Kentucky has not legalized online casino gaming and doesn’t have any regulated or tribal casino venues in operation.
Famous for one of the single-largest gambling events of the American calendar, Kentucky is surprisingly against most forms of gambling. Of course, at the tracks and especially during the Kentucky Derby, you’re free to gamble, but other than that, the Bluegrass State is distinctly anti-gambling.
This is most prominently showcased in the classic gambling form, casino gaming. Most states that are anti-gambling still permit tribal casinos, but Kentucky’s criteria doesn’t even allow for the Native Americans to establish a games venue.
Online Casino Sites in Kentucky
It is illegal to gamble at an online casino in Kentucky. You won’t find any legal and regulated Kentucky online casino websites, with the state being staunchly against such activities. A crackdown on over 100 gambling domains in the state made it clear that Kentucky is not open for business, nor are its residents permitted to play at online casinos that evade the purge.
Based on the current laws in Kentucky and the overall market in states nearby BetMGM, Caesars and Twinspires are among the first casinos expected to go live in the state in 2025.
Kentucky’s most expected online casinos:
- BetMGM Casino
- BetRivers Casino
- bet365 Casino
- Hard Rock Casino
- Twinspires Casino
Kentucky Sweepstakes Online Casinos 2025
For Kentucky residents who want to legally enjoy online casino-style gaming, social casinos are the only option. These platforms allow players to play for free with gold coins or use sweeps coins to compete for prizes. While you can’t win real money directly, social casinos offer an entertaining and risk-free way to enjoy slots, table games, and more.
Here’s a list of the top sweepstakes casinos accessible in Kentucky:
- Pulz Casino
- Chumba Casino
- Luckyland Slots
- WOW Vegas Casino
- Stake.us Casino
- NoLimit Coins Casino
- FunRize Casino
- RealPrize.com Casino
- Pulsz Casino
- New Legendz Casino
- Fortune Coins Casino
- Gambino Slots
- Funzpoints Casino
- McLuck Casino
Pulz Casino has been in operation since 2020, offering a library of more than 700 games, including over 200 unique slots and table games. Players can enjoy games via their mobile app and earn free coins daily through promotions and bonuses.
Chumba Casino welcomes new players with 2 million gold coins and two sweeps coins. Operating since 2017, Chumba offers more than 100 games, including slots and table games, making it a favorite among sweepstakes casino enthusiasts.
Luckyland Slots features 121 games, including both slots and table games, despite its name suggesting otherwise. New users receive 7,777 gold coins and 10 sweeps coins as a signup bonus. However, the Luckyland Slots app is currently only available for Android devices.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Online Casino Games in Kentucky
It is illegal to play online casino games in Kentucky. When it comes to real money casino gaming online, the very best of the bunch show some incredible innovations and entertaining gameplay. However, if you’re in Kentucky, you won’t be able to play any of the best casino games in Kentucky. This is primarily because all casinos of any kind are banned in the state, let alone the top online casino brands that accumulate the most popular titles.
Best Online Casino Apps in Kentucky
It is illegal to gamble on online casino apps in Kentucky. As is the case with Kentucky online casinos, mobile casino apps are also illegal. The Bluegrass State’s gambling laws are very strict and enforced, so very few operators would want to venture into the market with casino gaming apps. That said, even if an app becomes available, under standing law, you should avoid them due to the potential repercussions.
Top Land-based Casinos in Kentucky
Kentucky doesn’t have any land-based casinos. The hard-line stance against online casinos originates from their stance against gambling on Kentucky turf. The state hasn’t licensed or permitted the establishment of any of its own casinos. Usually, Native American tribes are allowed to start casinos, but as neither of the Kentucky-based tribes has federal recognition, they’re not allowed to build a casino. As such, Kentucky is a barren space for the classic American pastime.
Bonuses in Kentucky
It is illegal to sign-up and claim bonuses at any potential online casino in Kentucky. As it’s illegal to sign-up to a Kentucky online casino, it’s also against the law to claim and use any bonuses that you may find. Most bonuses require a deposit to claim, which would constitute real money gambling.
The top online casino bonus offers aren’t present in the online casino scene in Kentucky. Without casinos to create the bonus offers, you won’t find any of the top online promotions while in the Bluegrass State.
FAQ
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Kentucky casinos.
Are gambling losses an itemized deduction in KY?
As it stands, you are allowed to list gambling losses as an itemized deduction on your submitted gambling winnings in Kentucky.
Where’s the nearest casino in KY?
You won’t find a casino nearby in Kentucky, but the closest to Louisville is probably the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino.
Are there slot machines in KY?
At some of the Kentucky racetracks, you’ll be able to find instant racing machines that are similar to slots but run results based on past races.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in KY?
If in the scenario you could bet at an online casino in Kentucky, the legal gambling age stands at 18-years-old. In a state that’s mostly devoid of gambling activity, Kentucky upholds one of the United States’ lowest legal ages across the board. To partake in any legal gambling activity in the state, you need to be at least 18-years-old.
Tax When Gambling in KY?
Gambling wins in Kentucky are subject to state and federal taxation. For filing your taxes, you’ll want to include your gambling wins and losses on your federal and state reports. The IRS will tax winnings at a rate of 24 percent, while Kentucky imposes a flat 5 percent income tax.