Legal Sports Gambling In Kentucky
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 As Of 2024?
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.
Most Trusted Online Sportsbooks Accepting Kentucky Residents In 2024
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.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Rating /5 | Accepts KY? | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $1000 | 4.9 | Yes | Play Now |
| Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $1000 | 4.6 | Yes | Play Now |
| SB Sportsbook | 50% Max $1000 | 4.3 | Yes | Play Now |
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 In KT
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 6th in the AP Top 25 Poll and the Wildcats sit in 8th. 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.