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Kentucky Gambling Age: How Old to Gamble in Kentucky?

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Excitement is building ahead of the launch of legal sports betting in the Bluegrass State. But one question that has come up repeatedly since KY lawmakers announced changes to state gambling laws concerns the Kentucky gambling age.

So, to clear up any confusion you may have, this guide will cover KY’s new gambling laws in detail, including the Kentucky gambling age. We’ve also included mini reviews for some sportsbooks that we recommend you take a look at ahead of their official online launch date of 28 September.

Bet365
Top Pick
4.9/5
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
USA
USA Allowed
Available Payment Options
Find out more on Bet365.
Withdrawal
0 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
Award
EGR - Operator of the year (2017)
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
Show less
BetMGM
Hot Offer
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Allowed
Available Payment Options
PayPal
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
+
Withdrawal
0 – 3 Days
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
Award
GGA - Digital Operator of the Year (2023)
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Show less
FanDuel
Hot Offer
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Allowed
T&Cs Apply / 21+
Available Payment Options
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Cheque
+
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Apps
License
New Jersey (US)
Award
Global Gaming Awards (2022)
Show less
Caesars
4.
4.5/5
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
USA
USA Allowed
Available Payment Options
PayPal
Bank Transfer
E-Check
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
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DraftKings
5.
4.4/5
New Customers Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Allowed
Available Payment Options
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
+
Withdrawal
0 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
Award
EGR - Operator of the year (2023)
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 6/22/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
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Fanatics
6.
4.3/5
Bet $30, Get $300 in Bonus Bets
USA
USA Allowed
T&Cs Apply / 21+
Available Payment Options
Venmo
PayPal
Apple Pay
+
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
Show More
ESPN Bet
7.
USA
USA Allowed
T&Cs Apply / 21+
Available Payment Options
Visa
Mastercard
Trustly
+
Withdrawal
0 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Kentucky (US) Horse Racing Commission
Show More

What is the gambling age in Kentucky?

According to Kentucky’s sports betting legislation, the gambling age in KY is 18, meaning that sports bettors must be 18 or over to bet on sports in the Bluegrass state. This age limit applies whether you want to place a bet in a bricks-and-mortar retail outlet, or via a newly licensed online sportsbook. However, it is worth noting that some operators insist that anyone who signs up is aged 21 years, or older.

For months, searches that ask “is gambling legal in Kentucky?” have skyrocketed, triggered by the announcement of changes to the state’s approach to legal sports betting. So, in answer to this question: yes, gambling is now legal in Kentucky, though only at licensed physical sportsbook retailers until 28 September.

Following months of preparations, legal sports betting in Kentucky officially launched on September 7, 2023. This is only for brick-and-mortar sports betting outlets, however, with online and app-based gambling held back for an additional three weeks until 28 September.

It’s important to note that KY lawmakers haven’t legalized all gambling, so the changes apply to sports betting only, meaning that real-money online casinos are still a no-go zone in the Bluegrass State.

Are these Kentucky’s best sports betting sites?

DraftKings – Ready to accept KY sports bets

Pros and cons of DraftKings
Pros and cons of DraftKings
  • $200 bonus bets up for grabs
  • Outstanding reputation
  • Transparent bonus T&Cs
  • Limited payment options

DraftKings is already established as one of the foremost legal sports betting sites in the US, so it makes sense that the operator was at the front of the queue for the launch of Kentucky’s new sports betting market. In case reputation alone doesn’t get customers through its doors, DraftKings does have a nice pre-launch offer in place, with $200 in bonus bets up for grabs and ready to use when DraftKings KY officially goes live.

DraftKings
Sports Promo
4.4/5
New Customers Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
New Player Bonus
|
T&Cs Apply / 21+
Open DraftKings
Bet now
DraftKings Highlights
  • Great range of different sports leagues
  • Optimal in-play betting features
  • Easy to use app with fast payouts

BetMGM – Big-name sports betting comes to the Bluegrass State

Pros and cons of BetMGM
Pros and cons of BetMGM
  • Customer support at BetMGM could be better
  • $100 in bonus bets on site launch day
  • Huge choice of sports betting markets
  • Intuitive registration process
  • Pros and cons of BetMGM

Endorsed by Jamie Foxx and featuring an impossibly vast range of sports markets – BetMGM is without doubt one of the biggest sports betting operators in the US. Pre-register for a BetMGM Kentucky account before the site officially goes live and you’ll receive $100 in bonus bets on launch day. Registering for a BetMGM account in KY is a super-easy three-step process.

BetMGM
Sports Promo
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Free Bet
Copy
Bet now
BetMGM Highlights
  • Great moneyline odds
  • Superior betting markets
  • Vast selection of betting options
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

FanDuel – Exclusive rewards from one of the best in the business

Pros and cons of FanDuel
Pros and cons of FanDuel
  • $100 in bonus bets + $100 NFL Sunday Ticket
  • Powerful site and mobile betting app
  • Tons of sports markets and betting lines
  • Less competitive odds for top US sports

NFL fan? Then you’ll love what’s coming over at FanDuel Kentucky. Not only is FanDuel considered one of the most progressive, forward-thinking sportsbooks on the market, but it’s also got an ace up its sleeve for getting bettors through its virtual doors as soon as they open. That includes a $100 in free bets on launch day, along with an additional NFL Sunday Ticket voucher worth up to $100. Of course, this offer applies to new customers only, and you have until 11:59 PM EST on 27 September to claim the pre-launch bonus.

FanDuel
Sports Promo
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
New Player Bonus
Open FanDuel
Bet now
FanDuel Highlights
  • User-friendly mobile app & website
  • Low cost spreads
  • Highly competitive odds
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement.

Fanatics – A new approach from a sporting powerhouse

Pros and cons of Fanatics: Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of Fanatics: Pros & Cons
  • All-American brand with established coverage
  • Solid navigation and site performance
  • Betting software powered by Amelco
  • The Fanatics sportsbook remains untested

You may not have heard of Fanatics, as it’s a brand that began its life in the North American sports merchandising market. But make no mistake: this is a serious contender in the arena of online sports betting in Kentucky and one that’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an alternative sportsbook destination. With coverage in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee, Fanatics has already proven its value as a reputable, all-American operation.

Fanatics
Sports Promo
4.3/5
Bet $30, Get $300 in Bonus Bets
New Player Bonus
|
T&Cs Apply / 21+
Open Fanatics
Bet now
Fanatics Highlights
  • Odds boosts
  • Same game parlays
  • Competitive betting odds

Caesars – No introduction needed to this big-name sportsbook

Pros and cons of Caesars
Pros and cons of Caesars
  • Household name with an excellent reputation
  • Neat bonus bet system for new Kentucky players
  • Massive range of sports markets
  • Lacks some niche sports and leagues

Caesars is already a household name across the US, so sports bettors in Kentucky should need little introduction to what this operator is all about. Sign up for a Caesers Kentucky account before the pre-launch offer deadline on September 27 and you’ll receive a $25 bonus bet, plus an additional $25 bet each Monday for the following three weeks (totaling $100 in bonus bets overall). Need we say more?

Caesars
Sports Promo
4.5/5
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
New Player Bonus
Copy
Bet now
Caesars Highlights
  • User-friendly betting app
  • Amazing live betting experience
  • Reliable customer support
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Bet365 – Calling all NFL fans

Pros and cons of Bet365
Pros and cons of Bet365
  • $10 per touchdown sign-up bonus
  • Leading sports betting site with an outstanding reputation
  • Tons of in-play betting options
  • Slightly longer payouts than comparable operators

Bet365 is almost ready to go in the Bluegrass State and to celebrate, the site is giving new customers the chance to participate in a thrill-a-minute NFL bonus. Sign up before the pre-launch bonus deadline of 27 September and you can receive $10 per touchdown on a nominated NFL game of your choice, up to the value of $50. This exciting promotion is all part of Bet365’s new Kentucky sportsbook offering, which is set to launch on September 28, 2023.

Bet365
Sports Promo
4.9/5
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
New Player Bonus
Copy
Bet now
Bet365 Highlights
  • Massive range of sports betting markets
  • Quick withdrawals
  • Smooth app to navigate
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
Kentucky sportsbook New player promotion
DraftKings $200 worth of free bonus bets
BetMGM $100 worth of free bonus bets
FanDuel $100 in bonus bets + $100 NFL Sunday Ticket
Fanatics We’ll update this section when we know more.
Caesars $100 worth of free bonus bets
Bet365 $10 per touchdown bonus on nominated NFL game, up to the value of $50

Green light on Kentucky sports bettors aged 18+

Now that we’ve established the legal Kentucky gambling age and shone a light on some of the awesome sportsbooks coming to the Bluegrass State, all that’s left to do now is sit back and wait patiently for online sports betting in Kentucky to officially go live. In the meantime, be sure to check back with Ballislife.com for regular updates on all the latest Kentucky gambling news.

Our favorite sports betting bonuses for July 2025

Bet365
1.
4.9/5
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
USA
USA Allowed
Wagering Requirements: 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
BetMGM
2.
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Allowed
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
FanDuel
3.
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Allowed
Wagering Requirements: 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement.
Caesars
4.
4.5/5
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
USA
USA Allowed
Wagering Requirements: 1x Deposit
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
DraftKings
5.
4.4/5
New Customers Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Allowed
Min. Deposit: 5

Gambling age in KY FAQ

In order to place sports bets in Kentucky, players need to be 18 or over to register with an online sportsbook, although some operators require yo to be at least 21 years to sign up.  You can learn more about the legal requirements of sports betting in Kentucky in our latest guides.

As of 2023, Kentucky lawmakers have made the decision to legalize licensed sports betting in the Bluegrass State. Players over 18 can now bet on a choice of sports, teams, and leagues, provided they do so via a licensed sportsbook operator.

From Bet365 to FanDuel, operators are queuing up ready to launch their online sportsbook offerings in Kentucky, so bettors will have plenty of fantastic sites to choose from. Our guide covers six of the best sites where you can legally bet on your favorite sports in Kentucky.

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Sara Jane Gamelli
Sara Jane Gamelli
Writer | Bettor
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Editor | Writer
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Grant Afseth
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Recent
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
4.9/5
BetMGM
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.4/5
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.4/5
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