Sports Betting

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Kentucky

Kentucky sports betting has been crushing it since launching in September 2023. The Bluegrass State now has nine legal online sportsbooks competing hard for bettors, which means aggressive welcome bonuses, daily promotions, and exclusive odds boosts on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, and Kentucky Derby. Kentucky generated over $2.63 billion in handle during its first full year and ranks 20th among 34 states with legal sports betting. At Shurzy, we keep things simple: fast picks, real value, and bonuses that actually hit.

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Kentucky

Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Kentucky if you're 21 or older. Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 into law on March 28, 2023, and Kentucky officially launched retail and online sports betting on September 7, 2023 (retail) and September 28, 2023 (online). The state went live with six online operators initially, growing to nine as of November 2025.

Here's what you need to know:

Must be 21+ and physically in Kentucky
Can bet on pro sports and college games (Kentucky, Louisville)
Kentucky allows full college player props with no restrictions on in-state teams
Kentucky taxes sportsbook revenue at 14.25%

Kentucky generated over $38.6 million in tax revenue during its first full year. The state distributes tax revenue to the state general fund, with portions allocated to problem gambling programs and regulatory costs.

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Kentucky

Kentucky has nine legal sportsbooks. Here are the top six.

1. BetMGM Kentucky - Up to $1,500 First Bet Offer (Code: BETKYCOM or COVERS)

BetMGM brings the biggest welcome bonus in Kentucky. Sign up using promo code BETKYCOM or COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first bet of $10 or more. If it loses, you get back up to $1,500 in bonus bets delivered in five equal 20% portions. Bonus bets expire in seven days. BetMGM covers all major sports, offers same-game parlays, live betting, and solid odds boosts. You'll join M life Rewards automatically.

Best for: Biggest safety net bonus and MGM Rewards.

2. Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky - Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash OR Bet $50, Get $250

Fanatics offers the highest total value in Kentucky with two options. Option 1: Place a $1 bet each day for ten days. If any bet loses, you get up to $200 in FanCash per day (total $2,000). Option 2: Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash guaranteed. Use FanCash for bonus bets or redeem it for Fanatics gear. The app is clean, fast, and built for long-term rewards.

Best for: Maximum total value and merch rewards.

3. DraftKings Kentucky - Bet $5, Get $300 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass + $1,000 Deposit Match

DraftKings stacks serious value in Kentucky with three separate welcome offers. Sign up, deposit at least $5, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you get $300 in bonus bets (twelve $25 tokens) plus three free months of NBA League Pass. On top of that, DraftKings offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000, valid through December 31, 2025. Bonus bets expire in seven days. DraftKings covers all major sports and offers deep betting markets.

Best for: Total value with multiple bonuses and deep markets.

4. Caesars Sportsbook Kentucky - Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (Code: COVERS20X or SICZR20X)

Caesars flips the script with a creative bonus structure. Sign up using promo code COVERS20X or SICZR20X, deposit at least $10, and place your first $1 bet. You'll unlock 20 Profit Boost Tokens that double your winnings on your next 20 bets, up to $2,500 each. That's a potential $50,000 in value if you max out each boost. Each token is valid for 14 days. Caesars covers all major sports and auto-enrolls you in Caesars Rewards.

Best for: Maximum potential value through profit boosts.

5. bet365 Kentucky - Bet $5, Get $200 Win or Lose OR $1,000 First Bet Safety Net (Code: BETKY or COVERS)

bet365 is a global betting giant. Sign up using promo code BETKY or COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first $5 bet. Option 1: Get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed, win or lose. Option 2: Choose the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000. Bonus bets expire in seven days. bet365 offers deep betting markets, early payout promos, and competitive odds.

Best for: Guaranteed rewards or maximum safety net.

6. FanDuel Kentucky - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the U.S. for good reason. The app is clean, fast, and loaded with options. Sign up, deposit at least $10, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours. Bonus bets expire in seven days. FanDuel offers same-game parlays, live betting, daily odds boosts, and one of the smoothest mobile experiences in the game.

Best for: User-friendly app and guaranteed bonus if you win.

How to Choose Your Kentucky Sportsbook

With nine legal options, picking the right sportsbook comes down to what you value most:

Compare welcome bonuses. BetMGM offers the biggest safety net at $1,500. Fanatics stacks up to $2,000 in FanCash. DraftKings delivers the most total value across three offers.
Check app speed. FanDuel and DraftKings run smoothly during live games when timing matters.
Look for loyalty perks. BetMGM's M life Rewards and Caesars Rewards turn your bets into hotel stays, meals, and free play.
Match your sports. If you're into football and basketball, DraftKings and FanDuel dominate. Soccer or international leagues? bet365 is your move.
Shop lines. Even small differences in odds can change your payout. Apps like FanDuel and bet365 often post sharper lines on big games.

Shurzy tip: Grab two or three accounts. Most welcome bonuses are first-bet offers, so testing multiple platforms gives you more shots at cashing. Plus, you'll figure out which app clicks best without overthinking it.

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Kentucky

Claiming your bonus takes less time than parking at Rupp Arena. Here's the breakdown:

Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics, or Caesars.
Step 2: Create your account. Visit the sportsbook's website or download the app. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Step 3: Enter promo codes (if needed). For BetMGM, use code BETKYCOM or COVERS. For Caesars, use code COVERS20X or SICZR20X. For bet365, use code BETKY or COVERS. FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics don't require a code.
Step 4: Fund your account. Most books require $5 to $10 to qualify. Use a card, PayPal, Venmo, or online banking.
Step 5: Place your qualifying bet. Follow the bonus terms. Some promos require minimum odds or a specific bet type.

Shurzy tip: Bonus bets usually expire in 7 to 14 days, so don't let them collect dust. Use them on games you actually care about, not random Tuesday afternoon tennis matches you'll forget about by dinner.

Sports Betting Tips for Kentucky Bettors

Kentucky's sports betting market is heating up. Here's how to navigate it smart:

Leverage college player props. Kentucky is one of the few states that allows full college player props with no restrictions on in-state teams. This opens up more betting options for Wildcats and Cardinals games that other states can't touch.
Watch the Derby season closely. Kentucky sportsbooks go wild during Derby week with exclusive promos and boosted odds on horse racing. Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in May.
Stack Caesars' profit boosts strategically. With 20 tokens worth up to $2,500 each, don't blow them on random bets. Save them for games where you have real conviction or big parlays you're already planning to hit.
Monitor UK basketball betting trends. Wildcats games move lines fast. If you like a side, get in early before public money shifts the number.
Try Fanatics' 10-day no-sweat offer. Placing a $1 bet each day for ten days is low-risk, and if you hit a few losers, you're banking up to $2,000 in FanCash. That's basically free money for being patient.

Shurzy tip: Kentucky ranks 20th out of 34 states for betting volume, which means you're not swimming in a shark tank like New York or New Jersey. Enjoy the slightly slower pace and don't feel pressured to bet everything just because everyone else is going hard.

Responsible Betting in Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees responsible gaming programs. All regulated sportsbooks in Kentucky offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeout features.

Kentucky offers the Voluntary Exclusion Program, which allows you to ban yourself from Kentucky casinos and online sportsbooks for one year, five years, or lifetime. Contact the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission at (859) 246-2040 to enroll.

If you need help, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7. You can also call the Kentucky problem gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website for additional resources and treatment options.

Final Take

Kentucky sports betting is one of the most exciting markets in the country. You've got nine legal sportsbooks, over $6,300 in combined welcome bonuses, and a rapidly growing market that generated $2.63 billion in handle during its first full year.

Sign up for multiple accounts, claim the bonuses, and shop lines before placing your bets. Whether you're betting on the Wildcats on Saturday, the Cardinals on Sunday, or Derby horses in May, Kentucky sportsbooks deliver. Keep it simple: use the best bonus, play responsibly, and enjoy the action.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way.

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