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Kentucky online casinos

Despite being the horse racing capital of the world and despite legalizing sports betting in March 2023, Kentucky online casinos remains illegal. However, online gambling could gain momentum in the legislature and be the push needed to get a bill passed in the coming years. This page will go through how you would sign up at an online casino in KY, what bonuses they could offer, and much more.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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In this guide to Kentucky online casinos, we’ll look at the potential pathways to legalization and what Kentuckians could expect if and when such a form of gambling launches in the state.

No, online casinos are not legal in Kentucky. Kentucky has historically been very strict when it comes to gambling laws, even despite the popularity of horse race betting.

In addition to online casinos being prohibited, there are also no land-based casinos in the state, leaving those who wish to gamble at a casino, digitally or in-person, to travel out of KY to do so.

If legislators see a considerable handle in sports betting and a substantial amount of revenue generated, they could be swayed to further casino legalization. However, if the launch doesn’t seem to generate much interest in the first couple of years, it could be years before online casinos are legalized.

Best Kentucky online casinos

If Kentucky does decide to legalize online casinos, the nearly-untapped gambling market would be bursting with potential. As such, here are some of the best online casinos expected in Kentucky following legalization and launch.

🎰 BetRivers Casino Kentucky ⭐ Vast selection of games & excellent rewards
🎰 Caesars Palace Online Casino Kentucky ⭐ Over 750 slot titles & diverse table games
🎰 BetMGM Casino Kentucky ⭐ Top platform with MGM Rewards for casino & sportsbook
🎰 FanDuel Casino Kentucky ⭐ Official racebook of Kentucky Derby & top e-gaming titles
🎰 DraftKings Casino Kentucky ⭐ Expansive offerings with live dealer games & diverse slots

BetRivers Logo

BetRivers Online Casino Kentucky

BetRivers’ online platform emerged from the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. The site and Kentucky betting app boast a vast selection of modern games with many of the classics sprinkled in as well.

There is also an excellent rewards program, offering players perks to enhance their gambling experience.

Caesars Palace Online Casino Kentucky

Caesars Palace Online Casino Kentucky

The digital extension of the Caesars casino empire, Caesars’ online casino first launched online operations in New Jersey in 2013.

Today, the platform boasts more than 750 slot titles, along with roulette, blackjack, and other table games.

BetMGM Casino Kentucky Logo

BetMGM Online Casino Kentucky

Like Caesars, the MGM Casino brand is one of the top platforms in both digital and traditional spaces.

The MGM Rewards program covers both casino and sportsbook play, and since BetMGM has already launched its sportsbook in Kentucky, it would give a boost to the online casino site as well.

FanDuel Casino Kentucky Logo

FanDuel Online Casino Kentucky

FanDuel is the official racebook of the Kentucky Derby, and the sportsbook already launched with a license via Churchill Downs. FanDuel online casino could be one of the top available options for Kentucky bettors.

The site offers many of the top titles from e-gaming giants like Playtech, Microgaming, Play ‘N Go, and NetEnt, and also carries several blackjack variants for those looking for unique ways to play.

DraftKings Casino Kentucky Logo

DraftKings Online Casino Kentucky

Similar to FanDuel, DraftKings’ roots as a daily fantasy sports operator have led to expansion in sports betting, horse racing, and online casino spaces.

DraftKings Casino is legal and live in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The site features many live dealer games as well as slots, poker, and table games.

How to sign up for online casinos in KY

While you won’t be able to sign up for online casinos in KY until they are legalized, here’s what the process will look like once the state law changes.

  1. Create your casino account: To create a casino account, you’ll need to provide a username, email address, and password you intend to use. You may also be asked to provide a phone number to enable two-factor authentication.
  2. Provide your personal information: In order to win real money at Kentucky online casinos, you’ll need to provide your legal name, street address (P.O. boxes won’t be accepted), birth date (to confirm you are of legal age to bet), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information will be securely transmitted and stored safely at all times.
  3. Agree to the terms and conditions: Next, you’ll have to check a few boxes affirming your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions, that you understand the privacy policy, and that the personal information you submitted is accurate. You’ll also likely need to verify that your profession won’t deem you ineligible from online casino gambling in Kentucky.
  4. Make a deposit: The final step to registering is to make a real-money deposit using the banking method of your choice. Make sure that the amount that you deposit is eligible for any bonuses offered at the site, as this may give you access to perks like free spins or extra playing credits.

What kinds of bonuses will casino sites offer in Kentucky?

Casino sites will constantly offer KY online casino bonuses as a means of attracting new players to the platform and encouraging returning users to keep playing. Here are some of the more common bonuses online casinos Kentucky will offer.

  • Free spins: The preferred bonus of slot players, free spins allow patrons to play the reels and win betting credit without having to dip into their bankrolls. The casino may offer spins that can be played across any title, but free spins that are earned in-game are not transferable and may only be used on that particular game.
  • Welcome bonus: Welcome bonuses are designed to give new players the best chance possible of starting their casino experience with a win and a chance to make a profit. These offers most commonly include free spins or a deposit match bonus, but they could also include other perks like second-chance play, allowing you the opportunity to turn a loss into a win.
  • Deposit match bonus: When depositing money into your account, a deposit match bonus would reward you with casino credits, often in a dollar-for-dollar match, that you can then use on the platform. These bonus credits cannot be withdrawn for cash and will expire after a set time period as defined by the rules of the bonus offer.

What terms and conditions could be present for casino bonuses in KY?

Each casino bonus in KY will have its own unique terms and conditions present, but a few of the rules will be universal in application. If you’re in doubt, check in with this site, as we’ll update relevant pages with the top offers from across Kentucky to ensure you’re getting the best deal when online casino gambling. Here are a few of the rules you can expect.

  • Players must be at least 18 years of age to participate (NOTE: this could be 21 years, depending on what the state law turns out to be. The requirement for sports betting is 18, though in most other states, the casino age requirement is 21).
  • Bonus credits may not be transferred and cannot be withdrawn for real money.
  • Bonus credits will expire after a set timeframe if not used.
  • Welcome bonuses can only be used once per account.
  • Free spins may be tied to a specific game or e-gaming operator.

What games will casino apps offer in Kentucky?

Casino apps in Kentucky will offer a variety of games to their players, and as a general rule of thumb, the more games present, the better the platform. Because online casinos aren’t limited by physical space the same way land-based casinos are, variety in the games offered is key for success. Here are some of the top games you can expect to find.

  • Online slots: Slots are quite possibly the most popular online casino game, and the varying titles will account for the bulk of games offered. Because there are so many different themes and dollar requirements applied to slots, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy!
  • Roulette: A classic casino game, roulette involves picking the correct slot a ball will fall into on a spinning wheel. You can bet on the exact number, a range of numbers, or whether the ball lands in a slot with a black, red, or green background, with different payout amounts when you bet correctly.
  • Video poker: Whether it’s classic games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, or variants like Jokers Wild or Aces and Eights, video poker may be one of the finer points of Kentucky casino betting legislation, as there have already been attempts to legalize online poker sites in KY specifically without accounting for other casino offerings.

Do casino bonuses need promo codes?

Sometimes, casino bonuses will need promo codes to activate, while other times, a bonus will automatically be applied to your account following a signup, deposit, reload, or in-game action. If you’re entering a promotion, you may also need to check a box to opt in or opt out of the offer. KYBetting.com will list all promo codes for any legal Kentucky online casino on the respective casino page on this site.

Who will regulate online gambling in KY?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all sports betting operations in KY, so it is logical to assume that the KHRC will also regulate online casino gambling in Kentucky if and when it becomes legal.[/vc_column_text]

How you will be able to pay at gambling operators in Kentucky

Typically, online gambling operators offer a wide variety of banking options for their players to deposit and withdraw funds. However, these payment methods aren’t universal. There will certainly be some overlap between online casinos, but they usually vary a bit.

Here are some of the most common payment options that we expect to be available to KY users.

Potential deposit/withdrawal methods include:

  • Online banking
  • Debit/credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Wire transfer
  • Cash in person at a retail location

Benefits and drawbacks of online gambling in KY vs. in-person gambling

Although the games being played are the same, the experience between online gambling and in-person gambling can vary drastically. And of course, there are pros and cons to gambling online as opposed to in-person.

Here are a few.

Pros

  • Convenience and comfort: There’s no question that gambling online is much more convenient than going to a casino.
  • Bonuses and rewards: Bonus bets and rewards are typically only available in online casinos. Very rarely will you find these types of perks gambling in person.
  • Privacy and security: Your privacy will always be protected when gambling online. For people trying to keep their gambling activities to themselves, KY sports betting through an online operator is the way to go.

Cons

  • Cash out times: Withdrawing money from an online gambling account can sometimes take up to 48 hours. In a retail setting, you’re able to cash out immediately.
  • Transaction fees: Not every online gambling site will impose transaction fees when withdrawing money, but it is present on select gambling sites.
  • Lack of personal interaction: For some gamblers, the thrill of winning money alongside your friends or fellow gamblers is why they’re gambling in the first place. Gambling online takes that excitement out of the experience.

FAQ

How old will you have to be to gamble on online casinos in Kentucky?

Kentucky has not yet legalized online casinos in the state, so there is not currently any age requirement. If the state legislature decides to require the same age for online casinos as it did for sports betting, you would need to be at least 18 years of age; however, in most states, the age requirement is 21+.

Which gambling websites will probably come to KY?

When Kentucky online gambling launches, we would expect casino websites that are partnered with a sports betting platform as those which would probably come to KY. This would include DraftKings and FanDuel casinos, both have which have applied for sports betting licenses in the state. However, you will likely see a few standalone online casinos applying for licensure as well.

Why do casino sites give bonuses?

Casino sites give bonuses to motivate new players to register with the platform and to encourage existing customers to keep playing at the site. Some bonuses will be exclusive for new players while others may only be available to returners.

In which states are online casinos legal?

Online casinos are legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. However, you can anticipate an abundance of bills to be proposed around the country during the 2024 legislative sessions.

When will online casinos become legal in Kentucky?

There is not yet a set date at which online casinos will become legal in Kentucky. The earliest a bill could get passed is during the 2024 legislative session. Once legalized, it would take a few months for online casinos to begin the licensure process, but if passed, the first platforms could arrive in KY before the end of the calendar year.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a researcher and author at KY Betting. He boasts over a decade of experience as a hockey commentator for junior teams across the country. When not writing about sports betting, he enjoys a fishing trip or watching the NHL.