Legal — Online & Retail

Sports Betting in Kentucky: Laws, Licensed Apps & AI Predictions

Legal since 2023Updated Feb 2026

Key Facts: Kentucky Sports Betting

Status

Legal — Online & Retail

Legal Since

2023

Tax Rate

9.75% (online) / 14.25% (retail)

Monthly Handle

$300M+

Legalized in March 2023, online launch in September 2023
Strong horse racing culture transitioned into sports betting
Retail betting at licensed horse racing facilities
College basketball drives major seasonal handle spikes
Must be 18+ for horse racing bets, 21+ for sports betting
UK Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals fan bases fuel wagering

Sports Betting Overview: Kentucky

Kentucky legalized sports betting in March 2023 through HB 551, signed by Governor Andy Beshear. Online sportsbooks launched on September 28, 2023, with retail options at horse racing tracks following shortly after. Known globally for horse racing and the Kentucky Derby, the state's entry into sports betting was a natural extension of its gambling culture. Kentucky allows wagering on professional and college sports, maintaining standard restrictions on in-state college prop bets. The Bluegrass State's passionate college basketball fan base — especially UK Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals — drives significant March Madness handle.

Licensed Sportsbooks in Kentucky

DraftKings

FanDuel

BetMGM

Caesars

bet365

How AI Predictions Help Kentucky Bettors

Kentucky's deep college basketball culture creates heavy public betting on in-state teams. AI predictions help bettors avoid homer bias and identify true value in SEC and NCAA tournament matchups.

Our AI models process thousands of data points per game across NFL, NHL, Tennis, and March Madness — all available for just 99¢ per sport with lifetime access.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kentucky Sports Betting

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting has been legal in Kentucky since 2023. Both online and retail sports betting are available. You must be physically located in Kentucky to place a bet.

What sportsbook apps are available in KY?

Licensed sportsbook operators in Kentucky include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and more. All major operators offer mobile apps for convenient wagering from anywhere in the state.

How do AI predictions help Kentucky sports bettors?

AI-powered predictions analyze thousands of data points per game — player stats, team performance, injuries, weather, and historical trends — to generate win probabilities. For Kentucky bettors, this means data-backed insights that complement your own research. Products like NFL Picks (NFL), NHL Picks (NHL), and Tennis Picks (Tennis) each cost just 99 cents for lifetime access.

AI Predictions for Kentucky Bettors