Where to Gamble in the State of Kentucky
Gambling in Kentucky is a popular past-time, even though it is rigorously monitored. Kentucky has a long, renowned history with horse racing, but slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and other standard casino games are still considered taboo. Kentucky’s rich horse racing history began in 1985 with the first Kentucky Derby. The state of Kentucky does have a lottery that offers players another form of betting on a game of chance. Players can still legally gamble online, receive casino bonuses, deposit, and win cash prizes. There are no ‘traditional’ casinos in the state; thus, the most common gambling in Kentucky is pari-mutuel betting on horses across the ten racetracks around the state.
Best Casino Sites to Gamble Online
What Type of Casino Games are Legal in Kentucky?
Popular casino games like blackjack, poker, roulette, slot machines, video slots, craps, and video poker are not available in the state of Kentucky. In the 1980s, the gambling laws were relaxed, and gambling was extended beyond only horse racing. The state lottery was introduced, along with bingo, raffle, and pull-tab games. A percentage of the revenue from these games is also used around the state for educational programs.
Lottery in Kentucky
The lottery in Kentucky is immensely popular and features several well-known jackpots. Kentucky residents can purchase online tickets for Keno, Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash Ball 225, and Lucky for Life.
Biggest Lottery Winners in Kentucky
Kentucky has made a lot of big winners from their lottery games, and instant-win games.
- $225,000 Cash Ball Winner, Louisville
- $148,538 Fast Play Winner, Louisville
- $148,059 Fast Play Winner, Louisville
- $143,161 Fast Play Winner, Pinsonfork
- $100,000 Powerball Winner, Walton
- $50,000 Powerball Winner, Paducah
Racetracks in Kentucky
| Racetrack | Location | Main Event | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill Downs | Louisville | The Kentucky Derby | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY, 40208 502-636-4400 |
| Keeneland | Lexington | Blue Grass Stakes | 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, KY 41042 (800) 733-0200 |
| Ellis Park | Henderson | Gardenia Stakes | 3300 Highway 41 N, Henderson, Kentucky 42420, United States (812) 425-1456 |
| The Red Mile | Lexington | The Grand Circuit | 1200 Red Mile Rd Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 255-0752 |
| Kentucky Downs | Franklin | Kentucky Turf Cup | 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 (270) 586-7778 |
FAQs About Gambling in Kentucky
Does Kentucky have casinos?
The state of Kentucky has three racetrack casinos that offer players casino gambling. However, no slot machines are available, only instant racing betting machines.
Are slot machines legal in Kentucky?
Vegas-style, traditional slots are illegal in Kentucky. The state does have competition-based electronic games, which players can access through pari-mutuel facilities. These are skill-based games.
Can you gamble online in Kentucky?
There are no specific laws barring online gambling. It funnels its gambling through horse racing and par-mutuel facilities. In that regard, Kentucky does have online gambling.
What is the legal gambling age in Kentucky?
The age to legally gamble in Kentucky is 18 for all legal forms of gambling in the state, which includes lottery and racing.
Does Kentucky have any casinos?
The state of Kentucky has nine casinos and pari-mutuel facilities, which players can enjoy. There are two casinos in Louisville.
Does Kentucky Downs have slot machines?
There are about 200, pari-mutuel wagering machines that use past horse races as betting options.
Can you use Bovada in Kentucky?
Residents of the state of Kentucky can use Bovada and BetOnline sportsbooks to bet on popular sports teams like the Kentucky Wildcats.
Is gambling legal in Kentucky?
Gambling in Kentucky is very restricted. You can only gamble on a limited number of events, and these include state lotteries, horse racing, as well as charitable bingo and raffle events.
Can you bet on sports in Kentucky?
The Supreme Court has legalized sports gambling in Kentucky. There was unanimous approval of the bill by the House Committee.