Need to work out if you can play Kentucky online casino games, or if there’s anywhere to play classic American games in KY? Find all of the answers here.
Kentucky has not legalized online casino gaming and doesn’t have any regulated or tribal casino venues in operation.
Famous for one of the single-largest gambling events of the American calendar, Kentucky is surprisingly against most forms of gambling. Of course, at the tracks and especially during the Kentucky Derby, you’re free to gamble, but other than that, the Bluegrass State is distinctly anti-gambling.
This is most prominently showcased in the classic gambling form, casino gaming. Most states that are anti-gambling still permit tribal casinos, but Kentucky’s criteria doesn’t even allow for the Native Americans to establish a games venue.
Online Casino Sites in Kentucky
It is illegal to gamble at an online casino in Kentucky. You won’t find any legal and regulated Kentucky online casino websites, with the state being staunchly against such activities. A crackdown on over 100 gambling domains in the state made it clear that Kentucky is not open for business, nor are its residents permitted to play at online casinos that evade the purge.
Based on the current laws in Kentucky and the overall market in states nearby BetMGM, Caesars and Twinspires are among the first casinos expected to go live in the state in 2023.
Kentucky’s most expected online casinos:
- BetMGM Casino
- Hard Rock Casino
- bet365 Casino KY
- BetRivers Casino Kentucky
- Twinspires Casino
Best Online Casino Apps & Games in Kentucky
It is illegal to play online casino games in Kentucky. When it comes to real money casino gaming online, the very best of the bunch show some incredible innovations and entertaining gameplay. However, if you’re in Kentucky, you won’t be able to play any of the best casino games in Kentucky. This is primarily because all casinos of any kind are banned in the state, let alone the top online casino brands that accumulate the most popular titles.
It is illegal to gamble on online casino apps in Kentucky. As is the case with Kentucky online casinos, mobile casino apps are also illegal. The Bluegrass State’s gambling laws are very strict and enforced, so very few operators would want to venture into the market with casino gaming apps. That said, even if an app becomes available, under standing law, you should avoid them due to the potential repercussions.
Top Land-based Casinos in Kentucky
Kentucky doesn’t have any land-based casinos. The hard-line stance against online casinos originates from their stance against gambling on Kentucky turf. The state hasn’t licensed or permitted the establishment of any of its own casinos. Usually, Native American tribes are allowed to start casinos, but as neither of the Kentucky-based tribes has federal recognition, they’re not allowed to build a casino. As such, Kentucky is a barren space for the classic American pastime.
Top Three Bonus Offers in Kentucky
It is illegal to sign-up and claim bonuses at any potential online casino in Kentucky. As it’s illegal to sign-up to a Kentucky online casino, it’s also against the law to claim and use any bonuses that you may find. Most bonuses require a deposit to claim, which would constitute real money gambling.
The top online casino bonus offers aren’t present in the online casino scene in Kentucky. Without casinos to create the bonus offers, you won’t find any of the top online promotions while in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky Online Casinos ↗
The state has no online casino legislation and none is planned at present.
Most expected online casinos in Kentucky:
- BetMGM Casino
- Caesars Casino
- Hard Rock Casino
- DraftKings Casino
- Unibet Casino
Online Poker ↗
Online poker is illegal with no in-person options to play either. Offshore sportsbooks offering online poker operate outside of US law, so players participate at their own risk and with no consumer protection.
Online Lottery ↗
A state lottery has been running since 1989 and along with retailers selling tickets up and down the state, there are also online sales available. Players must be 18 to participate.
It may in principle be one of the most famous gambling locations in the US – the Kentucky Derby is among the best-known sports events in the world and horse race betting is legal along with the sports betting. You can place online bets in Kentucky with bet365, betMGM, BetRivers and other licensed gambling sites in 2023.
Kentucky Horse Racing Betting
It seems slightly at odds with the state’s gambling posture that it is one of the world’s hotspots for horse racing. The Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs and there are several other tracks, all offering on-track betting, with advance-deposit wagering also available through operators like TwinSpires.
Kentucky DFS
DFS games are not regulated in Kentucky but events run by the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings are open to entries from the state.
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Kentucky Casino Gambling FAQ
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Kentucky casinos.
As it stands, you are allowed to list gambling losses as an itemized deduction on your submitted gambling winnings in Kentucky.
You won’t find a casino nearby in Kentucky, but the closest to Louisville is probably the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino.
At some of the Kentucky racetracks, you’ll be able to find instant racing machines that are similar to slots but run results based on past races.
If in the scenario you could bet at an online casino in Kentucky, the legal gambling age stands at 18-years-old. In a state that’s mostly devoid of gambling activity, Kentucky upholds one of the United States’ lowest legal ages across the board. To partake in any legal gambling activity in the state, you need to be at least 18-years-old.
Gambling wins in Kentucky are subject to state and federal taxation. For filing your taxes, you’ll want to include your gambling wins and losses on your federal and state reports. The IRS will tax winnings at a rate of 24 percent, while Kentucky imposes a flat 5 percent income tax.
Gambling can be enjoyable for most people, but some find it can become problematic. If you are struggling to cope with your gambling, or a friend or relative has a problem, help is available. For more information, see Kentucky – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
