Is Gambling Legal In Kentucky

Legal online gambling for Kentucky residents is not as complicated as it once was. While online gambling sites were once hard to find and even harder to trust, there are now various sites that residents can choose to join. Online bingo rooms, sports betting sites, real money poker rooms, and more are now just a few clicks away.

For the last 143 years, the eyes of the American gambling public have shifted
to the Bluegrass State where the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville has
hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875.

Billions of dollars in wagers have been placed on the “Most Exciting Two
Minutes in Sports” over that span, which might lead one to believe that Kentucky
is the hotbed of gambling activity.

Kentucky General Assembly; Kentucky Gambling Resources. SportsBetting.legal acknowledges that the only healthy way to enjoy sports betting entertainment is to treat it as just that, entertainment. Responsible gambling is imperative for success and should be a priority for all gamblers. .020 Promoting gambling in the first degree.030 Promoting gambling in the second degree.040 Conspiracy to promote gambling.050 Possession of gambling records in the first degree.060 Possession of gambling records in the second degree.070 Permitting gambling.080 Possession of gambling device.090 Prima facie proof.100 Forfeiture. Legal Gambling State Gambling Laws Kentucky Gambling Laws Gambling takes place regularly in Churchill Downs, due in part to the Kentucky Gambling Laws. We have the important laws related to gambling listed on this page. If you were looking to explore the different channels of legal gambling within the state, than read up on the laws. 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.

In reality though, Kentucky’s strict gambling laws ensure that exactly zero
casinos, commercial or otherwise, can be built, while poker and greyhound racing
are also banned.

It all began with the framing of Kentucky’s fourth Constitution in 1891,
which includes the following passage to prohibit gambling through the methods
common in that era:

“Lotteries and gift enterprises are forbidden, and no privileges shall be
granted for such purpose, and none shall be exercised, and no schemes for
similar purposes shall be allowed.”

Things have obviously changed in more than 120 years since then, but the
state’s laws still leave little in the way of legalized gambling – outside of
the ponies of course.

When it comes to non-horseracing forms of legal gambling in Kentucky, you
have a state lottery and bingo halls to choose from. Then, there’s social and
charitable gambling, which covers things like home poker games, bingo or raffles
held by churches and the like.

Unless you like chasing superfectas and such, formal gambling options in the
state are few and far between.

In a clever workaround to these laws, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
decided in 2010 to alter its regulations on pari-mutuel betting – allowing for
wagers on historical races. In doing so, the Commission opted to deploy Video
Gaming Machines (VGMs) to provide the interface that bettors use to place
wagers.

Instead of virtual ponies racing down the track, Kentucky’s VGMs are designed
to replicate the experience provided by slots and video poker machines. That
means pressing buttons, watching a screen dispense results and hoping your
numbers come in – complete with bells, whistles and jackpot payouts.

This helped bridge the gap between Kentucky’s casino ban and a clear demand
for Las Vegas style gambling, but the state still lags far behind regional
neighbors like Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina.

Even so, everyone from residents to visitors could use a guide to gambling in
Kentucky, which is where we come in. This page provides a thorough introduction
on the legal statutes currently in place, along with the historical path they
took to get here. Other topics of interest include the online gambling
industry’s legal status in the state, a listing of brick and mortar gambling
venues and a few frequently answered questions to help readers expand their base
of knowledge on this tricky subject.

Read on to learn all about the laws governing gambling games in Kentucky,
which represents a crossroads of sorts between gamble happy states like Nevada
and strict no man’s lands like Utah.

Online Gambling and Kentucky Law

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a complicated relationship with the online
gambling industry, as you’ll learn in greater detail below.

An infamous court battle in 2008 saw the Governor’s office attempt to seize
more than a hundred online gambling domain names – even though none of them were
operating from inside the state. Sure, they were serving Kentuckians, but these
sites were largely located offshore. Years later, the courts ruled against
Kentucky, but that hasn’t led to any sort of shift toward a policy of
legalization and regulation.

That decade old ordeal was a direct result of a disastrous federal law known
as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006. Congress
slipped the UIGEA into an unrelated bill to support spending for port security,
knowing that it would pass with little to no opposition, and seemingly overnight
– with no debate or discussion on the subject – the federal government enacted a
blanket ban over online gambling.

Fortunately for the millions of Americans who place wagers of one type or
another online, the UIGEA applied to the business side only, penalizing
operators for conducting business – while not paying taxes – within the U.S.
Even so, the UIGEA put a huge dent in a thriving industry, forcing sites like
PartyPoker to pick up stakes and withdrawal from the U.S. market entirely.

Players were left with unregulated offshore sites as the most readily
available online gambling option, the very same sites that Kentucky’s government
tried to take down back in 2008. While most of these sites are on the level –
providing legitimate casino games, slots and poker while paying winners promptly
– a few “rogue” platforms took full advantage of the regulation free market.

The UIGEA relied on a federal law known as the Wire Act of 1961, which
prohibited sports betting via telephone, as lawmakers made the stretch from
phones to dial up Internet, and then to all online activity. In a brief respite
from the bad news, that interpretation of the Wire Act was reversed in 2011,
when the Department of Justice ruled that the law only applied to sports
betting-not casino games or poker.

Overnight, individual states were freed from the shackles of UIGEA and
granted the right to establish their own online gambling regulations. So far,
Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are the only states to take the invitation, but
their successful markets now provide a template for similar legislation proposed
in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, California and elsewhere.

Sadly, that elsewhere doesn’t include Kentucky just yet, so players there are
left to choose from hundreds of offshore sites still operating in the U.S.
market. Choosing a platform can be a difficult task indeed, what with the
eclectic mix of software providers, licensing bodies, regulatory agencies and
ownership groups.

Throw in shady operators that sully the good name of an entire industry, and
players always seem to face an uphill climb. We’re here to help you make that
climb by pointing you in the right direction towards a few of our favorite
online gambling providers.

Sites like (X), (Y), and (Z)* are all well-established venues that have been
in the gaming industry for years, or even decades. Over that span, each platform
has stood the test of time, serving customers day in and day out with little in
the way of complaints. That’s a product of dedicated customer service,
transparent bonus and promotion systems and a commitment to game integrity – all
ingredients that players should be on the lookout for.

Read on to learn more about the actual laws that cover online gambling in
Kentucky, along with everything a player needs to know before bringing their
bankroll to the Bluegrass State.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Kentucky?

Well, yes and no… and we know that’s not a definitive answer, so allow us to
explain.

Kentucky has no statutes on the books that specifically address gambling via
the Internet. That’s quite common across America, as most states were slow on
the upkeep during the online gambling industry’s rise before deferring to
federal law after the UIGEA of 2006 was enacted.

Lacking a law that explicitly addresses online gambling though means that
such wagers simply can’t be classified as illegal. Conversely, without statute
that explicitly legalizes online gambling, such wagers can’t be classified as
legal.

This is the “grey zone” that online gambling experts typically refer to when
studying state laws. That’s why we answered “yes and no” above – as both are
technically true. In terms of actual legal statutes, Kentucky is actually on the
lax side when compared to other states because their law’s definition of a
“gambling device” is specifically limited to slot machines, roulette wheels and
genuine casino equipment.

See for yourself by reviewing Section 528.010 (4) of the Kentucky Revised
Statutes, which provides definitions for illegal gambling devices (emphasis
added):

“Any so-called slot machine or any other machine or mechanical device an
essential part of which is a drum or reel with insignia thereon, and which when
operated may deliver, as a result of the application of an element of chance,
any money or property, or by the operation of which a person may become entitled
to receive, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money
or property; or

(b) Any other machine or any mechanical or other device, including but not
limited to roulette wheels, gambling tables and similar devices, designed and
manufactured primarily for use in connection with gambling and which when
operated may deliver, as the result of the application of an element of chance,
any money or property, or by the operation of which a person may become entitled
to receive, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money
or property.”

As you can see, the first definition applies specifically to slot machines,
but it’s the second definition that matters in this context.

Unlike other states that ban all devices used in the commission of gambling
(which extends to desktop or laptop computers and mobile devices), Kentucky law
limits its ban to devices that are “designed and manufactured primarily for use
in connection with gambling.”

Clearly, an Internet connected device that happens to enable online gambling
wasn’t designed specifically for that purpose – it just happens to hold that
capability. Accordingly, we feel highly confident telling readers that online
gambling is surely not a crime in Kentucky – while simultaneously stating that
it’s not legal either.

With all that said, the fine folks in charge of the Commonwealth back in 2008
didn’t seem to agree, as Kentucky petitioned the courts to seize 141 domain
names related to online gambling. Those included popular sites of the day like
AbsolutePoker.com, Bodog.com, Bookmaker.com, DoylesRoom.com, FullTilt.com and
UltimateBet.com – all of which the government claimed were illegal gambling
devices.

The attack came at the behest of Governor Steve Beshear, who, in an ironic
twist actually, ran on a platform that included online gambling legalization.
Rather than follow through on his pledge, Beshear backtracked, and attempted to
ban the entire industry for Kentuckians in one full swoop.

Thankfully, following a court battle that dragged on through six years and
several appellate courts, the Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled that domain names
do no constitute gambling devices under the law.

That ruling effectively put an end to the state’s costly court battle, and
Beshear’s time as Governor ended in 2015 due to term limits. Thus, online
gambling in Kentucky remains, as it ever was, in the fateful grey zone.

Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?

That all depends on which offshore gambling sites in particular you’re
referring to. Obviously, sites like Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker fall under
the category of “unsafe,” due to their highly publicized insider cheating
scandals and other unscrupulous shenanigans.

Unfortunately, many folks out there judge the entire online gambling industry
based on the actions of a few outliers – letting the proverbial “bad apples”
spoil the entire bunch. But what about platforms like like (X), (Y), and (Z)* –
all of which have maintained sterling reputations within the player community
for several years or decades running? *Fill in with preferred geolocated sites,
as per instruction.

The sad fact is, most people tend to focus on the negative when assessing any
situation, let alone a financial transaction based on gambling. What happens
when we take a wider view, and consider the millions upon millions of Americans
– and tens of millions more around the world – who regularly enjoy casino games,
slots, poker, bingo, sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) via the
Internet?

At that point, it becomes quite clear that most online gambling sites out
there today are doing something right. After all, players wouldn’t continue to
line up and deposit their hard earned funds to play a game that’s rigged.

Thankfully for players in 2017, the phenomenon known as “market correction”
has worked wonders. Players who have been burned by a particular site have
plenty of forums to publicize their experiences and warn fellow players in the
process. Sites like this are chief among them, but the Internet is full of
resources for online gamblers to compare platforms, read player generated
reviews and make an informed spending decision.

You’re already on the right path as a reader of this page, so keep up the
good work and continue your due diligence! Research your prospective online
gambling providers through multiple resources, and look for things like prompt
payout periods, affiliation with established software providers, licensing and
regulatory oversight by respected agencies and, of course, longevity.

When a site has been around for a significant period of time, and continues
to chug along without issue, it’s more than likely that the platform is doing
everything above board.

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Kentucky?

We suppose you could, but it would mark a historic turn of events. No records
documenting online gambling related arrests in Kentucky were located during our
comprehensive search, which leads us to believe that local authorities in the
state aren’t focused on nabbing players.

Indeed, a close inspection of the Kentucky Revised Statutes shows that
players are immune to prosecution for gambling related crimes, as Section
528.010 (7) demonstrates (emphasis added):

“‘Player’ means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a
contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any
profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise
rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct, or operation of
the particular gambling activity.”

A person who engages in 'bookmaking' as defined in subsection (2) of this
section is not a 'player.' The status of a ‘player’ shall be a defense to any
prosecution under this chapter.”

That’s an unequivocal statement found in Kentucky law which shows that the
state has no interest in arresting, charging and prosecuting players who enjoy
gambling games – online or otherwise.

Now, if you were to do something like launch your own online casino, poker
room or sportsbook, you’d find yourself in hot water with local authorities.
That’s because Section 528.010 (8) provides a clear distinction between players
and those who profit from gambling activity (emphasis added):

“A person ‘profits from gambling activity’ when, other than as a player, he
accepts or receives or agrees to accept or receive money or other property
pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he
participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling activity.”

So, if you confine your online gambling activity exclusively to placing
wagers rather than taking them, you have absolutely no legal ramifications to
fear from Kentucky cops.

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in Kentucky

• Casino Games: Illegal
• Tribal Betting:Illegal
• Poker: Illegal
• Horse Racing Betting:Legal
• Dog Racing Betting:Illegal
• Lottery: Legal
• Bingo: Legal
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Unspecified, DFS legislation is pending
• Charitable Gambling: Legal- under certain circumstances
• Social Gambling: Legal- under certain circumstances

The primary set of laws covering gambling in the state can be found in
Chapter 528 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. Here, you’ll find definitions for
all conceivable gambling activity, along with the associated penalties for each
crime.

As we’ve mentioned already, Kentucky authorities are only concerned with
punishing people who run gambling games-not those who participate as players.

That focus is evident from the get go, as Section 528.10 (1-2) provides
succinct definitions for “advancing gambling activity” and “bookmaking” –
otherwise known as being a bookie:

“(1) A person ‘advances gambling activity’ when, acting other than as a
player, he engages in conduct that materially aids any form of gambling
activity.

(2) ‘Bookmaking’ means advancing gambling activity by unlawfully accepting
bets upon the outcome of future contingent events from members of the public as
a business.”

That first section forms the basis for Kentucky’s blanket ban on commercial
or tribal casinos.

As far as gambling itself goes, Section 528.10 (3a) limits the crime to
wagering on outcomes that are reliant predominantly on chance, rather than
skill:

“(3) (a) ‘Gambling’ means staking or risking something of value upon the
outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device which is based upon
an element of chance, in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone
will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”

A contest or game in which eligibility to participate is determined by chance
and the ultimate winner is determined by skill shall not be considered to be
gambling.”

The same section includes a crucial addendum that exempts games of chance
played for charitable purposes. So, activities like bingo night at the Rotary
Club or a “parent’s poker night” to support the local school are permitted.

Even if you find yourself frequenting a real money poker game, underground
casino or any other forum for illegal gambling, Kentucky law offers protection
for players. Under Section 528.10 (7), status as a player exclusively, and not
an operator, provides immunity from prosecution when it comes to illegal
gambling (emphasis added):

“‘Player’ means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a
contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any
profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise
rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct, or operation of
the particular gambling activity.

A person who engages in ‘bookmaking’ as defined in subsection (2) of this
section is not a ‘player.’

The status of a ‘player’ shall be a defense to any prosecution under this
chapter.”

If you’re interested in Kentucky’s wide range of horse racing laws, the
relevant statutes can be found under Chapter 230 of the state code. There you’ll
find several dozen subsections, but the most relevant are listed below:

• General Provisions (Sections 230.010 through 230.335)
• Pari-Mutuel Wagering (Sections 230.361 through 230.375)
• Interstate Racing and Wagering Compacts (Sections 230.3761 through
  230.3765)
• Simulcasting and Intertrack Wagering (Sections 230.377 through 230.397)
• Penalties (Section 230.990)

Gambling Venues in Kentucky

In a state with no commercial or tribal casinos, your options for brick and
mortar gambling venues are limited to horseracing tracks and bingo halls.
Fortunately, a few of these are home to video gaming machines (VGMs), which
look, feel and play just like the slots and video poker games you know and love.
These VGMs avoid the slot machine prohibition by using historical horserace data
to provide the basis for random number generation. That’s a whole different
topic to tackle, but rest assured, you’ll still be spinning the reels and hoping
to hit jackpots – just under a different method of dispensing random results.
They’re the exception, not the rule though, so we’ll let you know when a venue
has VGMs down below.

These listings highlight a few of Kentucky’s major racetracks, beginning with
the mother of them all, Churchill Downs – along with a pair where VGMs can be
found by the hundreds:

1) Churchill Downs

Type: Horseracing Track

Opened: 1875

Table Games: 0

Slots: 0

Location: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

Phone: (502) 636 – 4400

2) Kentucky Downs

Type: Horseracing Track

Opened: 1990

Table Games: 0

Slots: 625

Location: 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134

Phone: (270) 586-7778

3) Ellis Park

Type: Horseracing Track

Opened: 1922

Table Games: 0

Slots: 180

Location: 3300 US-41, Henderson, KY 42420

Phone: (812) 425-1456

4) Bluegrass Downs

Type: Horseracing Track

Opened: Unknown

Table Games: 0

Slots: 0

Location: 150 Downs Dr, Paducah, KY 42001

Phone: (270) 444-7117

As for the state’s network of bingo halls, it includes hundreds of Elks
Lodges, Rotary Clubs and other community gathering centers.

Finally, if you’re not satisfied without the full-fledged casino experience,
Kentucky has several major venues found just outside its borders.

If you live in or near Lexington, we’d head up to Belterra Casino Resort,
located just over the Indiana border in city of Florence.

For those near Bowling Green, both the Tropicana Evansville and the Isle
Casino Cape Girardeau are right across the borders of Indiana and Missouri,
respectively.

To the south, Harrah’s Cherokee maintains two casinos in North Carolina. If
you’re heading north out of Kentucky, try Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio.

History of Gambling in Kentucky

The first running of the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, where more than 10,000 spectators watched Aristides cross the finish line first.

The state’s fourth Constitution, which includes an explicit ban on lotteries and other forms of gambling, is ratified.

Kentucky’s Supreme Court rules that horseracing does not violate the constitutional ban on lotteries.

Congress authorizes the Interstate Horseracing Act, which allows bettors anywhere in America to place waers on events like the Kentucky Derby. This law greatly expands the volume of Derby betting, and eventually paves the way for an amendment allowin for online horserace wagers.

Voters turn out with more than 60 percent in favor of establishing the Kentucky State Lottery.

Lottery tickets go on sale throughout the state for the first time.

A Constitutional amendment is added to exempt gambling activites, such as bingo, raffles, and spin the wheel, when conducted for charitable purposes.

The federal Interstate Horseracing Act is amended to allow wagering via the Internet.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission revises its definitions for pari-mutuel horseracing to include wagers on historical, or previouisly ran, races. These historical races are presented to players through slot machine stlye video gaming machines (VGMs), which began appearing at venues like Ellis Park and Kenducky Downs in 2011.

A series of casino gambling expansion bills are proposed, and shot down, each year.

Kentucky Gambling FAQ

After soaking in so much information about such a dense topic like state
gambling laws, chances are good you have some questions rolling around upstairs.

That’s a good thing too, as it means you’re thinking critically about the
knowledge you’ve just absorbed. We tried hard to think one step ahead,
anticipating what those questions might be, so take a look below and see if
we’ve answered what’s on your mind:

Question 1: My grandmother just moved to Louisville and wants to run bingo nights for charity through her church – would that be illegal gambling?

Not in the slightest, as Chapter 238 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes
provides comprehensive exemptions for charitable gambling games.

Section 238.505 (2) provides the definition of charitable gambling, so begin
there when advising your granny on how to run her game:

“‘Charitable gaming’ means bingo, charity game tickets, raffles, and charity
fundraising events conducted for fundraising purposes by charitable
organizations licensed and regulated under the provisions of this chapter.

‘Charitable gaming’ shall not include slot machines, electronic video gaming
devices, wagering on live sporting events, or simulcast broadcasts of horse
races.”

As long as she’s playing bingo, and not spreading casino style machines or
tables, it’s all perfectly legal.

And under Section 238.505 (3), her church is specifically labeled as a legal
forum for charitable gambling, as are schools, libraries, community centers,
clubs, and veteran’s centers:

“‘Charitable organization’ means a nonprofit entity organized for charitable,
religious, educational, literary, civic, fraternal, or patriotic purposes.”

Finally, just in case she’s been experimenting video bingo or another
newfangled form of the game (it is 2017 after all), take a look at Section
238.505 (4) to see exactly how legal charitable bingo is played in Kentucky:

“‘Bingo’ means a specific game of chance in which participants use cards or
paper sheets, or card-minding device representations thereof, divided into
horizontal and vertical spaces, each of which is designated by a letter and a
number, and prizes are awarded on the basis of the letters and numbers on the
card conforming to a predetermined and preannounced configuration of letters and
numbers selected at random.”

As long as she sticks to those confines, your grandmother’s charitable bingo
bonanza will be completely by the board.

When she gets the itch to compete for real money prizes, Kentucky is home to
several full-fledged commercial bingo halls where jackpots are offered.

Question 2: Seems to me that betting on historical horse racing, while using a slot machine style device, couldn’t be legit from a legal perspective – so what’s the scoop?

It certainly does feel like skirting the law, now doesn’t it?

Yet, mashing buttons on a machine outfitted with bells and whistles, and even
fruit symbols on the reels – all while chasing huge jackpot payouts – is
perfectly legal under Kentucky state law.

Back in 2010, while millions of dollars flowed from Kentucky’s coffers into
casinos in neighboring states, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission made a
clever move. By amending their own regulations regarding pari-mutuel wagering,
and allowing bettors to put money down on historical races, they found a way to
bring casino style gaming to the state for the first time.

They did it was by allowing racetracks to install video gaming machines
(VGMs), which closely resemble slot and video poker machines in both form and
function. These machines are then calibrated to dispense random results based on
historical horseracing data.

It’s all quite complicated, as you might expect, but in effect, these VGMs
let you bet on a horse race that took place 10 years back. Obviously, those
results are readily available now, so you can’t just bet on the winner – you’ll
be backing a random race with every wager. And in order to provide those
randomized results, a random number generator just like the ones housed in slots
and video poker machines is used.

With the addition of buttons, reels, symbols and all the sensory delights a
slot machine has to offer, Kentucky’s VGMs are about as close to the casino
experience as you can legally get.

But, as you suggested, that legality is still under scrutiny.

When the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission made the move, it also requested
that the courts examine its newly modified pari-mutuel wagering guidelines to
make sure they were compliant with state law. The initial court ruling sided
with the Commission, stating that VGMs as described were permissible, which
prompted anti-gambling crusaders to file an appeal.

That appeal eventually reached the Kentucky Supreme Court, which issued the
following split decision in the contentious case:

“We affirm the Franklin Circuit Court’s judgment holding that the regulations
of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for licensing of pari-mutuel wagering on
historical horse racing are a valid and lawful exercise of the Commission’s
authority;

We affirm the opinion of the Court of Appeals insofar as it remanded this
matter to the Franklin Circuit Court for discovery pursuant to CR 26, and
further proceedings relevant to the issue whether the licensed operation of
wagering on historical horse racing as contemplated by Appellants constitutes a
pari-mutuel form of wagering.”

For those not fluent in legal terms, the high court ruled that the initial
court ruling – which upheld the Commission’s use of VGMs – was correct. At the
same time, they remanded the case back to the lower court so that they may study
whether VGMs constitute pari-mutuel gambling at all.

As of today, VGMs are flourishing at venues like Kentucky Downs and Ellis
Park, but that lower court is continuing its review to determine if they’ll need
a new set of regulations outside of the pari-mutuel construct.

Question 3: I’ve heard you can place wagers on the Kentucky Derby and other horseraces over the Internet, even when you’re in the state… is that true?

Most definitely! All thanks to a 2000 amendment to a federal law known as
the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) of 1978.

The original IHA allowed bettors living outside of a state where a race is
being held to place wagers. By 2000, the Internet age was upon us, and the new
technology made it vastly easier to get in on the action – removing the need to
visit an off track betting parlor.

Recognizing this, Congress amended the IHA to permit horseracing wagers to be
placed online. Ever since, Kentuckians – and bettors everywhere for that matter
– have been able to get their bets in from the comfort of home.

Still don’t believe us? Head here to check out the Kentucky Derby’s official
website – which includes a dedicated page titled “How to Play at TwinSpires.com
and Bet the Kentucky Derby” – to see for yourself.

Additional Resources

They say learning is a lifelong process, so we encourage you to conduct your
own outside research as you continue to study Kentucky’s complicated collection
of gambling laws.

The five links compiled below are designed to cover topics like the Kentucky
Revised Statutes, the Department of Charitable Gaming and recent efforts to
launch a casino industry.

The first link directs you to Chapter 528 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes,
which contains all relevant information on non-horseracing gambling law. The
second link takes you to Chapter 230, covering all horse racing laws.

The Department of Charitable Gaming in Kentucky (first link) wants everyone
to know the rules of the road for setting up legal bingo games, and their handy
“Bingo for Dummies” document (second link) contains everything you’ll need to
know.

Published by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting in February of
2016, “What You Need to Know About the Kentucky Expanded Gaming Proposal” is a
tremendous resource for those interested in learning about the state’s current
status. The bill in question sought to allow up to seven commercial casinos in
the state, and while it ultimately failed, it represents the seventh straight
year of similar efforts. This page contains a wealth of information about
Kentuckians’ gambling habits, where the state’s gambling dollars really go and
how legislators hope to end that divide.

The Future and Your Views

Given the contentious relationship forged with the online gambling industry
by Kentucky’s previous Governor, the state doesn’t seem all that close to
achieving regulation anytime soon.

But as we know, the transition from one executive administration to another
can usher in sweeping reforms, so where the state goes from here is a mystery.

Recent efforts to pass daily fantasy sports legislation languished in the
Kentucky Legislature, but the fact that they were even introduced – and received
a majority of votes no less (while falling short of the 40 vote threshold needed
for passage) – shows that change is already in the air.

As far as online casinos and poker rooms, a state that doesn’t offer those
games in the brick and mortar variety is probably still far from taking the full
online gambling leap.

Even so, Kentuckians aren’t averse to gambling via the Internet, as proven by
the influx of Kentucky Derby wagers placed through authorized internet
providers. The state is ripe for reform, so we invite readers to make their
voices heard loud and clear. A single click on our poll below will let the world
know exactly where Kentucky stands on legalization and regulation of online
gambling.

The gambling laws in any jurisdiction or region around the world are subject
to change. We’ve striven to ensure that the information on this page is
accurate, but you should always check your local laws before engaging in any
form of gambling activity.

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.

Most Trusted Kentucky Online Sportsbooks

Online Gambling Laws

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).

Is Gambling Legal In Kentucky

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

Is Gambling Illegal 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.