Kentucky Online Casinos Sites (2023 Update)

280% up to $2,800

Top casino

350% up to $2,500

200% up to $5,000

Key takeaways

Top Kentucky Online Casinos Reviewed – 2023

Cafe Casino

Cafe Casino launched in 2016 and is licensed in Curacao. Alongside its sister sites, Bovada, Slots.lv, and Ignition, it’s part of the Bodog Group.

Cafe Casino Homepage

The site features 230+ casino games brought to you by leading software providers like Rival, Spinomenal, and RTG. Cafe Casino boasts an abundance of online slots, with 160 titles. Get your teeth into games like Bounty Hunter, Caishen’s Fortune, Leprechaun Legends, and Mystic Wilds, and discover table games like roulette and blackjack, as well as video poker and live-dealer casino games.

Cafe Casino offers a Premium Crypto Exclusive Membership, which rewards you with large bonuses, such as a weekly reload bonus of 350% up to $500 and 15,000 Perk Points.

You can kickstart your online casino play with a welcome bonus of 250% up to $1,500 on your first deposit. However, if you use Bitcoin, this increases to 350% up to $2,500. Both bonuses come with a 40x wagering requirement.

Cafe Casino supports multiple secure payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You can also fund your account using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, which has a minimum deposit of $5.

BetUS

Established in 1994, BetUS is licensed and regulated in Curacao. The platform offers both online casino gambling and an online sportsbook.

BetUS Homepage

BetUS’s 480 casino games are powered by big names like Betsoft, DGS, and Nucleus. This online casino also has an impressive selection of table games, including 32 blackjack variants, five roulette games, and 24 video poker games. You’ll also find 350 online slots, including Charms and Clovers, 7th Heaven, and Sugar Pop 2.

BetUS has been operating for almost three decades, which means it’s tried and trusted. It’s an industry pioneer, and its long-standing reputation, plus its strong online casino portfolio and sportsbook options, make it one of the best Kentucky online casinos.

When you register with BetUS, you’ll receive a bonus of 150% up to $3,000, which comes with a 30x wagering requirement. If you fund your account with cryptocurrency, you will receive the same welcome bonus, but this is tailored to sports betting only.

The minimum-deposit requirement is just $10, and there are a range of supported payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. You can fund your casino account via bank transfer, Apple Pay, and popular cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You can also use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin.

How to Sign Up with the Best Kentucky Online Casino

Load Website and Create an Account

Head to the Cafe Casino website and hit the “Join Now” button to register. You’ll need to provide some personal details, such as your full name, address, date of birth, and email.

Café Casino Signup

Deposit Funds

Go to the cashier section of your account to make your first deposit. Choose your preferred payment option and enter your chosen deposit amount. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit. Your 250% match bonus will be applied to your account automatically, with no need for a promo code.

Café Casino Deposit

Choose a Game and Play for Real Money

Now you’re ready to gamble online. Head to the games lobby and choose an online casino game to play. Select your favorite game and place your bets.

Café Casino Games

Kentucky Online Gambling Laws – is it legal?

While the state has a famous horse racing industry, most forms of Kentucky gambling are strictly prohibited outside its racetracks. The only types of online gambling regulated by Kentucky are pari-mutuel horse race betting and state lottery instant-win games.

Kentucky legislation is just as strict with land-based casino gambling, as the only available options are pari-mutuel betting, historical horse racing machines, and charitable bingo.

However, in March 2023, the Kentucky legislature passed a bill legalizing sports betting. The bill will allow horse racing tracks to be licensed as sports betting facilities and to partner with mobile betting operators. At the time of writing, there is no timeline for the launch of the state’s sports betting market.

Let’s take a closer look at the Kentucky online casino gambling laws that you should be aware of.

Is Gambling at Offshore Casinos Safe?

You can play at offshore casino sites in Kentucky without fear of prosecution. While these websites can have a bad reputation, there are legitimate sites out there. Many offshore casinos follow strict guidelines because they are licensed by reputable jurisdictions. They may not be regulated in the US, but they are reliable casinos with licenses from overseas governments, such as Curacao or Panama.

Before reviewing and recommending any site, we make sure that they’re safe and legit. Our experts also look for casinos that have fast withdrawals, great bonuses, competitive odds, and fair games.

When Will Kentucky Legalize Online Gambling?

State lawmakers have not made legalizing online casino gambling a priority. In 2008, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said that gambling websites were “leeches” that sought to undermine the state’s horse racing industry.

Later that same year, the state seized 141 internet domain names related to online gambling. These sites were branded unlicensed “gambling devices,” which are strictly prohibited under state law.

The road to legalizing online casino gambling will not be an easy one, as there are many lawmakers who oppose gambling expansion. However, while there is little movement for online casino gamblers, online sports betting is just around the corner.

In March 2023, the Kentucky legislature passed a bill that will legalize sports betting at racetracks and via mobile apps. At the time of writing, in April 2023, Gov. Beshear has indicated he will sign the bill, at which point it will become law. The impending sports betting market is expected to generate at least $23 million a year in tax revenue and licensing fees for the state.

Kentucky Gambling Legislation Timeline

KY Tribal Partnerships

Kentucky has no federally recognized Native American tribes. As a result, the state has no tribal casinos. While there are some Native American tribes within KY, none of them have been granted the federal recognition that is necessary for tribal gaming.

There are no current plans to expand the gambling industry in the state to include land-based casinos.

Kentucky Online Casino Promotions

Kentucky may not regulate online casino gaming, but there are plenty of great bonuses available at our recommended offshore casino sites.

Deposit-Match Bonuses

Deposit-match bonuses are among the most popular casino promotions. They are typically awarded as a welcome bonus or reload offer. The operator will reward you with extra money that is of at least the same value as your deposit. There will be very clear terms that outline exactly how much you will be given and the maximum amount you can claim.

For example, the BetUS welcome bonus is a 150% match bonus up to $3,000. If you were to deposit $50, this would give you a bonus amount of $75, bringing your bankroll to a total of $125.

Cryptocurrency Bonuses

A cryptocurrency bonus is an exclusive deposit-match bonus that you are only eligible for if you fund your casino account using a digital currency. They are usually much larger than standard bonuses. Not every online casino will offer this type of bonus.

Cafe Casino is one that does. Its standard match bonus is 250% up to $1,500. The cryptocurrency offer is a 350% match bonus up to $2,500 when you fund your account using Bitcoin.

No-Deposit Bonuses

There is no requirement to make any payment into your casino account to be eligible for a no-deposit bonus. Instead, all you need to do to claim this type of bonus is to complete a specific task, such as creating an account or referring a friend.

As a no-deposit bonus is a free promotion, it is always worth claiming when available. The Red Dog Casino no-deposit offer is a great example. When you create an account, you can claim $40 for slots and $25 for other games of your choice. All you need to do is speak with the team via live chat and they will add it manually.

Reload Bonuses

A reload bonus is a promotion that you can claim every time you deposit into your casino account. These types of bonuses will often reward you with some free spins, a match bonus, or other perks.

BetUS offers several reload bonuses that you can claim on certain days of the week. For example, the site’s “Slots Saturday” bonus will give you a 150% match bonus plus 25 free spins. To be eligible for this, you need to deposit a minimum of $100.

VIP Programs

VIP programs are typically tiered rewards schemes that allow you to unlock new levels to claim bigger and better bonuses, such as exclusive offers and cash prizes. All you need to do to progress through the levels is to play casino games.

Cafe Casino has one of the best VIP programs out there, the ‘Perk Points’ rewards system. Simply play your favorite casino-style games and earn points that can be redeemed for cash. The amount you can claim in cash will increase as you unlock higher levels.

Mobile Gambling Apps in Kentucky

As online casino gambling is unlicensed in Kentucky, there are no casino apps to download on the App Store or Google Play. But let’s take a look at your options for playing casino games from your mobile device.

Android Mobile Gambling

Kentucky residents have two options for playing casino games on Android devices. First, you can visit an online casino site and download a native app. If you choose to do this, you need to make sure that you are using a reputable operator before downloading any software onto your device.

Your other option is to play using your internet web browser, such as Google Chrome or Samsung Internet. All our recommended Kentucky casinos offer mobile-friendly sites that are built on HTML5 technology and can adapt to different screen sizes seamlessly. So, whether you are using a smartphone or tablet, the experience is equally good.

iOS Mobile Gambling

Just like Android users, you won’t find any online casino apps in your App Store. Instead, you can download apps directly from the operator’s website. Just make sure that the site you are using is safe and trustworthy before downloading software onto your device.

Alternatively, you can play your favorite casino games from your Safari browser. All our recommended casinos in Kentucky are iPhone-friendly and offer the same experience as the desktop site. Take Wild Casino as an example. The site is fully compatible with iOS, and you have access to the same range of casino games and promotions as you do on the desktop site.

Advantages of Offshore Gambling Sites

Welcome Bonuses

One of the biggest benefits of offshore online gambling sites is the welcome bonus. It’s usually much bigger than those at state-licensed casinos and can be worth several thousands of dollars to the player. For example, Wild Casino offers a maximum $5,000 welcome bonus that is spread between your first five deposits. Even if Kentucky were eventually to regulate online casinos, it is unlikely that you would see bonuses this big.

Game Variety

There are hundreds of casino games available at offshore casinos. You will find world-class games such as slots, table games, live-dealer, and video poker. All our recommended casinos work with leading software providers such as:

Cryptocurrency Deposits/Withdrawals

You can fund your offshore casino account using cryptocurrencies. Our top-rated casino sites in Kentucky support an extensive range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.

This is a key benefit of gambling on offshore sites because crypto is not available at US-regulated casinos. Using crypto will give you access to exclusive bonuses, fast withdrawals, and anonymous payments processed through blockchain technology.

Privacy

Offshore casinos offer much more privacy than state-run casinos. Because they operate outside of US jurisdiction, they do not have to report your winnings to the IRS. Your gambling activities on these sites will be kept private and you will benefit from a level of confidentiality that is not possible with state-licensed sites.

What Online Casino Games Can I Play at Kentucky Online Casinos?

Here is a closer look at your options for playing online casino games at our recommended casino sites in Kentucky.

Slots

There are hundreds of different slot titles available at our top-rated casino sites in Kentucky. Wild Casino has the largest selection of slots, with 363 available to choose from. Most of our recommended sites offer penny slots, named because of the $0.01 minimum bet. You will also find slots with up to $5 bets per payline and everything in between.

If slots are your thing, you can try out some exciting slot tournaments. Wild Casino hosts a weekly slots tournament with a total of $5,000 up for grabs. You need to be invited, which is easily achieved by playing slots on at least four different days during the week and generating $4,000+ in total handle.

You will also find 3D video slots, classic fruit slots, and progressive jackpots. Sticking with Wild Casino, you will discover a great selection of progressive jackpots, including Legend of the Nile, which has a current top prize of $58,827.26 and climbing.

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular classic table games that you will find on casino sites. BetUS offers 32 blackjack variants, including Double Deck Blackjack, Multi-Hand Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack, and Switch Blackjack.

Both BetUS and Wild Casino have some great blackjack tournaments. Some Wild Casino blackjack tournaments are free to enter and offer prize pools ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

Video Poker

You will find a good selection of video poker games in all our recommended Kentucky online casinos. BetUS offers a fantastic choice of 24 video poker titles, including Double Bonus, Aces and Eights, 2 Ways Royal, All American Multi, and Tens or Better.

Roulette

Roulette is another top choice that is available at all our recommended online casinos. Wild Casino offers 11 variations of the game, including European roulette and Platinum Chip Roulette. In addition, you’ll find roulette tournaments at Wild Casino that are free to enter with prize pools of up to $20,000.

Table Games

Table games hosted at online casinos are digitalized versions of the traditional table games you can play at regular brick-and-mortar casinos. You’ll find favorites like Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, baccarat, and craps.

Bingo

While gambling is restricted in Kentucky, bingo is one game that’s legally available in the state, and it has also made its way into online casinos. You’ll usually find these types of games under the “Specialty” games section of the lobby. Ignition has seven bingo variants, including Pesca Bingo, Go-Go Bingo, and Bingo Cataratas.

Live Dealer

Online casinos offer the chance to play with a human dealer if you prefer a more traditional casino experience. You can communicate with the live dealer via a chat box throughout the game.

Cafe Casino offers six live-dealer options in formats that include Super 6, blackjack, Early Payout Blackjack, baccarat, and American roulette.

New Online Casinos in Kentucky

Hundreds of new online casinos are launched every year. When recommending operators, we prioritize trust and reliability. Since new casinos have not yet had the chance to prove themselves in the market, we will only promote new operators if they are the brand of an established provider.

Here are some of the best new online casinos in Kentucky:

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Kentucky Betting Site

Kentucky does not yet have any state-regulated online casinos. So here are some of the key attributes that all our top-rated offshore casinos have in common.

Reviews

Before joining a new online casino, you should read as many reviews as you can find. Seek out both customer reviews and the opinions of industry experts to get a well-balanced view. By reading the reviews in this article and on our website, you will soon gather all the information you need to recognize legitimate sites.

Licensing

You should ensure that you only play at offshore casinos that are licensed by a trusted jurisdiction. You can find this information on the footer of the operator’s website, which can be cross-checked with official government websites. Before recommending any casino operator, we always verify the license, so if you are unsure, you can always rely on our top picks.

Promotions

Casino bonuses and promotions will help keep your bankroll loaded with credit, so it is always worth comparing the types of promotions available at several different operators. For example, Ignition’s “Ignition Miles” reward program is a great way to redeem cash prizes. You should also check the small print for conditions on wagering requirements.

Accessibility

When you are choosing a new online casino, we recommend accessing the website from a hand-held device as well as your desktop. The best online casinos are built using HTML5 technology and can adapt to different screen sizes, providing a seamless user-experience. Take BetUS, for example. The site offers a great experience on both desktop and mobile devices, with no restrictions for mobile.

Game Variety

The best online casinos in Kentucky offer an extensive selection of slots, table games, live-dealer games, online poker, and much more. You should also keep an eye out for progressive jackpots if you are looking to win big. The more game variety a site has, the more it will keep you entertained.

Responsible Gambling

When you’re playing online for real money, the experience should always be fun. The best operators offer support and guidance for problem gambling. For instance, Cafe Casino has a great section of helpful resources on the issue. All of our recommended operators also allow you to self-exclude, take a timeout, or close the account if needed.

Good Range of Min and Max Bets

When you compare operators, you should always be on the lookout for low minimums and high maximums. This will allow you to have a betting range that is flexible and suited to your budget.

Convenient Banking Options

When choosing your new online casino, you should review payment options to make sure there is a method that you are happy to use. You should also look into any transaction fees and withdrawal limits. We recommend keeping an eye out for fast payouts, so you can quickly get your hands on your gambling winnings.

Kentucky State Revenues from Gambling

In 2022, the total sales of Kentucky Lottery tickets were $1,676,502,000, which was a 5.7% increase from the previous year. The total funds generated for the Commonwealth to help fund a variety of scholarships and grant programs was $360.8 million. This was a $6 million increase from 2021.

In 2022, scratch-offs were the lottery’s biggest seller, yielding $963.5 million for the year, a 0.2% increase from 2021. Instant-play games generated $226.1 million, which was a 90.6% increase from 2021.

Kentucky Lawmakers Involved in Gambling Legislation

While Kentucky has a long way to go when it comes to regulating an online gambling industry, there have been several lawmakers who have helped to shape the legislative landscape.

While he’s no fan of online casinos, Gov. Beshear is broadly supportive of the gambling industry. He has publicly supported the expansion of the industry in Kentucky and has stated that there should be legal land-based casinos in the state.

Charitable Gambling in Kentucky

In 1992, legislation was passed that authorized the Department of Charitable Gaming (DCG) to license and regulate charitable games in Kentucky. The law allows schools, churches, sports programs, fire and rescue departments, fraternal groups, and other charitable organizations to operate certain games of chance.

Licensed organizations can operate bingo, sell charity game tickets and pull tabs, hold raffles, and host casino nights. However, they must not operate slot machines, electronic video gaming devices, simulcast broadcasts of horse racing, or live sports bets.

Banking Methods at Kentucky Gambling Sites

All our recommended Kentucky casino sites support several secure payment methods. Here are the main types you’ll find.

Bitcoin & Cryptos

Our Kentucky casinos support a good range of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Cryptocurrency is not supported at state-regulated casinos, so this is one of the perks of accessing offshore casinos. You will also benefit from fast withdrawals and secure payments through the blockchain.

Deposit limits are typically lower for crypto, with just a $5 minimum requirement when using Tether at Cafe Casino and Ignition. Wild Casino supports the most altcoins, including Bitcoin, Ripple, Dogecoin, ApeCoin, Shiba Inu, Solana, and Polygon.

Credit and Debit Cards

Kentucky gambling sites accept most popular credit and debit cards. You’ll find secure banking options such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. These offer safe transactions but are typically only available for deposits and can be subject to transaction fees.

Minimum-deposit limits are typically higher for bank cards, usually around $10 to $20. The maximum-deposit limit will vary depending on the operator. For instance, Cafe Casino has a maximum limit of $1,500 and BetUS has a limit of $3,000.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers are one of the most secure payment methods you can choose but are typically only an option for withdrawals only. While they might be the perfect method for cashing out large amounts of winnings at a time, these transactions can take up to several days to process.

Wild Casino will allow you to withdraw up to a maximum of $25,000, but there will usually be fees added for bank transfers. If you want to avoid any costs, Red Dog Casino does not charge any extra fees and promises to deliver your winnings in up to five days.

eWallets

eWallets are a popular payment method for secure online transactions. You can move funds directly from your bank into your electronic wallet, and then make instant deposits and fast withdrawals.

If Kentucky eventually regulates an online gambling industry, eWallets may be supported. Unfortunately, this method is currently unavailable at offshore sites. MatchPay is a great alternative to an e-Wallet. This allows you to buy and sell casino credits from other players.

What Forms of Gambling are Available in Kentucky?

Major Jackpot Wins in Kentucky

As the gambling industry is limited in Kentucky, your only chance of playing slot games in the state is by visiting the local racetracks, which offer historical horse racing machines (HRRs). These look and feel very much like traditional Las Vegas-style slots.

There have been some significant wins over the years, namely at the Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino. The largest jackpot that the casino has ever seen was won by a man named Juan T. in November 2022. Juan played Lightning Cash and took home the jackpot amount of $81,290.

In August 2022, a man named Richard H. also visited Delta Downs and played Double Double Gold. He managed to win a jackpot of $40,000. A woman named Patsy L. also won $40,000, on the Triple Double Red Hot Strike slot game in November 2022.

Meanwhile, the biggest jackpot ever paid out at The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs was a handsome $780,307.

Land-Based Casinos in Kentucky

The only form of legal land-based casinos in KY is the racinos, which are essentially casinos hosted at racetracks. Kentuckians can gamble at the state’s famous horse racetracks, where alongside pari-mutuel betting, you will also find popular HRR games. Kentucky’s most famous racinos are Kentucky Downs, Churchill Downs, and Kentucky Derby City Gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online casinos legal in KY?

No, there are no legal online gambling options in Kentucky. The state has explicitly banned most forms of gambling, including online poker and online casinos.

What is the legal gambling age in Kentucky?

The legal gambling age varies according to the activity. You must be 18 or over to participate in the state lottery and horse race betting. To visit a racino, you must be 21 or over.

When did Kentucky regulate online gambling?

Kentucky does not have a regulated online gambling industry. There are no state-licensed online casinos for KY residents.

Who regulates online sports betting in Kentucky?

Online sportsbooks are not yet up and running in Kentucky, since the legislature only recently passed a bill legalizing sports betting. When launched, the new market will be overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Can I play daily fantasy sports in Kentucky?

Yes, DFS contests are legally gray in KY until further legislation is passed. While it is not technically legal, it is not explicitly illegal either, which makes DFS safe for KY residents.

Can I win real money playing online?

Yes, there are real-money online casino sites available for Kentucky players. Kentucky does not yet have a regulated online gambling industry, which means you will have to visit offshore casinos.

What is the best online casino in KY?

Our most highly recommended online casino for Kentuckians is Cafe Casino. This offshore casino site is licensed in Curacao and offers hundreds of fun casino games, a lucrative welcome bonus, and several secure payment options.

Are Kentucky betting sites safe?

Yes, all the online casinos we recommend for KY are safe. There are some untrustworthy offshore operators, so we urge you to use one of our top-rated providers.

Is DraftKings legal in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky residents can safely access DraftKings to play DFS contests. DFS exists in a legally gray area, so DraftKings can accept KY players.

Is FanDuel legal in Kentucky?

Yes, you can access FanDuel from Kentucky for DFS. FanDuel is able to accept players from Kentucky.

Is Cafe Casino legal in Kentucky?

No, Cafe Casino is not licensed by KY. Although, as it is an offshore site, you can safely access the platform without being prosecuted.

Is BetUS legal in Kentucky?

No, BetUS is not licensed in Kentucky. However, no Kentucky resident has ever been prosecuted by local authorities for playing.

Is Wild Casino legal in Kentucky?

As Wild Casino is an offshore casino, it is technically not legal in Kentucky. However, KY residents can safely use the site without fear of prosecution.

Is Red Dog Casino legal in Kentucky?

Red Dog Casino is an offshore casino, so it is not technically legal in Kentucky. However, you can still access the site, and no one has ever been prosecuted by local authorities for playing.

Do games at Kentucky casinos use an RNG?

Yes, all our recommended Kentucky online casinos use random-number generators (RNGs). These ensure that all our real-money online casino sites are fair to play.

Related Posts: