly navigation
- Live dealer tables by Iconic21 (formerly Beterlive)
- Dedicated help center with 24/7 support
Cons
- No live chat support
- Limited banking options (credit and debit cards only)
Modo Casino
With some of the biggest names in the iGaming industry already sharing their best titles with Modo.us, it’s no wonder this new social casino is on the rise and gaining popularity! Our Modo.us casino review explores why players are flocking to this site to play their favorite games, participate in tournaments, or simply unwind. Find out more in this casino review.
- Website
- Bonus 20,000 Gold Coins (GC) +1 SC
- Established 2023
- Games 647
- Legal in States Everywhere except for CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NJ, PA, RI, WA, WV
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
- Live chat option for VIP members
- User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
- Various bonuses and promotions
Cons
- Limited banking options compared to other casinos
- No mobile app
- No live dealer games
Kentucky Online Gambling Laws
Online gambling is a favorite pastime for many Americans, and with states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan allowing residents to play online casino games legally, it’s no wonder residents continue to wonder when Kentucky online gambling will be made legal.
Unfortunately, Kentucky online casinos using real money are currently outlawed, thanks to strict laws that make it a class A misdemeanor to even possess a gambling device. Because of strict laws against online casino gambling, people are looking for ways to play casino games legally in the state. And they find them!
Fortunately, casino games can still be enjoyed through social and sweepstakes casinos. In addition, you can also enjoy gambling on sports teams, Daily Fantasy Sports, and horse racing online. All of these options are currently legal according to Kentucky online casino laws, as long as you meet the legal gambling age of 18 years old.
If you want to gamble online using real money or want to play slot games without fear of losing your funds, it’s best to pick trusted social casinos until laws change. There are also, unfortunately, no land-based casinos in the state that offer table games.
How does Kentucky Regulate Gambling?
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is responsible for regulating gambling in the state. The commission ensures that not only are gambling laws being met, but that fair play is ensured for everyone participating in online sports betting, online KY casinos, instant racing machines, and, of course, horse racing.
Additionally, the commission also works to promote responsible gambling practices and provide support for those struggling with problem gambling. It regulates casino gaming, despite there being no table games available. This is because casinos are allowed to offer slot machines and instant racing machines under Kentucky law, as long as they obtain a license from the commission and adhere to strict regulations. Now that online gambling in the state includes sports wagering, it’s also the commission’s responsibility to regulate and oversee it.
Lottery games are actually unique in that the Kentucky Lottery Corporation is responsible for regulating them, rather than the Horse Racing Commission. The corporation oversees all forms of lottery gaming in the state, including scratch-off tickets and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Kentucky Land Based Casinos
Online Casino Gambling in Kentucky
Kentucky residents who want to play slots, live casino games, progressive jackpots, and table games can only do so through sweepstakes casinos. These online casinos operate using a sweepstakes model, which allows players to purchase virtual currency for the chance to win real cash prizes. While not technically considered gambling, as no money is wagered directly, these sweepstakes casinos provide Kentucky residents with a way to play their favorite casino games legally.
As of now, there are no bills or legislation in place that would make online gambling legal in Kentucky. However, with the growing popularity of online sports betting and the potential for increased revenue, lawmakers may consider expanding into other forms of online gambling in the future.
For online casino gambling to become legalized in Kentucky, it would require a change in state law and approval from the Horse Racing Commission or another regulatory body. Until then, residents can continue to enjoy the variety of casino games offered by sweepstakes casinos. They can also enjoy horse racing and the lottery which are currently the most popular legal forms of gambling in the state.
Kentucky Online Poker
Like other table games which are outlawed online and in-person, online poker is not legal in the state. However, you can enjoy playing online poker at social casinos, which operate on a similar sweepstakes model. These sites allow you to purchase virtual currency for the chance to win real cash prizes through luck of the draw sweepstakes!
Kentucky Daily Fantasy Sports
House Bill 259 was passed in 2018, legalizing Daily Fantasy sports in Kentucky. This allows for residents to use popular platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings, where users create Fantasy teams based on real players and compete against other users for cash prizes. These platforms have gained popularity in recent years and offer an alternative form of online casinos for Kentucky residents.
Kentucky Sports Betting
As of September 2023, sports betting has become legal in Kentucky. This means people can use online sportsbooks to place bets on their favorite professional or college sports teams. This includes popular leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Popular online sportsbooks also offer live betting, allowing users to bet on games as they are happening. Sites include popular names such as BetMGM, traditionally known for its casino sites, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Kentucky Online Horse Betting
Home of the Kentucky Derby, it’s no wonder there’s a big market for online horse racing betting. Residents can use sites such as TwinSpires and TVG to place bets on races happening all over the country. These sites also offer live streaming of races, giving users the full experience of being at the track from the comfort of their own homes. In-person horse betting is also legal in the state at various racetracks and off-track betting facilities.
Kentucky Lottery
From Powerball to Mega Millions to scratch-offs, the Kentucky Lottery offers a variety of games for residents looking to test their luck. The Lottery helps fund education and other programs in the state, making it a popular choice among residents who want to support their community while also having a chance to win big. The KLC, or Kentucky Lottery Corporation, also has a mobile app and online gambling site that allows users to play games and check winning numbers.
History of Gambling Legislation in Kentucky
In 1787, Lexington, KY, became the first city to have documented horse racing in the state, with a rich history to follow soon after. The first horse racing track would open in 1875, setting off a tradition that has become synonymous with the state.
In 1988, Kentucky voted for the introduction of a state lottery, with the proceeds going towards different state programs. This bill passed with a 60% vote, showing strong support from residents.
Gambling laws and devices continue to develop, and in 2011, the first instant horse racing machines were installed at Kentucky Downs. These machines operate similarly to slot machines, but their legality is still debated today.
Finally, in 2023, sports betting was legalized in Kentucky, with online options becoming increasingly popular today. While Kentucky casinos online aren’t still legal, perhaps they will soon be part of this history.
States with legal online gambling
FAQ
What is the gambling age in Kentucky?
Kentucky is unique in allowing 18-year-olds to participate in pari-mutuel betting on horse races and sports betting. This is slightly younger than the 21-year-old legal gambling age in other states where the restriction is imposed on casinos and sports betting.
Who regulates gambling in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is responsible for regulating all horse racing and pari-mutuel betting in the state. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation oversees the state lottery, and the Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming manages bingo and other charitable games.
Are Kentucky online casinos legal?
Real money online casinos are not legal. The state has strict laws against online gambling, and there are no licensed online casinos available to residents. However, social casinos, which offer free-to-play casino games, are legal and accessible.
Can I win real money at online casino KY?
The only way to win real money at an online casino in this state is by playing at a reputable sweepstakes or social casino. To win cash prizes, you’ll need to purchase gold coins or sweepstakes currency, which can then be used to play casino games or enter contests with real cash prizes. The best online casinos will have ample opportunities to win cash prizes.
Are gambling winnings taxable in Kentucky?
Yes, all gambling winnings in the state are taxable, whether they are won at a casino, gambling sites, or through other forms of gambling. Gambling income is considered taxable by both state and federal tax agencies. It is important to report all winnings on your tax returns to avoid potential penalties and fees. Even if not withheld, it’s important to save a portion of winnings over $5,000 for tax purposes.
When will online casinos be legal in Kentucky?
While recent legislation has legalized sports betting in the state, there are currently no plans to legalize online casinos. Any changes to the laws regarding online gambling would require approval from state legislators and likely face opposition from various groups.
I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.