Legal sports betting is on its way to Kentucky! The state House and Senate chose to pass sports betting legislation in early 2023, making sports betting legal in Kentucky.
The KY sports betting bill calls for a launch of sports wagering in the state by no later than December 28, 2023. Look for Kentucky sports betting sites as well as retail sports betting locations to go live in the state beginning on September 28, 2023.
Sports betting in Kentucky will bring familiar brands like FanDuel and DraftKings, and likely several other online sportsbooks, to the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky residents and visitors will enjoy access to mobile sports betting apps that allow legal sports wagering from anywhere within state borders. Kentucky bettors can also look forward to in-person sports betting venues at the state’s horse racing tracks (click here for a list of locations), as well as the Kentucky Speedway.
The Kentucky online sports betting launch is just a few days away. You can, however, enjoy sports betting-style action from several top-rated daily fantasy sports apps right now.
Let’s take a look at the legal sports betting and fantasy props options available in Kentucky:
Table Of Contents
Kentucky Online Sportsbook Pre-Launch Bonus Offers
Kentucky Sports Betting & Daily Fantasy Apps
Top Kentucky Betting Apps (Updated September 14, 2023)
Best Sites For Fantasy Props In Kentucky
Top Fantasy Props Sites in Kentucky
Kentucky Online Sportsbook Pre-Launch Bonus Offers
The first wave of legal online sports betting sites is set to go live in Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2023.
You can sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky and BetMGM Kentucky right now, and get bonus bets added to your account balance when these brands launch in the Bluegrass State.
DraftKings Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer
Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky now. When DraftKings Sportsbook goes live in Kentucky, you’ll see $200 in bonus betting credits in your account.
DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer Terms And Conditions
- You must not have previously created a DraftKings Sportsbook account.
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be physically located in Kentucky when you create your DraftKings account
- $200 in bonus bets are paid as eight (8) $25 bonus bet credits
- Bonus bets are valid for seven days after they appear in your account
BetMGM Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer
Get $100 in Bonus Bets when you pre-register for a BetMGM Kentucky now. When BetMGM goes live in Kentucky, you’ll see $100 in bonus betting credits in your account.
BetMGM Kentucky Pre-Launch Offer Terms And Conditions
- You must not have previously created a BetMGM account.
- Must be physically located in Kentucky when you create your BetMGM account
- $100 in bonus bets are paid as four (4) $25 bonus bet credits
- Bonus bets are valid for seven days after they appear in your account
What Kentucky Sports Betting Apps Are Legal?
The Kentucky sports betting bill went into effect earlier this summer, and the first Kentucky sportsbooks (both online and retail) will start taking bets on September 28, 2023.
While sports bettors can’t legally bet online yet in Kentucky, you can still enjoy sports-betting-style contests legally while waiting for Kentucky online sportsbooks to launch.
The following list of sweepstakes sports gaming and daily fantasy sports apps feature contests that very much resemble sports betting in many cases:
Best Kentucky Betting Apps
App Name | Type | Prop Betting/Pick'em Games? |
---|---|---|
Fliff | Sweepstakes Gaming | Yes |
Underdog Fantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
Boom Fantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
ThriveFantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
PrizePicks | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
ParlayPlay | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
OwnersBox | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
Jock MKT | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
Kentucky Sports Betting & Daily Fantasy Apps September 2023
Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy includes both traditional DFS contests and Pick’em fantasy prop games. If you’re looking for perhaps the best all-around sports gaming site currently available in Kentucky, Underdog Fantasy is a terrific option.
The contests available at Underdog Fantasy Kentucky include:
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Contests
- Pick’em Rivals – Choose which athlete will outperform the other in a specific stat. For example, you can pick whether De’Aaron Fox will score more points than Klay Thompson in a given game.
- Pick’em Over/Under – Decide if a player will go over or under a given line in a particular statistical category. For instance, you could choose whether Zach LaVine will finish over or under 25.5 points in his next game.
Underdog Fantasy Draft Contests
- Battle Royale – Single-day draft contests, with entry fees ranging from $3-$300.
- Best Ball – Season-long fantasy leagues with no free agents, trades, or a waiver wire. Only your top-scoring players count toward the final standings.
Underdog Fantasy Kentucky Promo
You can register for a new Underdog Fantasy account using the “CLAIM OFFER” link below, and get a 100% deposit match up to $100.
Be sure to enter the Underdog Fantasy promo code “PROPS” when prompted during the registration process.
Underdog Fantasy Kentucky Sign-Up Offer Terms And Conditions
- Must be a new member of Underdog Fantasy.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be located in Kentucky.
- Minimum first deposit of $10 to qualify for this bonus.
- Bonus bets come with a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Playthrough requirement must be met within 60 days or bonus bets expire.
- Bonus bets will be credited within 72 hours of the first deposit being made.
How Do I Get The Underdog Fantasy KY Welcome Bonus?
- Click our “CLAIM OFFER” link, which redirects to the Underdog Fantasy website
- Sign up and enter promo code “PROPS”
- Make a minimum $10 deposit
- Meet the 1x playthrough requirement to cash out bonus winnings
Why Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy presents a great all-around alternative to legal online sports betting sites.
The Pick’em games should appeal to bettors that enjoy prop betting, over/unders, and parlays. Even after Kentucky’s future sports betting industry begins to take shape, Underdog Fantasy should still warrant consideration as a go-to sports gaming platform.
- Check out our Underdog Fantasy review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Underdog Fantasy promo:
Fliff
The Fliff sweepstakes and social sports picks platform functions as one of the most unique sports gaming sites available in the U.S.
Fliff operates as a legal sweepstakes gaming app, with both play money and sweepstakes games available. The play money games use a virtual currency called “Fliff Coins” and the sweepstakes games use a virtual currency called “Fliff Cash.”
The Fliff Cash games pay out in sweepstakes credits, which can be redeemed for cash prizes. The games at Fliff are nearly identical to what you would find at an online sportsbook.
Fliff Bet Types
- Moneyline
- Point Spread
- Totals (Over/Under)
- In-Play (Live Betting)
Fliff Kentucky Promo
Props.com readers can sign up for a new Fliff account with the “CLAIM OFFER” link below, and get a 100% match worth up to $100 in Fliff Cash credits on the first purchase.
You can’t directly deposit or play games with cash on Fliff. You can purchase Fliff Coins (play money) credits, and get a Fliff Cash (sweepstakes credit) bonus with each purchase.
The current Fliff promo gifts you with $200 total in Fliff Cash for a $100 Fliff Coins purchase ($100 as the standard Fliff Cash bonus plus another $100 for the 100% match).
Keep in mind that Fliff Coins can only be used for play money games, while Fliff Cash is used for sweepstakes games. You can then redeem Fliff Cash for cash prizes.
Fliff Kentucky Sign-Up Offer Terms And Conditions
- Must be a new member of Fliff.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be located in Kentucky.
- Minimum first deposit of $4.99 to qualify for this bonus.
- Fliff Cash bonus funds come with a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Minimum of $50 to withdraw Fliff Cash.
How Do I Get The Fliff KY Welcome Bonus?
- Click the “CLAIM OFFER” or “BET NOW” link in the Fliff ad below
- Register at Fliff, and enter the bonus code PROPS when prompted
- Buy your first Fliff Coins package, and Fliff will match up to $100 of that purchase with Fliff Cash.
- Start playing Fliff Cash sports picks games, and meet the playthrough requirement on the bonus.
Why Fliff Kentucky
Fliff offers the closest thing to full-scale sports betting of any of the legal sports gaming apps outlined in this guide.
The Fliff app presents several familiar sports picks formats, including moneyline, point spread, totals, and live betting. While Fliff isn’t technically a real-money sportsbook, you get something very close to the sports betting experience when playing the Fliff Cash games.
Fliff’s status as a sweepstakes gaming site allows the company to operate in Kentucky right now. Fliff presents a great option for Kentucky sports fans in the coming months, as regulated online sportsbooks prepare for launch.
- For more on how Fliff works, check out our Fliff review page.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Fliff promo:
Boom Fantasy
Boom Fantasy is one of several top-flight daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps available in Kentucky right now.
Like all of the DFS apps in this guide to legal Kentucky sports betting sites, Boom Fantasy offers fantasy prop contests that present prop-betting-style action with a daily fantasy twist.
The fantasy prop contests at Boom are known as “Pick’em” games, and let’s take a look at how they work:
Boom Fantasy Pick’em Contests
- Toss-Ups – Choose which of two players will win in a given stat category for an upcoming game (e.g., will Giannis Antetokounmpo score more points than Kevin Durant in a game). You can also play Toss Ups Over/Under games, which function like totals props bets (i.e. will Durant finish over or under 29.5 points in a game).
- Favorites – Pick’em Favorites contests offer one side of an over/under (i.e. will Joel Embiid go over 28.5 points in a game). Note that there’s no “under” option on the example with Embiid here, you simply choose whether to play the “over” on the given line.
- Long Shots – Choose whether or player will go over a line that’s significantly above their normal statistical performance (i.e. will Joel Embiid go over 38.5 points in a game). Longshots are tough to hit, but can pay off big, as we’ll discuss in the next section.)
Boom Fantasy Payout Odds
- Favorites – Pays 1.3x to 3x your entry fee.
- Toss-ups – Pays 3x to 20x your entry fee.
- Long Shots – Pays 10x (for two correct choices) or 40x (for three correct choices).
Boom Fantasy Kentucky Promo
Props.com readers can sign-up for a Boom Fantasy account with the link below, and get a $100 No Sweat Entry. That bonus equates to a $100 credit that can be used in any game on Boom.
Boom Fantasy Kentucky Bonus Offer Terms And Conditions
- Must be a new member of Boom Fantasy.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be physically located in Kentucky
- Minimum deposit of $10 to qualify for this bonus.
- First bet can be on any contest offered by Boom Fantasy.
- Bonus funds are non-withdrawable.
How Do I Get The Boom Fantasy KY Welcome Bonus?
- Select the “CLAIM OFFER” link in the Boom Fantasy ad below.
- Sign up for a new account (no promo code necessary).
- Deposit at least $10.
- You’ll get a $100 bonus credit to use in any contest on Boom.
Why Boom Fantasy
If you like prop betting and parlays, Boom Fantasy offers a great platform, and is legal under Kentucky sports gambling law.
The straightforward interface, robust selection of contests, and potentially big payouts make Boom Fantasy a must-try app if you’re looking for a sports betting alternative in Kentucky.
- Be sure to check out our Boom Fantasy review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Boom Fantasy promo:
ParlayPlay
Much like the name suggests, ParlayPlay is a legal DFS app that specializes in fantasy prop parlays.
The fantasy prop games at ParlayPlay are separated into two categories:
ParlayPlay Games
- More/Less – More/Less contests task you with making over/under picks on player stats for a given game. Like a traditional parlay ticket, you must get all picks right to win. Each More/Less entry can include anywhere from 2-4 picks.
- Hit It – Pick the range in which a player will finish in a certain stat category for a game. For example, you might decide if Anthony Davis will score 0-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, or 41+ points in a game. Hit It contests require two picks made on a single parlay entry.
ParlayPlay Kentucky Promo
The ParlayPlay bonus offer gives you a $5 risk-free entry, as well as a 100% match bonus up to $100 on your first deposit.
Be sure to enter the promo code “PROPS” when prompted during the registration process.
ParlayPlay Kentucky Bonus Offer Terms And Conditions
- Must be a new member of ParlayPlay.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be physically located in Kentucky.
- Minimum deposit of $10 to qualify for this bonus.
- A $5 bonus is awarded to all new players.
- Bonus funds expire 7 days after being credited.
How Do I Get The ParlayPlay KY Welcome Bonus?
- Go to the ParlayPlay website through our “CLAIM OFFER” link
- Sign up and enter the promo code “PROPS” when prompted
- Make your first deposit
- Collect your $5 risk-free entry and 100% match bonus (up to a $100 match).
Why ParlayPlay
The games at ParlayPlay are ideal for players looking for parlay-style action.
The Hit It games are unlike anything else offered among the DFS and sweepstakes sites outlined in this guide. Until regulated online sportsbooks can legally offer sports betting in Kentucky, ParlayPlay gives you a fun-to-play option for fantasy prop parlays in the Bluegrass State.
- Be sure to check out our ParlayPlay review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard ParlayPlay promo:
ThriveFantasy
ThriveFantasy combines traditional DFS draft contests and Pick’em-style fantasy prop games in a way that isn’t quite like anything else in this Kentucky sports betting alternatives guide.
You can choose from ThriveFantasy’s unique draft games, or play straightforward fantasy props contests. The games available at Thrive Fantasy include:
ThriveFantasy Games
- Draft Contests – Pick a lineup of fantasy props, and see if your team can win. Keep in mind you’re not drafting players based on statistical performance; you’re picking a string of fantasy props and pitting your prop pick skills against those of other players. Draft contests are available in Head-to-Head, Double-Up, and multi-player Versus contests. You’ll also find guaranteed prize pool (GPP) tournaments at ThriveFantasy.
- House Props – Thrive Fantasy House Props resemble the Pick’em contests available at the other DFS sites listed in this guide. Put together a parlay ticket of 2-4 prop picks and see if you can beat the house.
ThriveFantasy Kentucky Promo
Register with ThriveFantasy with the “CLAIM OFFER” link below, and you’ll unlock a 100% match on your first deposit, up to a max of $100.
ThriveFantasy Kentucky Bonus Offer Terms And Conditions
- Must be a new member of ThriveFantasy.
- Must be at least 18 years old (21 in MA – 19 in NE)
- Must be physically located in Kentucky
- Minimum deposit of $10 to qualify for this bonus.
- Bonus funds come with a 4x playthrough requirement.
- Bonus funds expire after 45 days unless the playthrough requirement is met.
How Do I Get The ThriveFantasy KY Welcome Bonus?
- Click the “CLAIM OFFER” link in the ThriveFantasy ad below
- Go through the signup process and enter promo code PROPS when prompted
- Deposit $10 or more, and ThriveFantasy will match the deposit up to $100
- If you deposit $500+ you’ll six free $20 contest entries.
- Start playing and meet the 4x rollover requirement to cash out the bonus funds.
Why ThriveFantasy
ThriveFantasy offers a mix of fantasy props and traditional DFS contests that is unlike its competitors in the traditional DFS space. The 100% deposit bonus up to $100 is standard, but the additional $120 in free entries for deposits of $500+ make the ThriveFantasy promo stand out.
- For more on this DFS app, take a look at our ThriveFantasy Review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard ThriveFantasy promo:
PrizePicks
PrizePicks operates as one of the most popular daily fantasy sports apps in the U.S. The playing format at PrizePicks is simple, and should appeal to Kentucky bettors itching for parlay-style action.
The contests at PrizePicks are exclusively centered around fantasy prop parlays.
The format is simple – pick whether athletes will go over or under a given stat line in an upcoming game. For example, you could choose whether LeBron James will end up over or under 26.5 points in his next game.
The game options include:
PrizePicks DFS Contests
- Flex Play – Flex Pla parlay tickets pay out even if you miss one leg of the parlay. Available Flex Play options include: 2-Player (0.5x payout for one right pick; 2x for two); 3-Player (1.25x payout for two right picks; 2.25x for three); 4-Player (1.5x for three right picks; 5x for four).
- Power Play – Power Play games pay more than Flex Play. Like a traditional parlay, however, you must get all legs of a Power Play correct to win the entry. Payout tables include: 2-Player (2x payout), 3-Player (5x payout), and 4-Player (10x payout).
PrizePicks Kentucky Promo
PrizePicks doesn’t currently offer a sign-up bonus for Props.com readers, but we’ll update this page as soon if that changes.
Why PrizePicks
PrizePicks keeps it simple with its fantasy props and over/under parlay format. That layout is a huge success across the U.S., offering a fun and fast alternative to online sports betting.
Kentucky sports gamers can’t go wrong looking to PrizePicks for parlay-style action, especially with the $100 match bonus in the equation.
- If you enjoy PrizePicks, check out our guide to Apps Like PrizePicks.
Outlook On Kentucky Legalizing Sports Betting
No further hurdles remain in terms of making online sports betting legal in Kentucky. After several failed Kentucky sports betting bills in previous years, House Bill 551 finally made it through the necessary steps to legalize Kentucky sports betting.
Kentucky sports betting legislation allows each of the state’s nine horse racing tracks, as well as Kentucky Speedway, to obtain sports betting licenses. All of those venues can launch up to three different mobile sports betting apps each, and also open retail sportsbooks on-site.
While horse race betting is a longstanding tradition in the state, the expanded Kentucky sports betting law now allows legendary facilities like Churchill Downs to offer full-service sports betting. You’ll likely be able to place sports bets in both mobile and in-person form at the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Betting on major professional sports teams as well as college sports is permitted at Kentucky betting sites. That means that the most popular of all Kentucky sports teams, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, will be open for legal betting. Look for the UK college basketball program to draw significant betting interest.
Upcoming KY Mobile Sports Betting Providers
When the Kentucky sports betting industry launches, expect the following major brands in the industry to set up shop with a sports betting app in the Bluegrass State. Check back with this guide often for the latest Kentucky sports betting updates, including answers to the latest Kentucky sports betting FAQs.
DraftKings Kentucky
DraftKings Sportsbook Bonus Offer
While the DraftKings Sportsbook Kentucky welcome bonus could differ from other states, DraftKings typically offers a “Bet $5 Get $200” new player promo.
Bet $5 on any qualifying wager, and you’ll get $200 in bonus bets added to your account balance.
A DraftKings Kentucky pre-launch offer is live right now, which puts bonus bets in your account for signing up with DraftKings Sportsbook KY in the weeks leading up to launch.
Check out all available DraftKings bonus offers in our DraftKings Bonuses guide.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from DraftKings standard promo.:
- Learn more about what states DraftKings is legal in with this DraftKings Sportsbook States guide.
FanDuel Kentucky
FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus Offer
FanDuel Sportsbook’s standard new player offer comes in the form of a “No Sweat First Bet” up to $1,000.
The bonus functions as a losing bet rebate on your first bet with FanDuel. For instance, let’s say you make your first deposit at FanDuel Sportsbook, and your first bet is a $1,000 wager.
If that bet loses, FanDuel will give you a rebate of $1,000 in bonus bets. The bonus bets match the amount of your first wager, up to a $1,000 max.
Keep in mind that FanDuel Sportsbook KY might present a different new player promo when it launches. Keep an eye on this page for FanDuel Sportsbook Kentucky sports betting app pre-launch promo offers as well.
- Learn more about what states FanDuel is legal in with this FanDuel Sportsbook States guide.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from FanDuel’s standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which FanDuel Sportsbook legally operates:
Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in Kentucky?
Yes. As of March 2023, legal sports betting is a reality in Kentucky. Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 551 into law, and the law goes into effect on June 28, 2023. Both in-person and mobile sports betting will eventually launch in Kentucky. The sports betting bill calls for a launch of sports betting operations by no later than December 28, 2023. All sports betting operations in Kentucky will be overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
When did Kentucky legalize sports betting?
The Kentucky sports betting bill was signed into law on March 28, 2023. The approval of the bill came after years of debate and multiple previous attempts to launch legal sports betting. With legalized sports betting now a reality, Kentucky adds full-scale sports betting to a rich tradition of horse racing wagering.
Is PrizePicks legal in Kentucky?
Yes. The popular PrizePicks daily fantasy sports app is legal in Kentucky, and you can play DFS contests on PrizePicks right now. Be sure to sign up for PrizePicks with the links included in this guide, which unlock the Props.com bonus offer.
What are the best KY sports betting apps?
Kentucky sports betting apps aren’t available just yet. The KY sports betting bill calls for a launch of sports betting operation by no later than December 28, 2023.
Until then, look to sweepstakes apps and DFS sites like Fliff, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Boom Fantasy, ParlayPlay, and ThriveFantasy as your best options for sports-betting-style action in the state.
Is there a DraftKings KY sports betting app?
DraftKings Kentucky Sportsbook hasn’t launched yet. Look for DraftKings to be a major player in the KY sports betting market by the end of 2023, however.
Is FanDuel legal in Kentucky?
FanDuel KY Sportsbook hasn’t yet launched in Kentucky.There’s a great chance FanDuel will begin Kentucky operations by December 28, 2023, the latest possible day for the launch of the Kentucky sport betting industry.
Where can I bet on sports in Kentucky?
Look for the state’s nine horse racing tracks, as well as Kentucky Speedway, to launch mobile sports betting apps. All of those venues can also operate in-person sportsbooks. You’ll soon be able to place legal sports bets at Churchill Downs and other horse race venues in the Bluegrass State.
Top Sportsbook Promotions By State
- U.S. Online Sportsbook Bonuses
- Arizona promos
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Looking for the top daily fantasy options in your state? Check out our Best DFS Sites guide.