NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Kentucky for Hockey

Kentucky legalized sports betting on March 31, 2023, and online betting launched on September 28, 2023. The Bluegrass State now has 9 licensed sportsbooks competing for your action. Sharp NHL odds, deep player props, and competitive promos make Kentucky a solid market for hockey bettors, even without a home team.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky legalized sports betting on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 551. Retail betting launched on September 7, 2023, and online betting followed on September 28, 2023.

Quick facts:

Kentucky has a two-tier age structure: 18+ for in-person retail betting, 21+ for most online mobile betting (though most national sportsbooks require 21+ for their apps). The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulates all sports betting activity. Kentucky currently has 9 licensed online sportsbooks as of November 2025: FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, Circa Sports, Fanatics, ESPN BET, and Prime Sportsbook. Remote registration is allowed, sign up and bet entirely through mobile apps from anywhere in-state. Kentucky permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. Player props on college athletes are allowed, though strict marketing regulations apply.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Kentucky

Tax note: Retail sports betting is taxed at 9.75%, online at 14.25%. These rates are passed through to bettors as reduced payouts or margins.

Legal books protect your funds and offer consumer protections impossible on offshore sites. Stick with licensed operators.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Kentucky

Kentucky's got 9 options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Kentucky Partner: Churchill Downs (Louisville)

FanDuel launched in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, in partnership with Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props (shots, assists, goals, saves, power play points), responsive live betting, and creative NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates. No minimum withdrawal requirement.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your moneyline bet wins.

Best for: All Kentucky hockey bettors, FanDuel is the default choice.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Kentucky Partner: Cumberland Run Racetrack (Corbin)

DraftKings excels at individual player props, pulling from their daily fantasy sports expertise. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep and creatively priced. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. A shared wallet between DFS and a sportsbook is convenient.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins + 3 months of NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Flash Bets are clutch for live betting. Quick one-tap wagers during power plays or momentum shifts, no fumbling through menus while the game's moving.

Caesars Sportsbook

Kentucky Partner: Various racetrack partnerships

Caesars offers sharp NHL puck line pricing and the industry's best loyalty program, Caesars Rewards lets you earn points toward hotel stays, dining, concerts, and more. Mobile app is polished with daily odds boosts and live streaming of select NHL games. 24/7 customer support.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 bets.

Best for: Bettors focused on long-term loyalty value and premium rewards.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars Rewards is legit for regular bettors. Stack points, cash them in for Vegas trips, concerts, or comped dinners. Your bookie won't do that.

BetMGM

Kentucky Partner: Various racetrack partnerships

BetMGM runs aggressive promotional calendars with NHL-specific boosts on rivalry games, national broadcasts, and playoff action. Dedicated goalie props (saves over/under, shutout odds) and deep team props. "One Game Parlay" feature is well-designed for hockey SGPs.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Promotion seekers and parlay enthusiasts.

bet365

Kentucky Partner: Partner varies

bet365 launched in late 2023 in Kentucky, bringing its globally renowned live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events, early cash-out options, and deep futures markets.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Circa Sports

Kentucky Partner: Partner varies

Circa Sports is known for catering to sophisticated bettors with competitive lines, advanced markets, and higher limits. NHL coverage is solid. Promotions are more modest than market leaders, but odds quality is exceptional.

Welcome offer: Varies, check current promotion.

Best for: Sharp/professional bettors seeking competitive odds.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Kentucky

Kentucky sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for the best moneyline pricing across Kentucky's 9 books, prices vary.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion. Pricing varies between Kentucky books, always shop.

Shurzy Tip: With 9 sportsbooks in Kentucky, puck line shopping matters. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at Caesars. Over a full season, that's real money. Don't be lazy.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game. Alternative totals available on most Kentucky books.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (3+, 4+), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, and blocked shots. DraftKings and Caesars offer the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline. All major Kentucky books offer period markets.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all major Kentucky books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available across all Kentucky books. FanDuel and DraftKings lead on NHL SGPs.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals. bet365 and Caesars have deep futures markets.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Kentucky

Kentucky's competitive market drives promotions, though strict marketing regulations may limit aggressiveness compared to other states. Here's what to watch for.

• Welcome Bonuses: All 9 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your moneyline wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, bet365's Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 Safety Net, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in FanCash Bet Insurance.
• Odds Boosts: Regional matchups (Predators, Blues) and playoff action frequently feature boosted odds, subject to Kentucky's strict marketing standards.
• Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays often receive 25-50% payout boosts across multiple books.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Kentucky's strict marketing regulations mean promotions may be less aggressive than other states. Focus on identifying solid +EV bets based on your own analysis rather than chasing bonuses.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Kentucky Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Kentucky.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop. Kentucky books update quickly, but there's often a brief window to capture value.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams, but use it as a tiebreaker when models are close.
6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Shop Kentucky's Market: With 9 sportsbooks competing, pricing varies. Check at least 3 books before betting. A 5-cent difference compounds into real money over a season.
8. Leverage Churchill Downs Connection (FanDuel): FanDuel's partnership with Churchill Downs may create occasional Kentucky-specific promotions or advantages.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Kentucky

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

Pick a licensed sportsbook: From FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, Circa Sports, Fanatics, ESPN BET, or Prime Sportsbook. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Most apps require 21+; some may allow 18+ for retail.

Remote registration: Means you can open an account from anywhere in Kentucky, no racetrack visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or e-wallets.

Claim promotions: By checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props. Compare odds across at least 3 books before placing bets. Place your first bet, start simple with moneylines, puck lines, or anytime goal scorer. Track results and refine your strategy over time.

Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission ensures all 9 licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All Kentucky sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Kentucky Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Kentucky

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Kentucky's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Kentucky's Best for NHL Betting

Kentucky's sports betting market is relatively young but competitive with 9 licensed online sportsbooks.

FanDuel is the top overall choice, Churchill Downs partnership, sharp pricing, deep props, excellent SGP markets. DraftKings excels for prop-focused bettors and DFS players. Caesars provides loyalty rewards and daily boosts. BetMGM leads on promotions and parlay betting. bet365 dominates live betting and live streaming. Circa Sports caters to sharp bettors. Fanatics offers the best rewards program.

Important note: Kentucky's strict marketing regulations may limit promotional aggressiveness compared to other states. Focus on identifying genuine +EV opportunities based on your analysis.

The key to success: shop around. With 9 sportsbooks competing, check at least 3 books before placing bets. Monitor the higher online tax rate (14.25%) when evaluating payouts, and bet responsibly.