Is Gambling Legal In Kentucky

Kentucky is highly restrictive when it comes to gambling, which is defined as staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest or game based on an element of chance. Aside from the Kentucky Lottery, regulated gambling is limited to horse race betting at local racetracks.

• States With Legal Internet Gambling
• Is Sports Gambling Legal In Kentucky
• Does Kentucky Allow Gambling

In the state of Kentucky, placing bets with a physical sportsbook or with a bookie is illegal. It is also illegal to own or operate and online sportsbook business within the state’s borders. There are no opportunities for legal state regulated sports betting in Kentucky. Gambling is regulated by Section 528 of the Kentucky statutes. The minimum gambling age in Kentucky is 18 for both horse race betting and lottery games. Online Gambling in Kentucky There are no specific regulations on online gambling in Kentucky, and the general definition is broad enough to cover most forms of iGaming.

No land-based casinos exist within the borders of the state, and all attempts at introducing a bill that would allow this form of gambling have failed. The most recent such effort came in 2016 and was championed by Sen. Julie Raque Adams and Sen. Morgan McGarvey, but the local racing industry had no interest in such an endeavor.

Kentucky Gambling Law Summary

Charitable gambling is permitted in the form of raffles and bingo, although these games can’t be accessed online. There are no laws against social gambling, so there’s nothing to stop a Kentucky resident from testing any games in play money mode or joining a site like Zynga. Local regulations also allow gambling enthusiasts to engage in skill-based games as long as chance doesn’t have a more significant impact on the outcome than skill. While this doesn’t apply to poker, Daily Fantasy Sports platforms have been allowed to offer their services to Kentucky residents without any legal repercussions so far.

Gambling is regulated by Section 528 of the Kentucky statutes. The minimum gambling age in Kentucky is 18 for both horse race betting and lottery games.

Online Gambling in Kentucky

There are no specific regulations on online gambling in Kentucky, and the general definition is broad enough to cover most forms of iGaming. Consequently, engaging in internet gambling on offshore sites in Kentucky is risky, even though sites like Bovada or BetOnline accept Bluegrass State residents.

The current regulations are stringent when dealing with illegal gambling operators, but the state does not penalize the act of placing a bet in an unlicensed game. Consequently, even though the law has been updated without legalizing intrastate gambling operations aside from pari-mutuel betting, Kentucky residents are still free to play on offshore sites without having to worry about any criminal liability.

Fortunately, two of the entities that are allowed to offer land-based gambling in Kentucky operate their own websites. Kentucky Lottery gives you the option to purchase lottery tickets online, and Churchill Downs runs a site called Twin Spires, which allows its customers to wager on horse racing.

Kentucky Casinos

Casino games are illegal in Kentucky, so the only way to play them is by traveling to different stated. Some of the most popular destinations include Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Rivers Casino in Pennsylvania, as well as Belterra Casino and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino in West Virginia.

Legal online casino gaming is limited to social games – if you enjoy play money games, you can choose one of the popular sites such as Zynga, Slotomania, or Big Fish. Unfortunately, those platforms don’t give you the option to play for real money.

If you’re desperate for some legal real money action, you can try a virtual currency site that allows you to win real money prizes, such as Chumba Casino. Keep in mind that the prizes offered by such platforms aren’t too generous, so you’re unlikely to come out ahead on a deposit to a site that follows this business model.

As mentioned, playing on offshore sites in Kentucky is a risky endeavor. Although local authorities don’t seem interested in going after individual gamblers, state regulations give them the power to do so.

Kentucky Poker

Similarly to casino games, playing poker for real money is illegal in Kentucky as local legislators refuse to treat it like a game of skill. If you want to play live poker, your best bet is the Horseshoe Casino in Indiana, which hosts big events, including the World Series of Poker tournaments.

If you want to play online, you can join social sites such as Zynga. The only way to win some real money on internet poker in Kentucky is by joining a virtual currency site with real money prizes, such as Global Poker. However, just as in the case of virtual money casino sites, don’t expect to win any money – the real money options only serve to make things more exciting, not to allow such sites to compete with real online poker rooms.

Playing on offshore poker sites is just as risky as joining one of the Kentucky-friendly offshore casinos. Local authorities don’t seem to care about people who play there, but if push comes to shove, there’s nothing to protect you from legal liability.

Kentucky Sports Betting

Even though the Supreme Court has lifted the federal ban on sports betting, this form of gambling remains illegal in Kentucky. Because the local racing industry appears to be interested in maintaining the status quo, this situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, Kentucky residents can engage in pari-mutuel betting at local racetracks in Louisville, Lexington, Florence, Henderson, and Franklin. Online horse race betting is available via a site called Twin Spires, which is operated by Churchill Downs. Twin Spires is a 100% modern platform with simulcast options, promotions, and a loyalty program.

The legality of betting via offshore sportsbooks is similar to what is seen with offshore poker or casino games. Many sites accept Kentucky residents, but using such platforms may put you in legal jeopardy.

Kentucky Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports are available in Kentucky as they’re considered a game of skill, but their legal status hasn’t been challenged yet. With that out of the way, Kentucky residents are currently free to use all the popular DFS platforms, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Fantasy Draft, and Yahoo DFS.

Kentucky Lotteries

Kentucky residents are free to purchase lottery tickets via the official Kentucky Lottery website. Participants can play Keno, Mega Millions, Powerball, Cash Ball, and Lucky Life. The lottery also hosts 39 Instant Play games, which are functionally similar to internet casino games. The online lottery site even offers a $50 bonus for new customers who deposit $100, but you shouldn’t expect the functionality of a fully-fledged casino site.

Kentucky Bingo

Land-based bingo is available in Kentucky as a charity game. Commercial online bingo isn’t regulated but would likely be classified as an illegal form of gambling. Consequently, if you decide to play at a Kentucky-friendly offshore bingo site, you do so at your own risk.

Kentucky Online Gambling FAQ

What types of gambling are available in Kentucky?

Land-based gambling in Kentucky is pretty much all about the Kentucky Derby, as the state allows and even encourages pari-mutuel betting. There are no casinos within the borders of the state, and locals tend to travel to Indiana or Ohio when they want to get some live action. Charitable gambling is also allowed, and the state operates its own lottery. Online gambling is regulated to some extent.

What laws cover online gambling in Kentucky?

States With Legal Internet Gambling

The laws and regulations that concern gambling enthusiasts are all listed in Section 528 of the Kentucky statutes. Contrary to what some people might believe, none of those statutes prohibit Kentucky residents playing games of chance over the internet. Consequently, players from Kentucky are free to pursue their hobby online without having to worry about being prosecuted.

Is real money online gambling legal in Kentucky?

As mentioned above, real money internet gaming is 100% legal, as it isn’t prohibited in any of the local statutes.

Which offshore gambling sites accept Kentucky residents?

Offshore sites tend to focus on the states that don’t have any iGaming regulations. Consequently, some sites might refuse new Kentucky-based customers. Fortunately, Bovada is one of the sites that tend to have no qualms about accepting Kentucky residents.

What are the most popular banking options supported by Kentucky -facing sites?

We recommend Visa debit and credit cards, but MasterCard is also a viable option. Once you decide it’s time to withdraw, you should be able to request a wire transfer or a standard check delivered by courier.

Does Kentucky offer any intrastate online gambling?

Yes, Kentucky residents can wager on horse racing on state-approved sites. Sadly, Kentucky doesn’t seem to be interested in opening its local internet gambling market any further. As a result, Kentucky-based gambling enthusiasts have only offshore sites to choose from when it comes to online casino games or poker.

Is it likely for Kentucky to regulate online gambling?

Kentucky already has some online gambling regulations, and most experts agree that a more iGaming-friendly bill isn’t likely to be passed in the foreseeable future.

Kentucky is a basketball state. No, they don’t have an NBA team. In fact, they don’t have any teams in any of the major professional leagues. Kentucky does have two very successful basketball programs in the NCAA in the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. With March Madness approaching, the excitement surrounding the sport is building. One way to get even more excited about these games is through betting on them. Kentucky residents can place bets on their favorite teams through any one of these offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended. This guide will teach you about the sports betting regulations in place for the Bluegrass State and where you can access legal, secure and reputable online sportsbooks that accept Kentucky residents.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

In the state of Kentucky, placing bets with a physical sportsbook or with a bookie is illegal. It is also illegal to own or operate and online sportsbook business within the state’s borders. There are no opportunities for legal state regulated sports betting in Kentucky. However, there are no state laws or federal laws that make it a crime for Kentucky residents to bet on sports at licensed and regulated sportsbook destinations that are legally operating outside of the United States. All of the sportsbooks listed in this guide fall into this category of legally sanctioned sports betting sites.

Is Sports Gambling Legal In Kentucky

Most Trusted Kentucky Online Sportsbooks

Does Kentucky Allow Gambling

These sportsbooks listed below have established reputations as professional outfits that provide top-notch customer service and security standards. Our featured sports betting destinations are also legally sanctioned and possess the proper licenses and certification necessary to operate. These sites are also subject to regulations from their presiding governments, ensuring correct procedures and administration. The list below comprises our most recommended sports betting sites for Kentucky residents. They are all reputable, trusted and among the industry’s leading brands.

How State and Federal Laws Regulate Sports Betting in Kentucky

Back in 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, was passed and banned sports betting in 46 states—Kentucky being one of them. The Federal Wire Act regulates placing bets online with US-based sportsbooks. There’s another law that deals with banks and how they process transactions associated with online gambling and that’s the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

PASPA was enacted to counter the rise of legalized sports betting. At the time, only four states had some form of legalized sports betting and were ushered in under PASPA. These states were Delaware, Montana, Oregon and Nevada. Out of these four, Nevada is the only one that has full-fledged sportsbooks. PASPA keeps states like Kentucky from having similar sportsbooks, meaning there’s no place you can walk into and legally place a sports bet.

The Federal Wire Act restricts Kentucky residents, and actually all US residents from placing bets online with US-based sportsbooks. The UIGEA monitors banks and other financial institutions and their processing of illegal gambling transactions. The key takeaway from understanding these federal laws is that they only apply to US based sports betting and have no relevant application concerning offshore betting businesses.

Popular Sports Teams To Bet On In Kentucky

Kentucky doesn’t have any professional sports franchises, but they do have two powerhouse schools in the ACC and SEC. The University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals are two of the most storied men’s basketball teams in NCAA history. With March Madness just over a month away, the betting lines will be interesting to see concerning these two teams.

Popular College Sports Teams in Kentucky

FAQs About Betting On Sports

Can I Bet On College Sports?

Yes. NCAA games are available for betting through these sportsbooks. Kentucky residents will be pleased to discover they can bet on their Wildcats or Cardinals if they so choose to do so, as well as any other collegiate or professional team from around the world. The range of betting lines that covers college teams is extensive at all of our recommended sportsbooks.

Can I Bet On Teams Outside of My State?

Yes. Kentucky isn’t the only state without a major professional sports franchise. These sportsbooks don’t restrict your betting capabilities to your geographic location. You can also bet on sports and teams from around the world.

Can I See The Betting Lines Before Signing Up?

Yes. You can look at the betting lines and odds available to you before signing up for an account. This way you can browse through the sportsbooks before deciding whether you want to make an account or not. You are still not committing to making any bets after you sign up or even after you deposit money into your account.

How Do Deposits and Withdrawals Work At Online Sportsbooks?

Once you are ready to make a bet, you have to deposit money into your sportsbook account. You can deposit money in one of several ways including online currencies like Bitcoin or Litecoin, wire transfers, credit/debit card, among others. Once you are ready to withdraw some or all of your winnings you simply select the withdrawal option on your account page. Some sites restrict your withdrawal method based on the method you chose for your deposits, however this can be clarified in the sportsbooks’ Terms of Service.

Is It Illegal For Me To Use An Offshore Sportsbook?

No. Kentucky laws, PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA only pertain to US-based sportsbooks and sports betting. These offshore betting sites that we’ve suggested for Kentucky residents are legally licensed and certified. Sports betting through these sites is already being enjoyed by Kentucky residents. When participating in sports betting it’s important to make sure you’re doing so with the proper legal destinations.

Do These Sportsbooks Offer Any Type of Perks For Bettors?

Yes. These sportsbooks offer bonuses for their bettors, which are extra funds for you to bet with. There are often introductory bonuses upon making your first deposit as well as seasonal and promotional bonuses available throughout the year. These bonuses provide incentives for you to keep betting as these sportsbooks are trying to keep your business. There are also mobile versions of the sportsbooks so that you can take your sports betting on-the-go.

Are There Any Sports Teams in Kentucky That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2017/2018?

The Cardinals are currently 6^th in the AP Top 25 Poll and the Wildcats sit in 8^th. These two teams are always bracket favorites and will continue that trend for this year’s March Madness tournament. College basketball is quite unpredictable, especially with the level of talent with the top-ranked teams. However, both these teams have a shot at winning the National Championship this year.