We officially have another state in the ranks. Kentucky, often referred to as the “Horse Capital of the World,” has officially joined the rapidly growing industry of online sports betting. With its deep-rooted history in horse racing and a passionate fan base, it should come as no surprise that the Commonwealth has embraced this new form of legalized gambling.
The legalization of online sports betting has not only created a buzz among avid sports enthusiasts but has also opened up a world of opportunities for both bettors and the state’s economy. Let’s take a look at some of the details surrounding online sports betting going live in Kentucky.
Online Sports Betting Goes Live in Kentucky
Sports betting began in Kentucky earlier in September when in-person betting launched on September 7, shortly before the start of the NFL season. Now, the online portion launches as the NFL enters Week 4.
The Bluegrass State is the 38th in the U.S. to legalize online sports betting. Seven sportsbooks began operations on the day it opened, with two more arriving later in 2023.
Up until this September, some Kentucky residents would drive across the border to Indiana in order to place online wagers legally since only sports betting has been legal in Indiana for the last few years. As of today, September 28, those Kentucky residents can place wagers both online and in-person without having to leave the state.
If you're in Kentucky, mobile sports betting is live just in time for Week 4 in the #NFL https://t.co/xvD6NzNrk4
— BettingPros (@BettingPros) September 28, 2023
Kentucky Sports Betting Overview
Seven sportsbooks began operations on the day it opened, with more expected to be added soon. Kentucky doesn’t have many professional sports teams located within the state, but it does have the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville along with two professional soccer teams, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, multiple NFL franchises nearby (Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals) and, of course, is home to the Kentucky Derby.
For more information, refer to our Kentucky Sports Betting Online breakdown.
Kentucky Online Sports Betting Offers
With the launch of online sports betting in Kentucky, many sportsbooks are running promotions to attract new users. Here are some of the promotions that are already live:
DraftKings Sportsbook: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
- Create a new account at DraftKings Sportsbook
- Deposit and bet at least $5
- Get $200 in BONUS Bets!
That’s it!
Additional Details:
- Valid 1 per new customer.
- Excludes customers who redeemed $200 in bonus bets via KY prelaunch offer.
- Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet.
- $200 issued as eight (8) $25 bonus bets.
- Bonus bets are non-cashable and cannot be withdrawn.
- Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings.
- Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded.
- Promotional offer period ends 10/31/23 at 11:59 PM ET.
BetMGM Sportsbook: First Bet Offer up to $1500
- Create a new account at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Make a qualifying deposit
- Place a bet and get paid back up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if you don’t win.
That’s it!
Additional Details:
- Players who took part in the pre-reg promotion are not eligible for this offer
- Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, Kansas, Nevada, New York or Ontario.
Sports Betting Advice and Tools
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What is a Moneyline Bet?
The Moneyline is a wager option where sports bettors are betting on who will win the game, with the favored team seeing reduced odds and the underdog receiving increased odds. When it comes to football, the spread is generally the primary betting option for most sports bettors. It's a little more straightforward in that your win amount is generally the same regardless of which side you pick. However, with the moneyline, you can see a favorite at -130 while the underdog is at +110. This discrepancy is where you can find hidden value as a sports bettor. For more on moneyline wagers, see the BettingPros Sports Betting 101 Moneyline Bet video.
Whether you're new to sports betting or a betting pro, our How To Bet and Sports Betting Strategy and Advice pages are for you. You can get started with our How To Section - including How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Sports Betting Mistakes - or head to more advanced strategy - like Thinking Like an Expert Sports Bettor - to learn more.
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