Kentucky Online Casinos 2025

Kentucky Online Casinos: 2025 Overview

As of October 2025, online casinos in Kentucky are limited to sweepstakes and social casinos. Real money online casinos are not legal in the state, and it’s unlikely Kentuckians will see online casinos launch in the state anytime soon.

Online casinos in Kentucky are currently limited to sweepstakes and social casinos. Read all about gaming in the Bluegrass state on BonusFinder!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Kentucky?

No, state-regulated real money online casinos are not available in Kentucky. The only way to play casino-style games online in Kentucky is on sweepstakes casinos.

BonusFinder Tip

You'll likely come across online casinos that claim to be available in all states. Regulated online casinos in the U.S. have strict state-level restrictions, and none of the legit casinos are available in all states. If you see an online casino that's offering real-money gameplay in KY, it's not a regulated operator.

Kentucky Sweepstakes & Social Casinos

Like most other states, sweepstakes casinos are available in Kentucky. These platforms offer promotional casino-style games that you can play for free. Sweepstakes casinos have their own virtual coin system that you can utilize to redeem real-life prizes.

That said, the selection of sweepstakes casinos in Kentucky is very small. Many of the brands available elsewhere are not active in KY. That isn’t to say there aren’t excellent sweepstakes gaming options in the Bluegrass State! Let’s take a look at our recommendations.

1. Crown Coins Casino: an excellent social casino with a wide range of online slots. If you’re an active player, you’ll also enjoy the refined VIP system!
2. The Money Factory: another solid option especially for new players. Money Factory has excellent bonuses also for established players, so it’s a great pick for free-to-play players.
3. Jumbo88: A newer addition to the list of sweepstakes casinos in KY, Jumbo88 has excellent variety games. The redemptions on this site are also very fast, which we definitely appreciate.

Online Sports Betting in Kentucky

Although real money gambling at online casinos isn’t legal in Kentucky, sports betting sure is! House Bill 551 was written into law in March 2023, legalizing online sports betting. Kentucky’s online sportsbooks officially launched later in the same year, just in time for the NFL season.

There are 8 online sportsbooks live in the state. Kentucky bettors have access to platforms like BetMGM, FanDuel Sportsbook, and bet365. For a comprehensive list of betting options in Kentucky, check out our list of sportsbook promo codes.

KY Online Gambling Quick Facts

Kentucky is one of the few states that allows gambling from the age of 18. That said, KY online sportsbooks are a bit of a different case. Many of the betting platforms in the state require players to be 21 or older: this is to maintain consistency across states.

What’s the Tax on Gambling Winnings?

Kentucky taxes your gambling winnings. Any gambling winnings you make in the Bluegrass state are subject to the state income tax of 6%. You only need to pay taxes for what you win; the stakes are excluded.

Gambling winnings are counted as regular income. Keep this in mind if you’re playing a lot: your winnings could affect your federal tax!

Land-Based Casinos in Kentucky

There are no land-based casinos in Kentucky. Several horse racing tracks offer alternatives that resemble slots: historical horse racing machines. Also referred to as HHR games, these machines are available at several venues.

HHR games are very similar to slots: they look like slots and play like slots. The difference is that the outcome is based on a historical horse race. This is a way for KY to work around the laws that prohibit games of chance (like classic slots). That said, you’ll find no table games like Roulette or Blackjack in Kentucky.

List of HHR Venues in Kentucky

Responsible Gaming: What Tools Are Available in KY?

There are various tools that help keep your gaming under control. Both individual brands and the state of Kentucky are committed to responsible gambling, so help is always available.

If you’re playing on sweepstakes casinos or regulated sportsbooks, you’ll have access to their internal tools. Most platforms have similar ways that help control your gaming and spending:

• Time limits: set a time limit on your account to keep track of how much time you spend gaming
• Spending limits: control your spending by setting limits on your account
• Timeouts: take a break from gaming by setting your account on a cooldown period
• Voluntary exclusion: add yourself to the voluntary exclusion list to block yourself from a platform

Here are some of the key resources listed on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services:

• 1-800-GAMBLER is the hotline for problem gambling
• The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling offers education and guidance on problem gaming
• www.kygamblinghelp.org offers online assistance for problem gambling
• Gamblers Anonymous arranges meetings across the US

Kentucky Online Gambling Timeline

• 2025: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission debates the regulation of gambling with land-based casinos.
• 2023: After Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 in March, sports betting became legal in retail and online. In September, the first online sportsbooks go live in KY.
• 2014: Kentucky Downs installs HHR games.
• 2013: Introduction of the state lottery after voter approval.

Last updated: 09/30/2025