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Kentucky Online Casinos

Kentucky online casinos are not legal. The Bluegrass State has already legalized most forms of online gambling, but legislators are not currently considering any online casino bills.

However, players in Kentucky can still enjoy online slots, virtual table games, and live dealer games at sites like High 5 Casino, Pulsz, and McLuck. These sites allow you to play games for fun, and you can also legally redeem premium coins for cash prizes.

This page rounds up the best Kentucky online casino options and discusses the current legal situation for online gambling.

Our top recommended online casinos in Kentucky

These are the best online casinos for Kentucky players. They are social and sweepstakes casinos.

Rank
Casinos
Offer
Features
Play
1
35 Free Sweepstakes Coins
With 1.5 Million WOW Coins Purchase
WOW Vegas Casino Review
  • Get 5 Free SC + 250,000 WOW Coins on Sign Up
  • Over 1000 Slots Games
  • Welcome Bonus and Daily Login Bonuses
  • Use Promo Code: WOWBONUS
2
5 Sweeps Coins
 250 Game Coins & 600 Diamonds on Sign Up
High 5 Casino Review
  • US Players Accepted
  • 1200+ Slots & Live Dealer Games!
  • FREE Daily Rewards
  • Authentic Brand, Made in the USA
3
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 57,500 GC
McLuck Review
  • US Players Accepted
  • Get 2.5 Free SC + 7,500 GC on Sign Up
  • Live Dealer Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
  • Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
4
30 FREE Sweepstakes Coins
With 362,000 Gold Coin Purchase
Pulsz Review
  • Free 2.3 SC + 5,000 GC on Sign Up
  • Daily FREE Sweepstakes When Logging In
  • Choose From Over 700 Games
  • Use Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
5
100,000 Crown Coins
Plus 2 Sweeps Coins on Sign Up
Crown Coins Review
  • 800K CC + 40 SC on 1st Purchase for $15.99 (150% Bonus!)
  • FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
  • Available iOS Mobile App
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
6
250,000 Gold Coins
PLUS $25 Stake Cash
Stake.us Review
  • Over 200 Slots + Live Dealer Casino-Style Games
  • 10,000 GC + $1 Stake Cash Daily Bonus
  • Partnerships with Drake, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Everton FC, and more!
  • Use Bonus Code: USABET
7
5,000 SC Free
Plus 10,000,000 Coins 
Carnival Citi Review
  • Generous Bonuses & Daily Freebies
  • Feat. Casino Floor Slot Games
  • Daily, Weekly & Monthly Lucky Draws
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
8
20 Free Sweep Coins
On First $20 Purchase
Chanced Casino Review
  • US Players Accepted
  • PLUS 2 SC + 20,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
  • PLUS 20 FREE Spins on Account Verification
  • Live Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
  • Instant Redemptions for US Players
9
Up to 575,000 Gold Coins
Plus 105 Free SC
RealPrize Review
  • PLUS Earn 1000 VIP Points
  • Daily 5,000 GC Login Bonus
  • Choose from 400+ Games
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
10
50,000 Gold Coins
Plus 25 Free SC on First $9.99 Purchase
Jackpota Review
  • Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free on Sign Up
  • Play a Huge Range of Casino Games
  • Get Free Coins Daily
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
11
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 65,000 GC
Hello Millions Review
  • GC 15,000 PLUS SC 2.5 Free on Sign Up
  • Pragmatic Jackpot Play + Over 700 Slots Games
  • Free Daily Coins Reward
  • Use Exclusive Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
12
UP TO 3,400 FREE SC
PLUS 1.1M GC on First Purchase
NoLimitCoins Review
  • Get 100,000 Gold Coins + 100 Super Coins on Sign Up
  • Play in Free Daily Tournaments
  • Choose from 100+ Slots
  • Use Promo Code: USABONUS

Online gambling in Kentucky snapshot

Kentucky permits most forms of online gambling, but the state has not passed legislation that would permit traditional online casinos or poker rooms to launch.

Type of GamblingStatusGambling Age
Online casinoUnavailableLikely 18
Sweepstakes casinoAvailable18
Social casinoAvailable18
Online lotteryAvailable18
Online pokerUnavailableLikely 18
Online sports bettingAvailable18
Online horse racingAvailable18
Daily fantasy sportsAvailable18

Latest Kentucky gambling news

  • Sept. 13, 2024 – Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, in a strongly worded letter, targeted a type of gaming machine meant to circumvent state law called “risk-free play.”
  • July 8, 2024 – Skill games in Kentucky won’t be legalized anytime soon, as Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled to keep the games illegal.
  • Feb. 22, 2024 – Through the first partial month and first three full months of legal betting in Kentucky, nearly $900 million was wagered in the state.
  • Jan. 24, 2024 – Jake Paul-backed Betr announced plans to launch an online sportsbook in Kentucky this year, along with Indiana and Colorado. Betr will launch an online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania.
  • Jan. 19, 2024 – The Kentucky Lottery announced that a $1 million winning Powerball ticket went unclaimed, ending a saga that started last July.
  • Jan. 4, 2024 – The Kentucky Lottery recently announced that the winner of a $1 million Powerball ticket has until Jan. 12 to cash in the ticket.
  • Dec. 11, 2023 – Gov. Andy Beshear reports that more than $656 million has been wagered since sports betting launched in Kentucky on Sept. 7.
  • Oct. 27, 2023 – IGT Global Solutions has announced an extension of both of its contracts with the Kentucky Lottery until 2036.
  • Oct. 25, 2023 – The Kentucky Lottery has agreed to a four-year extension with Scientific Games to continue offering its digital CRM services.
  • Oct. 24, 2023 – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says that people in the state have bet almost $250 million since legal sportsbooks opened.
  • Oct. 12, 2023 – A new white paper about Kentucky sports betting says the state needs to ensure that its messaging around responsible gambling is effective for people ages 18-20 more than any other state. You can find the report here.
  • Sept. 29, 2023 – Circa Sports signed a licensing agreement with ECL Corbin’s Cumberland Run harness track to enter the Kentucky sports betting market.
  • Sept. 28, 2023 – Legal online sports betting in Kentucky is officially underway as seven licensed sportsbooks commenced their business in the state at 6 a.m.
  • Sept. 25, 2023 – In anticipation of the Thursday launch of online sports betting, five of the licensed online sportsbooks have been accepting account registrations.
  • Sept. 22, 2023 – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said residents have so far gambled $4.5 million on sporting events at physical sportsbooks.
  • Sept. 21, 2023 – Caesars Sportsbook has begun accepting account registrations in its app, offering $100 in bonus bets upon launch to those who sign up early.
  • Sept. 7, 2023 – Kentucky land-based sportsbooks started taking in-person wagers around the state and Gov. Andy Beshear got in on kicking off the action.
  • Sept. 6, 2023 – With Kentucky launching in-person sports betting on Sept. 7 and online sports betting on Sept. 28, Caesars Sportsbook is live for pre-registration with a new customer offer.
  • Aug. 31, 2023 – The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council submitted its recommendations for an initial catalog of allowable events for wagering.
  • Aug. 30, 2023 – BetMGM has become the fourth online sportsbook in Kentucky accepting early account registrations.

Legal online casino options in Kentucky

Social and sweepstakes casinos are legal for players aged 18 or older in Kentucky. There are no upper prize limits if you play with premium coins. These are the best apps and websites for anyone that wants to play online casino games in Kentucky.

WOW Vegas

WOW Vegas is the best app for Kentucky casino players. The app holds an average user rating of 4.9 stars on the App Store and 4.5 stars on Google Play. You can play more than 1,000 slots from a wide range of providers at the WOW Vegas app or the website, and there are lots of WOW Vegas casino bonuses and promotions too.

High 5 Casino

High 5 Casino logo

High 5 Casino is an established online casino option for players in Kentucky. The site has been available in the Bluegrass since 2013, and it now offers more than 800 slots and a strong range of live dealer games. There is also a High 5 Casino app, which you can download through Google Play or the App Store.

Pulsz

Pulsz is another high-quality option for anyone that enjoys online slots in Kentucky, with more than 800 games from providers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play. You can also enjoy a selection of exclusive online scratchcards, blackjack, Casino Hold’em, keno, and arcade-style games such as Classic Mines, Triple Plinko, and Classic Dice. Once again, there is an app or a website, and Pulsz offers a strong sign-up bonus too.

Chumba Casino

Chumba Casino offers a smaller range of slots than WOW Vegas, Pulsz, and High 5, but many of them are exclusive. There is also a live bingo room, and you can play classic blackjack, video poker, or casino solitaire too. Chumba Casino has a large social media community too, and you will often find details of competitions and prize draws if you follow Chumba on Facebook or Instagram.

McLuck

McLuck logo

McLuck is one of the newest online casino options in Kentucky, but it already offers a better range of games than most established competitors. There are hundreds of slots from highly-rated providers, which you can play via the app or website, along with a few live dealer games. McLuck has several progressive jackpot slots, so it is a great option for Kentuckians that enjoy those games. Claim the McLuck welcome promos to enjoy free play on many of their games.

Pros and cons to sweepstakes and social casinos in Kentucky

Sweepstakes casinos and social casinos are the best options for Kentuckians that want to play online slots and table games. They offer many benefits, but we have also listed some potential drawbacks to these sites.

  • Apps like WOW Vegas and High 5 Casino host more games than traditional online casinos in West Virginia.
  • Most Kentuckians find it far more convenient to play at these sites as opposed to driving into West Virginia.
  • It is legal for players aged 18 or older to redeem cash prizes at these sites in Kentucky.
  • Some leading software providers do not supply social casinos, so you cannot play games from IGT or Light & Wonder.
  • The customer service options can be limited at some social and sweeps casinos in Kentucky.
  • The prize redemption process can take a few business days at some sites, although some offer instant redemptions.
Tip icon
Insight:
The nearest state with legal online casino gambling is West Virginia. Learn more with our casino bill tracker.

Will Kentucky legalize online casinos in the future?

Kentucky may decide to legalize traditional online casinos in the future. Players are currently driving into West Virginia to play at traditional online casinos, and legislators may ultimately decide that it is better to keep those tax dollars in the state. Kentucky could receive a financial boost from online casino license fees and taxes, so it may appeal to some lawmakers.

The Bluegrass State’s legal gambling industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. Online sports betting began in September 2023, and Kentuckians can also use online racebooks and fantasy sports apps. Kentucky is also one of 13 states with a state-regulated online lottery platform. The KY Lottery app allows you to buy tickets for drawings, but you can also play a range of instant games.

Legalizing online casinos and poker rooms would be the next logical step. However, no online casino bills are under consideration right now. Representatives Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts introduced HB 106, an online poker bill, in 2023, but it did not gain enough support. Both the Kentucky House and the Senate would need to approve an online casino bill, and Gov. Andy Beshear would then need to sign it into law.

The case for legalizing online casinos would be stronger if more neighboring states introduce them. There have been concerted efforts to legalize casino apps in Indiana, so Kentucky may feel compelled to follow suit if they arrive in the Hoosier State.

What online casino games are available in Kentucky?

Sites like High 5 Casino, Pulsz, Stake.us, and McLuck offer similar games to the best US online casinos in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. These are the different categories to consider.

Slots

You can play a wide range of video slots at WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Pulsz, Crown Coins Casino, and other leading apps and websites in Kentucky. These slots are powered by random number generators, unlike the historic horse racing machines found at gambling parlors in the state, which are calculated on a pari-mutuel basis.

The best sites offer classic slots, progressive jackpot slots, Megaways slots, bonus buy slots, and various other categories. They come in lots of different themes and volatility levels. You can play these slots with regular coins or with premium coins, which are redeemable for cash prizes or gift cards if you win.

online slots icon

Blackjack

There are no live blackjack games in Kentucky, as the state does not have any tribal casinos or commercial casinos. If you want to play blackjack in-person, you’ll need to drive to a casino resort in a neighboring state, such as Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, or Virginia.

Most Kentuckians will find it much easier and quicker to simply play online. You will find high-quality blackjack games at High 5 Casino, Pulsz, Chumba Casino, McLuck, and Chanced Casino. They host classic blackjack games, which have a low house edge if you play with the correct strategy.

blackjack icon

Roulette

There are no live roulette wheels in Kentucky either, so you’ll need to leave the state if you want to play in-person. Alternatively, just pick up your phone or turn on your computer and visit High 5 Casino, McLuck, Chanced Casino, or Stake.us.

They all offer live dealer roulette games, and there are also virtual roulette games at Chanced and Stake.us. Chanced stands out, as it offers a live French roulette game with a low house edge.

online roulette guide

Video Poker

Video poker machines and terminals are popular at the country’s most famous casino resorts, as they offer simple, fast-paced action. The betting limits are low, and you can also benefit from a low house edge if you know which cards should be held and which should be discarded.

You can also play video poker online at Chumba Casino, Stake.us, and Sweeptastic. They all offer Jacks or Better, which is the most popular form of video poker. These games are played against the house, as opposed to rival players.

online video poker

Table Games

Kentuckians will find some additional table games at the best sites, including baccarat, 3 Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, Oasis Poker, Pai Gow Poker, casino solitaire, and three card rummy. If you like dice games, you can play Sic Bo at a couple of sites, and online craps is available at BetRivers.net.

Some sites also host variety games, which may be referred to as arcade games, casual games, or originals. They include keno, bingo, Slingo, online scratchers, crash games, Plinko, Mines, and Limbo.

real money online casinos icon

Live Dealer Games

Some of the leading online casino options in Kentucky allow you to play live dealer games. The options include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, Sic Bo, and poker-style games such as Casino Hold’em and Teen Patti.

If you select one of these games, you will start streaming the action on your computer, phone, or tablet. The dealer will be based in a land-based casino or a studio, using professional equipment, and you can quickly make your plays and watch each round unfold. You will also have the option to chat with the dealer if you like.

live dealer icon

Kentucky retail casinos & cardrooms

There are no commercial casinos or tribal casinos in Kentucky. However, several venues host historic horse machines, which are similar to slots, on the grounds of horse racing tracks. These are the most popular sites to visit.

  • Number of slots: 1,300 historic horse machines
  • Number of table games: None
  • Poker room: No
  • Year opened: 2018
  • Owner: Churchill Downs Inc.

Churchill Downs Inc., which runs the Kentucky Derby, opened this facility next to the old Louisville Downs harness racing track site in 2018. The venue hosts more than 1,300 historic horse machines, which look like slots, but the results are determined by the results of old horse races rather than random number generators. There is also a 123-room hotel at Derby City Gaming.

  • Number of slots: 1,000 historic horse machines
  • Number of table games: None
  • Poker room: No
  • Year opened: 2018
  • Owner: Winchell family

This popular establishment is located on the grounds of Kentucky Downs, a thoroughbred horse racing track on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. There are no casinos in Tennessee, so The Mint Gaming Hall welcomes lots of players from the Volunteer State. The Winchell family has also opened Mint Gaming Halls in Bowling Green and Williamsburg.

  • Number of slots: 900 historic horse machines
  • Number of table games: None
  • Poker room: No
  • Year opened: 2015
  • Owner: Keeneland and Red Mile

Keeneland and Red Mile joined forces to open this gambling parlor and simulcasting room at the Red Mile harness track in Lexington back in 2015. It was the first venue with historic horse racing machines in Kentucky. There is now a sportsbook too.

Why you should choose a legal online casino option in Kentucky

Legal sites and apps like WOW Vegas, Pulsz, and High 5 Casino comply with Kentucky’s consumer protection regulations. They are designed to ensure you receive a fair, secure, and reliable online gaming experience.

If you play at unregulated casinos, you will not be covered by any state or federal consumer protection laws. These unregulated sites are based overseas, and they have not been granted permission to operate in the US, but they still try to attract Kentuckians with large bonuses, which are often too good to be true.

Many American players have been cheated at unregulated sites, which often run bait-and-switch bonus scams or host rigged games, and others have fallen victim to security breaches. We recommend avoiding unregulated sites and sticking to legal online casino options in Kentucky instead.

Online casino payment options in Kentucky

Apps like WOW Vegas and High 5 Casino do not accept traditional deposits. However, you can buy coins if you like, and they also give you the opportunity to redeem premium Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. These are the payment options at your disposal in Kentucky.

Credit Card Casinos

You can use a Visa or MasterCard credit card to buy coins at all the leading online casino options in Kentucky. Many accept Discover, American Express, and Diners Club too.

Credit Card Casinos
Skrill Casinos

Skrill is one of the most commonly available payment methods at Kentucky online casino options. You can use it to purchase coins and to redeem cash prizes.

Skrill Casinos
All Banking Options

Additional banking options include debit card payments, online banking, Apple Pay, or instant bank transfers. Just bear in mind that the list of payment methods will vary from one site to the next.

Casino Payment Methods

Responsible gambling in Kentucky

The Kentucky Lottery site includes a detailed responsible gambling page, which provides tips on how to stay safe. Players are advised to set a reasonable spending limit and stick to it. The page also busts myths and provides warning signs that could indicate a gambling problem.

This advice also applies to anyone that participates in sweepstakes, bets on sports, plays historic horse machines, or enters fantasy sports contests in Kentucky. If you are struggling to gamble responsibly, the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling can help. The site provides a list of local counselors, and it can also refer you to Gamblers Anonymous and supply you with educational materials.

Additional resources include the Kentucky Gambling Help site and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Problem Gambling Program. Kentuckians can also access nationwide problem gambling support services. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate help or visit GamTalk to access a chat room.

Kentucky online casinos FAQ

Yes, you can legally redeem cash prizes at sweepstakes and social casinos in Kentucky. They offer premium coins, which are redeemable for prizes if you win. These sites and apps comply with Kentucky sweepstakes law, so they are perfectly legal for players aged 18 or older.

You can play online slots, virtual table games, video poker, and live dealer games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat in Kentucky. Some sites and apps host variety games too, including bingo, keno, Slingo, scratchcards, crash games, minesweeper games, and so on.

Yes, Kentucky residents aged 21 or older can drive over the border and play at traditional online casinos in West Virginia. However, this is only practical and convenient for players in the east of the state. Most Kentuckians, including players in large cities like Louisville and Lexington, will find it easier to play at sites like WOW Vegas and Pulsz.

In Kentucky, you must be 18 or older to bet on sports, enter fantasy sports contests, place pari-mutuel bets, buy lottery tickets, play online lottery games, participate in sweepstakes, or play charity bingo. The legal age for playing historic horse machines is also 18, as it technically involves pari-mutuel betting, but some parlors require you to be 21 or older.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates gambling in Kentucky. The commission oversees pari-mutuel betting, sports betting, and historic horse machines. There is a Department of Charitable Gaming for games like charity bingo, and the Kentucky Lottery Corporation oversees the state lottery.

Kentucky has never passed legislation permitting commercial casinos. There are no tribal casinos either, as the Bluegrass State does not have any federally recognized tribes. However, several horse racing tracks now host large gambling parlors featuring historic horse machines, which are similar to slot machines.

Kentucky casino players also liked

We highlighted the top five online casino options for players in Kentucky earlier. If you are still looking for high-quality, reputable sites, here are some other options that have proved popular in the Bluegrass State. They all offer regular coins and premium coins, which are redeemable for prizes if you win.

Written by
Martin Green
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