Online Casinos Kentucky

Kentucky ranks among the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to gambling – both land-based and online gambling Kentucky are illegal. Pushes for legalization and expansion of gambling options have so far resoundingly failed. The following text will familiarize you with the legal landscape of online casinos Kentucky. Read the full article to learn the details.
  • Kentucky gambling law checked by experts
  • General overview of Kentucky gambling laws
  • About the future of online casinos in Kentucky
  • 0 Legal Online Casinos
  • 0 Legal Land Based Casinos
  • 3 Legal Social Casinos
  • 10 Legal Bingo / Lottery Games
Kentucky gambling history Popular online casino games
  • Kentucky Department Charitable Gaming
  • National Council on Problem Gambling

Laws for Kentucky Online Casinos

Kentucky operates under federal laws allowing state senate to set its own gambling laws. Currently, there are two active gambling-related statues: the 230.010, et seq and 528.010, et seq. They make horse racing and simulcast wagering, charitable lottery, and bingo the only legal online gambling services in Kentucky. You can check the latest legislature developments for more details.

While online gambling is presently considered illegal, there is no specific Kentucky online gambling laws to stop players from playing at offshore brands – at their own discretion from the comfort of their homes. Two state-licensed venues currently provide bit-part Kentucky online casinos services like online horse racing betting and lottery.

Status of Online Gambling in Kentucky

Currently, online gambling Kentucky is focused purely on horse racing wagering, lottery, and Daily Fantasy. Other forms of gambling like online classic table games, poker, slot machines, and live-dealer games are not legal – i.e. there are no locally licensed online providers. Sports betting is disputed at the moment but is still with an illegal status.

There is one alternative to a real money online casino Kentucky can offer and that is social casinos. They are not considered illegal, as there is no actual gambling involved. Players can enjoy the social aspect of casino games without wagering any funds as social casinos operate with their own currency.

Kentucky: History of Gambling

Gambling in Kentucky has revolved around pari-mutuel betting. Since the 18th century, Kentucky punters have enjoyed relative betting freedom in the thriving horse racing scene in the state. The state continues to host major events like the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup, and Churchill Downs.

Most forms of gambling have been pushed to the side by horse racing, which has monopolized gambling in the state. In 2021, Churchill Downs became the first to launch an online betting platform – for desktop and mobile – where Kentucky bettors can place wagers on races. More operators are expected to follow.

Gambling History in the USA

Today’s $900 billion-a-year industry started small over 300 years ago, during the colonial age. There are many bet-on games like cockfighting, bull-baiting, and horse racing unofficially, and some colonies opted for newspaper lottery games as a way to fund their expenditures to a degree. Gambling, however, was never fully supported by the whole community and faced sturdy opposition from the Church. Here are the only states in the US with legal online casinos and licenses:

What is The Wire Act of 1961?

The Wire Act was introduced in 1961 in an attempt to curb control of organized crime over gambling. It introduced new powers to each state, giving them the ability to define their own laws on gambling, and banned the interstate provision of gambling services. The federal law was later limited to only apply to sports betting.

How did Black Friday affect Kentucky online gambling?

The lack of clear laws for Kentucky online casinos allowed Kentucky players to play poker at offshore operators. This played a huge role in the state’s involvement in the Black Friday scandal of 2011. The state filed a suit against Pokerstars and received $300 million in a settlement for the damage caused to Kentucky players.

The Most Popular Online Casino Games in the USA

While online casinos Kentucky games are currently illegal, you might find learning about popular games interesting in the face of potential future legalization. Among the classic table games, Blackjack and Roulette take the driving seat when it comes to popularity. Many versions with a slight tweak in rules, graphics, and winning chances exist on the market.

Slots and Poker occupy their own segments in the market and always attract droves of online clickers. Slots provide the largest chunk of the platform in any online casino provider. Games vary greatly in theme, gameplay, graphics, and prizes. Also, online poker continues to thrive despite the Black Friday scandal.

Is online Blackjack Legal in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, there are no laws forbidding you from playing games of skill – which Blackjack is. So, while you won’t find any licensed Kentucky online casino to play Blackjack at, you can safely play it at offshore providers. However, you should pay special attention to the credentials and trustworthiness of such operators.

Classic Blackjack is particularly popular in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where online gambling is legal. In this game of skill, you can opt for 1/1 against the dealer, 3/2 to go for the blackjack gold number. Unfortunately, the possibility of online Blackjack in Kentucky becoming legal is some way off to coming to fruition.

Is Online Roulette Legal in Kentucky?

Roulette is a game of chance, and, as such, it is banned in Kentucky. The state is tough on casino gaming. As a result, there are no land-based or online casinos Kentucky, or any gambling venues, for that matter, besides racebooks. Laws are a bit more relaxed towards social casinos.

Live roulette is by far the most popular variant of the game in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Players there just like the feel of having a real person to play opposite to; this and the fact that these games are Evolution-powered – a mark for quality. At present, online roulette in Kentucky is not available.

Are Online Slots Legal in Kentucky?

There have been certain wacky developments with slots in Kentucky but mostly for the offline market. To circumvent law specifics, electronic slot game-makers added features to turn their games into ‘games of skill’, which are not illegal. These games can be played with very low stakes. However, there are no Kentucky online casinos that offer standard slots.

Should one day online gambling become legal, you might see Mega Moolah and Starburst sit on the throne as top online slots in Kentucky. Mega Moolah, in particular, might be of interest. It is known as one of the most rewarding online slots, giving away close to $70 million to players annually.

Is Online Poker Legal in Kentucky?

The Black Friday scandal left the online poker Kentucky scene in disarray. While poker fans in the state continue to use social casino sites for fun, you will rarely find a welcoming real money online casino Kentucky with poker services. Practically, Kentucky online gambling laws allow you to play at such sites but at your own discretion and judgement.

Texas Hold’Em continues to be the most popular version of poker on social gaming platforms in Kentucky and in states where online gambling is legal. In New Jersey, for example, you will find several platforms that offer weekly tournaments and bonuses for Texas Hold’Em. You can play online poker only at social online casinos Kentucky sites at present.

Are There Any Land Based Casinos in Kentucky?

You won’t find any land-based casinos in Kentucky, due to their traditional slant against most forms of gambling. The only venues that resemble a casino are the racebooks – of which there are 10 in the state. In those racebooks, you will find electronic, instant-bet horse racing machines, which can be played for fun.

Land-Based vs. Online Casinos

Both land-based and online gambling have their own advantages and disadvantages. Land-based, for example, offers the simulated live gambling thrill, where you can enjoy a game in the company of other players and casino staff. This is often preferred for more extroverted players or those with an affinity for the real-life casino atmosphere.

Online gambling, on the other hand, offers convenience and unique bonuses. It allows you to place a bet with a simple click or two and follow the action from the comfort of your home. Both forms have their proponents. However, gambling in Kentucky comes with the land-based option only – and for horse racing only.

What is the Future of Online Casinos in Kentucky

Let’s not kid ourselves; legalizing online gambling in Kentucky will be a winding road from a current standpoint. The issue has proven divisive among the public and state representatives. There’s also opposition from licensed horse racing providers, who view the online market as threatening to their current revenues.

There have been pushes for creating a more relaxed environment for online poker in Kentucky, but past events continue to be a stumbling block. Online sports betting looks closest to reaching a legal status. In 2020, a bill aiming to legalize it failed by the skin of the teeth due to a small but vocal group of anti-gambling proponents in the chambers. But Part Two seems to be on the cards.

What is The Future of Gambling in Kentucky?

Current Kentucky online gambling laws, or lack of thereof, mean that most gambling forms besides horse racing wagering, lottery, daily fantasy, are illegal. However, country-wide federal laws do not explicitly state that online gambling is a prosecutable action. It may be so for the providers, but players are safe to visit and play online games at offshore sites.

Yes, things are moving forward but at a very slow pace. People wanting to receive access to licensed and regulated Kentucky online casinos may have to wait a few more years at best. The Bluegrass State is very conservative towards the industry, and we don’t expect that to change any time soon.

Conclusion – Current Status of Online Gambling Kentucky: No Legal Sites

To conclude, Kentucky has several forms of gambling legalized, but the majority are outlawed. There are no licensed land-based casinos and no online casinos Kentucky. Legal forms include pari-mutuel wagering, charitable bingo and raffles. Games of skill and real-money games at offshore providers fall into the grey area – they are not illegal.

Attempts to legalize sports betting have been unsuccessful so far, as there is a minority of state representatives who strongly oppose it. Poker has been part of the state’s gambling history and is next in line due for legalization in the near future. However, it won’t be an easy task, and players may need to wait a few years to see the best Kentucky online casino.

Sports betting and poker soon to come. Legalization of online casino gaming doubtful for the next few years.
Fred Williams Author and Casino Expert

FAQs About Kentucky Online Gambling Laws

Hopefully, this review of the legal online gambling in Kentucky helped you gain a clear picture of how things stand in the Bluegrass State. In the FAQ section below, you will find short answers to key questions. This article is regularly updated, so be sure to come back and check for the latest changes in the Kentucky legal landscape on gambling.

👮 Are Kentucky online casinos legal?
No. There are no legal online casinos in Kentucky. The current Kentucky gambling scene is scarce as the state laws prohibit almost all kinds of gambling activities. Kentucky players don't have the advantage of land-based casinos either.
🤔 Are social casino sites legal in Kentucky?
Yes, there are several social online casinos Kentucky you can legally visit and play at in the state. At social casino sites, you can play various games for fun. There is no real money wagering at social casinos, therefore Kenucky gambling laws do not forbid you to visit them. 
📍 How do I spot a fake Kentucky online gambling site?
If you choose to play at offshore casino sites, you need to be 100% sure that they are not a scam. Following general principles and reading reviews by trusted reviewers is an excellent path to follow. Check if they are licensed with an internationally recognized body, whether they have SSL protection and a good track record, to name a few. Read about the Kentucky gambling scene here.
⚖️ What forms of gambling are legal in Kentucky?
Fully legal gambling forms in Kentucky are pari-mutuel gambling, lottery, and charitable bingo and raffles. Free play casino games at social sites are also acceptable. You can also play games defined as games of skill. These games are not explicitly banned by the state.

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