Kentucky’s gambling laws are a mishmash of ideologies: on the one hand, the state is home to the world’s most renowned horse racing event, the Kentucky Derby; on the other hand, the state has no land-based casinos and does not permit residents and visitors to play at Kentucky online casinos in the United States.
Our Reviews of Online Casinos in Kentucky
Kentucky is an eastern state famous for bourbon, coal, Kentucky fried chicken, and bluegrass music, hence the appellation ‘Bluegrass State’. It also hosts the most prestigious horse racing competition in the world, the Kentucky Derby. However, Kentucky’s gambling laws are quite restrictive: there are no commercial land-based casinos in the state, and online wagering is effectively prohibited. There are, of course, a few exceptions, but the fact that many residents of the northern portion of the state travel to other states to legally gamble at their favored casinos reveals the reality. Following is a more in-depth examination of wagering in Kentucky.
Legal Status Of Land-Based And Online Casinos In Kentucky
Kentucky has some of the strictest regulations regarding online casinos in the United States, but they can be confusing, especially given that the state is home to the most famous and prestigious horse racing event, the Kentucky Derby. As a general rule, anything unrelated to horse racing is presumably illegal or prohibited in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. But let’s examine the situation in greater depth. The state of Kentucky does not contain any land-based casinos. This includes commercial casinos, Native American casinos, and cruise ship casinos.
For this reason, no casino games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, pai gow, craps, and slots, can be played for real money. Indeed, many residents of the northern portion of the state travel to casinos in other states, including those in West Virginia, Illinois, and Indiana. Its only gambling claim to prominence is its horse racing betting scene. At the time of writing, the Commonwealth of Kentucky was home to six racetracks, including Keeneland and The Red Mile in Lexington, Turfway Park in Florence, Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky Downs in Franklin, and Churchill Downs in Louisville, the site of the Kentucky Derby. Betting on horse races, including pari-mutuel wagering on said horse racing, is legal and can be exercised by anyone 18 or older, even online.
Aside from that, the state permits lotteries and bingo as long as they are held for charitable purposes or in private homes. Additionally, it has a state lottery affiliated with Mega Millions and Powerball. Also available are scratch cards. The remaining items are prohibited or unlawful. Numerous bills that attempted to legalize sports wagering in Kentucky have failed to pass. Earlier this year, however, during Governor Andy Beshear’s State of the Commonwealth address, it was stated that the Commonwealth of Kentucky would have new revenue streams in the future.
This ‘commitment’ also included a bill by Representative Adam Koenig that could lead to the legalization of online gambling and daily fantasy sports. At the time of writing, however, these are still prohibited. Once again, online gambling is a mixture of legal and illicit activities. Kentuckians may participate in horse racing contests, pari-mutuel wagering, and lotteries online, but not in any other form of gambling. However, like many other states, Kentucky’s statute does not specifically mention online casinos, leading people to believe that offshore gambling is permissible. However, this does not alter the fact that in a state with as strict gambling laws as Kentucky, online gambling is strictly prohibited.
Present-day Gambling on Land in Kentucky
Due to its gambling laws, the Bluegrass State has no commercial casinos on land. To play their favored casino games, however, residents of the northern portion of the state sometimes travel to other states in the United States. Below is a list of the most prominent casinos in the bordering states of Kentucky.
Casino County and State Other Legal Age Information
Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet Joliet, Illinois More than one thousand slot machines and video poker games
18 table games including blackjack, baccarat, and more. Sportsbook.
Periodic promotions.21+
There are 29 blackjack, craps, roulette, three-card poker, Mississippi Stud, high-card flush, and baccarat tables at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois.
Greater than 1,100 gambling machines.
Live poker with more than ten tables.21+
The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia features 2,200 of the most popular slot machines.
There are 74 exciting table games.
16-table poker lounge.
24/7 no-limit tournaments and action.21+
There are 1,000 gaming machines at the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.
Greater than twenty live table games.
Live poker. The sport of greyhound racing. Sportsbook. 21+
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino 2200 Slots Shelbyville, Indiana
40 live table games, e-table games.
A sportsbook.
Betting on horse races.21+
Kentucky Online Gambling Legislation
The laws of Kentucky prohibit the operation of online casinos within the state’s borders. Due to the fact that the Bluegrass State neither regulates nor approves online casinos, Kentuckians are unable to play their favorite casino games for real money online. This includes online roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat online, slots, etc., as well as their live-dealer versions. Additionally, Kentucky’s gambling laws prohibit the founding or operation of brick-and-mortar casinos within the state, and there are currently no such establishments. Kentuckians can therefore only play casino games in their residences or via social gambling websites online.
However, it is essential to note that social gambling refers to games played without wagering or betting money. The Kentucky Revised Statutes define gambling as “staking or risking something of value on the outcome of a contest or game based upon an element of chance” (Kentucky Revised Statutes 528.010, et seq. ), which is typically illegal. The only exceptions are the state lottery and wagers on horse racing, including pari-mutuel wagering. The state-approved lotteries and Churchill Downs’ site for pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, which includes simulcast, are the sites where Kentuckians can participate. While many legislators have attempted to create new opportunities for those who wish to gamble at online casinos in Kentucky, this is currently not possible.
What should I be aware of regarding Online Casinos in Kentucky?
Kentucky has some of the strictest regulations in the United States. Indeed, the state has no commercial land-based casinos and no online casinos.
However, a few forms of gambling are permitted by Kentucky law, including wagering on horse racing events, pari-mutuel wagering on said horse racing contests, and the state lottery. All of this is also possible on their websites, which are entirely lawful.
Social gambling is completely permissible in Kentucky. This can be done at home with companions or online via a variety of specialized websites or applications. Important to keep in mind when playing online is that it is unlawful to wager real money on casino games.
There is presently a bill to legalize online poker and Daily Fantasy Sports, but many similar bills in the past have failed to produce lasting results. Therefore, until there is confirmation that such a bill has been ratified, the law remains unchanged.
The minimum age for lottery and race wagering in Kentucky is 18.
What Offshore Casino Gambling Regulations Mean For Kentucky Players
Because Kentucky’s wagering laws regarding online casinos are so stringent, some players may decide to play online for real money by “bypassing” the law and playing at offshore-registered casinos. For those unfamiliar with offshore casinos, these are websites that are registered and regulated in other jurisdictions. These may be located within the United States or in other gambling-friendly countries, such as Malta, Gibraltar, British casinos, or Curacao.
However, there are a number of problems with this. In addition to this not being a way to circumvent the law – the law applies whether you are playing at an illegally operating online casino in Kentucky or at an online casino operating legally from outside the state of Kentucky – you may also be putting yourself in a difficult position should a dispute arise. Different jurisdictions have laws that you may not be familiar with, putting you, your money, your rights, and your data at risk. Since these casinos are registered outside of Kentucky, the state would likely be unable to assist you should anything go awry.
Due to this, we do not recommend playing at any offshore-registered casinos while in Kentucky, and you should disregard any recommendations to do so from websites that promote it. The law must always be followed, even if it is unfavorable to those who wish to gamble at Kentucky online casinos.
Online Gambling for Kentucky
Since the state of Kentucky prohibits online casinos, there are no online casino games that can be played for real money. Kentuckians are also prohibited from playing casino games in brick-and-mortar establishments. The only method to play casino games in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is at home (not online) or on social casinos for free. Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting are also prohibited in Kentucky, but horse racing wagers, pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, and online lottery play are permitted.
Options For Depositing At Kentucky Online Casinos
Unfortunately, there are no payment options available, as Kentucky’s wagering laws prohibit playing for real money at online casinos. If you are located outside of Kentucky and in a jurisdiction that allows online gambling, you should consult the information section of your preferred online casino’s website to determine which payment methods and currencies are accepted. If the ones you locate aren’t what you’re looking for, search for reputable ones that have what you need.
FAQs About Kentucky Online Casinos
Is it lawful to gamble online in Kentucky?
Yes, if you are interested in pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, betting on horse racing, or the lottery; no, if you wish to play your favored casino games at a Kentucky online casino. Indeed, Kentucky law is very clear on the subject of its citizens and visitors playing casino games for real money, and the current definition of gambling can be readily expanded to encompass online casino games. However, Kentuckians and visitors to the Bluegrass State are permitted to use social wagering websites. (i.e. for no money).
Can I participate at an online casino from my smartphone or tablet in Kentucky?
Not for actual cash, unfortunately. Bets on horse races, pari-mutuel wagering (including simulcast) on horse racing, and the state lottery are the only forms of gambling that can be conducted on a mobile device, such as a cell phone, laptop, or tablet. However, you can play your beloved casino games for free on social gambling websites and dedicated mobile casino apps on your phone.
What casino games can I play at online casinos in Kentucky?
At the time of writing, the state has not legalized online casinos in Kentucky. Casino games can only be played for free on social casino platforms. There are many available, in addition to dedicated programs and Facebook applications. The most important thing to note is that you cannot wager real money on the games, as doing so would be illegal.
Can dollars be used to play online casino games?
No genuine or virtual currency can be used at online casinos in Kentucky. Indeed, Kentucky’s gambling laws make it abundantly clear that, with a few exceptions, all forms of gambling are prohibited. Nonetheless, if you are in a jurisdiction that allows legal online gambling, review the information page on the website of your preferred online casino to ensure you are satisfied with the payment options and currencies accepted.
Are these online casinos in Kentucky regulated?
All of the casinos listed on this website are legal, regulated, and protect your money, personal information, and legal rights. However, because both Kentucky online casinos and brick-and-mortar casinos are prohibited in the Bluegrass State, we only mention land-based casinos located in states adjacent to northern Kentucky, social wagering websites, and state-approved lottery and horse race betting websites.
Am I eligible for an online casino incentive at a casino in Kentucky?
No compensation can be claimed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as such activities are prohibited by state law. Nonetheless, if you reside in a jurisdiction where online gambling is lawful, you should shop around for the best online casino bonus available. Always remember to read the fine print when it comes to online casino incentives, as not everything that glitters is gold.
How do I begin gambling for real money at an online casino in Kentucky?
Unfortunately, there is no means to do so in Kentucky. The only way to play your preferred casino games online, including roulette, video poker, online slots, baccarat online, online craps, and blackjack, is to visit social casino sites that do not require you to wager real money.
What are the most prevalent online casino payment methods in Kentucky?
We have no information regarding this because online casinos are prohibited in Kentucky. In other states where online casino wagering is legal, however, you can frequently pay with debit or credit cards, eWallet systems linked to PayPal casinos, and direct bank transfers. Check the online casino’s terms and conditions prior to signing up to ensure that the accepted payment methods and currencies meet your requirements.
In Kentucky, am I required to pay taxes on my gambling winnings?
Yes, proceeds from gambling must be reported to the state. As of 2019, participants are taxed on their net income from gambling, not their gross, meaning they can deduct their losses and only pay tax on their winnings.
Stay safe and legal when attempting to gamble at Kentucky online casinos!
We trust this has answered all of your questions about Kentucky’s gambling laws and online casinos. Always observe the laws of the jurisdiction you’re in, and never risk more than you can afford to lose. In light of this, best of success!