Kentucky Sports Betting Promos & Bonus Codes

Last updated September 3, 2024

Since March 2023, when Kentucky legalized sports betting, sportsbooks such as BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, Caesars, and others have entered the Bluegrass State. Sportsbooks mean many new customer promos, ideal for anyone who wants to start betting online in Kentucky. 

In this detailed guide, we'll explore the best Kentucky sportsbook promos. How the offer works and how to claim each offer. All top sportsbooks ensure access to the most attractive betting promos. Stay tuned to make the most of your sports betting experience in Kentucky!

KY Sportsbook PromotionsPromo Code
🎁 Bet365 Sportsbook  - Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus BetsSQOREPROMO
🎁 DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets Instantly!Click to Claim
🎁 Caesars Sportsbook - $1000 First Bet on CaesarsSMARTPLAY1000
🎁 FanDuel Sportsbook - Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League PassNone Needed - Use Link
🎁 BetMGM Sportsbook - Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
SQORE
🎁 Fanatics Sportsbook - Bet and Get up to $1000 No Sweat Bets NONE NEEDED - Click link

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Best Sportsbook Promotions and Bonus Codes in Kentucky

Below is a list of the best current Kentucky sportsbook promotions that are available in the state according to our betting experts. 

 

DraftKings Kentucky Promo

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the most popular sportsbooks in America, and their new player promos are a big reason why. At DraftKings, new customers can use the below offer to turn a small initial wager into a nice payout on their first bet. 

With a ton of betting options to choose from after that, there is no reason not to take advantage of one of the best KY sports betting promos at this site.

 

BetMGM Kentucky Promo

Another sportsbook that combines a strong welcome offer and a ton of betting options is BetMGM. There, new customers can utilize their first bet offer to get some value on their first wager. 

After that, they can use the Easy Parlay feature to put parlays together in a matter of seconds rather than having to scroll and tap all over the place like bettors need to do at other sportsbooks.

 

Bet365 Kentucky - Bet & Get Bonus

Bet365 Sportsbook in Kentucky sets the highest standard with an extensive range of betting options, boasting a giant volume of available markets and diverse betting types. Complementing their comprehensive offerings, Bet365 also provides highly competitive odds across multiple betting markets.

Bet365 provides a diverse array of captivating sportsbook promotions designed to appeal to both new and existing customers in Kentucky. For newcomers, there is an enticing Bet and Win Bet365 Promos, where your initial first bet transforms into a big bonus bet reward, regardless of the bet's outcome. 

 

Caesars Sportsbook First Bet Paid back for Kentucky Customers

Are you ready to bet like a Caesar? Caesars Sportsbook will get you there if you aren’t already, as bettors can get their first bet on Caesars with this Kentucky sportsbook promo. Caesars typically offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses in terms of the dollar amount up for grabs, and this one is no exception, making it a can’t-miss for those getting started with wagering in this state.

 

FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky Promo

Another sportsbook with nearly limitless betting options to choose from is FanDuel Sportsbook. There, bettors can take advantage of this quality bonus when placing their first bet on anything from the NFL and NBA to niche sports like Aussie Rules football and countless other options. 

FanDuel also has more Same Game Parlay options than any other sportsbook, including on marquee events in smaller sports.

 

Fanatics Kentucky

Renowned as one of the most recognizable names in sports merchandise, Fanatics has carved its niche alongside major sports leagues in the United States. Expanding its presence, Fanatics has ventured into the sports betting industry with the introduction of Fanatics Sportsbook, which has been available in Kentucky since 2023.

 

ESPN Bet Kentucky

Having undergone an extensive rebranding from Barstool, the ESPN Bet Sportsbook was officially introduced in Kentucky in 2023. Since its official launch, ESPN Bet has quickly risen to prominence as the preferred option for sports bettors in Kentucky. ESPN Bet presents an enticing welcome bonus. Though specifics may vary, new users typically face a choice between bonus bets amounting to $200 or a 100% deposit match, potentially reaching up to $1,000.

 

All sportsbooks in Kentucky

There are 8 licensed online sportsbooks in Kentucky. The complete list below: 

SportsbookStatusLand-Based Partner
BetMGMActiveSandy’s Racing and Gaming
CaesarsActiveKeeneland and The Red Mile
DraftKingsActiveThe Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland
FanDuelActiveTurfway Park
Barstool Sportsbook (rebranded as ESPN Bet)ActiveEllis Park
Bet365ActiveSandy’s Racing and Gaming
FanaticsActiveOak Grove Racetrack
Circa SportsActiveThe Mint Gaming Hall at Cumberland

How to Use Kentucky Sportsbook Promos

Step-by-step guide

Bettors only need to follow a few short steps in order to take advantage of sportsbook promos in Kentucky and start wagering. Below are those steps.

1 Verify Eligibility

The first step for bettors is to make sure that they are eligible to bet on sports in Kentucky. This means making sure they are of legal age to bet in this state, and that they are physically located in the state so that they can place bets legally.

2 Select Your Sportsbooks

As long as you are eligible to bet on sports in this state, the next step is to pick which of the above sportsbooks you want to use. Be sure to check out each site to make sure it meets your needs before committing to them.

3 Register and Deposit

Once you know which sportsbooks you want to use, click the promotional links above and signup for those sites using any applicable promo codes along the way. Then, make a deposit that keeps you eligible for each sportsbook promotion.

4 Place Your Bets

After you have signed up and opted into any promos you wish to use, the next step is to place your qualifying wagers to utilize those promotions in full. Make sure to read the terms and conditions for each offer to make sure your first bets are in compliance with each offer.

Type Of Kentucky Sports Betting Promos & Bonuses

As Kentucky markets open up to the realm of legal sports betting, the industry's popularity is soaring. With this surge in interest, a plethora of welcome Kentucky sportsbook bonuses and sign-up offers have emerged, each aimed at attracting new customers. To navigate these promotional waters, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the different types of bonuses on offer.

Bet and Get Bonuses

Bet and get bonuses are the most popular promos for new bettors. A bet and get bonus usually comes with generous terms meaning that a little input has a large output. Examples of popular bet and get offers with generous terms are the DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200 Promo and BetMGMs Bet $10 Get $200. These are great examples of how sportsbooks spoil new customers with great promo offers. 

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are arguably one of the simplest forms of sign-up bonuses. Upon making a deposit, sportsbooks provide bettors with a specific amount of free bonus bets that they can use for wagering on any event. However, the bonus bet amount itself cannot be withdrawn as cash. For instance, if a bettor wagers a $10 bonus bet and makes a $10 profit, they can later cash out the earned $10, not the bonus bet itself.

DraftKings Kentucky and Bet365 are currently among the leading sportsbooks offering attractive bonus bet sign-up bonuses.

No Deposit Bonus

A no-deposit bonus takes the bonus bet concept a step further. Upon registration, sportsbooks credit a new customer's account with a certain amount of bonus money, requiring no initial deposit. Although these bonuses are typically smaller, they offer an opportunity to place an actual bonus bet. These offers will be prevalent during the pre-launch period. Sites like FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings have recently gained attention by offering up to $100 no deposit bonus bet pre-registration promotio to new customers in other states.

First Bet Paid Back Promos

A second chance bet offers bettors a safety net for their first wager. If the initial bet does not result in a win, the bettor receives a refund in bonus bets, usually equal to the amount wagered. For instance, BetMGM Kentucky current welcome offer grants up to $1,000 back in bonus bets, allowing new bettors to recover their wager amount if their first bet doesn't pan out.

Deposit Match

In a deposit match bonus scenario, a sportsbook agrees to match a bettor's initial deposit up to a specific dollar amount. First-time customers typically receive a 100% match rate. Therefore, a $100 deposit with a 100% match rate would grant an additional $100 to the bettor.

Enhanced Odds

Enhanced odds are an appealing form of promotion where a sportsbook increases the value of its betting odds, making potential winnings more attractive. Certain Kentucky sports betting sites prefer to provide these boosted odds to new bettors instead of traditional sign-up bonuses.

Using Your Kentucky Sportsbook Bonuses

Leveraging a sign-up bonus efficiently can significantly enhance your betting experience. While it might be tempting to play it safe and wager on a favorite, Kentucky sportsbooks sometimes place odds restrictions on bonus bets. As a result, it can often be more beneficial to use the welcome bonus on an underdog. This way, if the underdog secures a win, you'll gain a substantial boost to your account. And if they lose, the bonus bet or a similar offering can help mitigate the loss.

Deciphering Rollovers

Rollover is a term you'll often encounter in the world of Kentucky sports betting. It refers to the amount a bettor must wager before they can withdraw a bonus. Rollover amounts vary among different sports betting sites, making it essential to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before placing a bet.

Are Kentucky Sports Betting Bonuses Worth It?

Absolutely! Sign-up bonuses can add significant value to your betting experience. They provide an extra layer of security for novice bettors and offer potential boosts to their accounts. Prominent players like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars often provide bonuses of up to $1,250, promising an attractive start for new bettors.

Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Kentucky

Kentucky is an interesting state from a sports perspective, as they do not have any professional sports teams within their borders. But there are several teams that Kentuckians love, both collegiate and professional, that bettors are likely to get involved with in this state.

Sports TeamLeagueCityStadium
Louisville City FCUSLLouisvilleLynn Family Stadium
Louisville BatsMiLBLouisvilleLouisville Slugger Field
Lexington LegendsAtlantic LeagueLexingtonWhitaker Bank Ballpark
Kentucky ThoroughbredsThe Basketball LeagueOwensboroOwensboro Sportscenter
Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNCAA Division IRichmondRoy Kidd Stadium
Western Kentucky HilltoppersNCAA Division IBowling GreenHouchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium

Football

College football is going to be a huge part of the sports betting landscape in Kentucky. The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals both have teams that are capable of doing good things in this sports, and their in-state rivalry game is one of the highlights of the year in Kentucky sports on an annual basis.

Basketball

While college football is exciting to bettors in Kentucky, college basketball is a religion to them. Louisville and Kentucky will both attract a ton of betting attention in this state, as they are typically involved in nationally televised matchups throughout the year in their respective conferences.

Baseball

Something to watch out for in Kentucky will be betting on college baseball in the state. Louisville and Kentucky are both strong college baseball programs, and betting on them will be something that bettors will enjoy doing on a regular basis in the Bluegrass State.

FAQ

Who can bet on sports in Kentucky?

The legal gambling age in Kentucky is 18 years old, which applies to sports betting along with other forms of wagering. That is younger than the typical gambling age of 21 in most states.

Can I bet on college sports in Kentucky?

Yes, college sports betting will be legal in Kentucky, including betting on college sports teams in the state like Louisville and Kentucky.

Is sports betting legal in Kentucky?

Sports betting is now legal in Kentucky after it was legalized in March of 2023. Sports gambling in this state went live on September 28, 2023, just in time for the NFL season.

Which Kentucky sportsbook bonus is the best?

There is no one-size-fits-all option for sportsbook bonuses in KY. But all of the sportsbook bonuses listed above are worth taking a look at, as they are all of high quality for new customers in this state.

Do I need a promo code to use a KY sportsbook promo?

Some sportsbook bonuses in this state will require a bonus code, while others will not. All of the information for each specific offer are listed above, including any necessary promo codes.

What is a sign-up bonus?

A sign-up bonus is a promotional offer provided by sportsbooks to encourage potential bettors to choose their sports betting site.

Can bonus bets be withdrawn as cash?

No, bonus bets themselves generally cannot be withdrawn as cash. To make a real-money profit with them, they must be used on a winning wager.

Do Kentucky sports betting bonuses expire?

Yes, most bonuses, including sign-up bonuses, have an expiry date. Typically, they expire between 7-30 days after being added to an account.

Is ESPN bet legal in Kentucky?

Yes, ESPN BET is legal in Kentucky. ESPN Bet Kentucky secured approval as one of the eight authorized brands in the Bluegrass State in August 2023, facilitated through the partnership between PENN Entertainment and Ellis Park Racing & Gaming.

Is Bet365 legal in Kentucky?

Yes, Bet365 is legal in Kentucky. The commencement of legal online sports betting in Kentucky took place on September 28, 2023, with Bet365 Kentucky being among the initial sportsbooks to officially go live in the state.

Can I use DraftKings in Kentucky?

Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook is legally permitted in Kentucky, and its services are accessible throughout the state. The legalization of Kentucky sports betting in March 2023 provided the legislative framework for sportsbooks like DraftKings to operate in the region.

Jay
Jay Sanin
Jay Sanin is a sports writer and broadcaster from Albany, NY. He has covered sports betting and the gambling industry since 2013.