Since then, betting on thoroughbred horse racing has been very popular in the “Bluegrass State,” which is also home to 10 racetracks. But this does not mean that Kentucky doesn’t offer any other forms of gambling. You can wager on the lottery, bingo games, pull tabs, raffles, and other charitable activities covered in our state gambling guides.
Although running a poker site or offshore casino is prohibited in Kentucky, there is no law that prohibits residents in the state from playing at an offshore gambling website, where you can access a wider range of casino games online. Find out more about Kentucky gambling laws, gambling games, available casinos, and more useful information in our guide below.
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General Information About Kentucky
- Kentucky Gambling Age: 18
- Casino Games: Illegal
- Poker: Illegal
- Horse Racing Betting: Legal
- Bingo: Legal
- Charitable Gambling: Legal under certain circumstances
Kentucky Gambling Laws
It was only in the 1980’s when gambling in the state of Kentucky was allowed to extend beyond pari-mutuel horse racing betting. In 1988, the state lottery was introduced and has since become hugely popular, with the profits going to good causes. Other charitable gaming activities such as bingo, pull-tabs and raffles were launched in 1992. For more information, read our guide to online gambling laws.
In the most recent history of Kentucky gambling laws, that’s in 2008, more than 140 domains labeled as “gambling devices” were taken down by the state authorities. This is because players were left unregulated, playing at illegitimate gambling sites. Currently, players can access a variety of casino gambling games at reputable and licensed offshore sites such as those on our list. You can also read about online gambling in Tennessee to compare the two states.
Popular Kentucky Gambling Games
Kentucky does not have as many gambling options as one would expect. The traditional gaming venues in the state only have instant betting machines on horse racing, which appear as regular slot machines. These machines, however, are based on past horse races that are unidentified, and spinning the reels is mainly for entertainment.
The casinos in the state do not offer any table games, and other available options are charitable games, as already mentioned. The state also doesn’t forbid residents from playing home games as long as they are free tournaments.
If you wish to access a wide range of gambling games, you can do so at offshore casino sites which offer both free and real money gaming on slots, table games, and specialty games.
Sports Betting in Kentucky
Pari-mutuel betting on thoroughbred horse racing is allowed in the state, even at off-track sportsbooks. After all, Kentucky is home to the celebrated Kentucky Derby and world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. So, residents in the state and around the world get to bet on horse racing events all year-round.
Other sports betting forms are not yet legalized, but there is no law prohibiting Kentucky residents from betting on their favorite sports at sportsbooks that are regulated offshore, such as William Hill, 888 Sport, Spin Sports, Intertops, and more. For another state comparison, see our guide to West Virginia gambling laws.
Land-based Kentucky Gambling Casinos
There are currently no casinos in Louisville, Kentucky, as many people like to ask. However, there is one sitting 75 miles east in Lexington, the Red Mile. Below is a list of the racetrack casinos available in Kentucky where you can play instant racing betting machines:
- Churchill Downs
- Type: Horse Racing Track
- Opened: 1875
- Table Games: 0
- Slots: 0
- Location: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
- Phone: (502) 636 – 4400
- Ellis Park
- Type: Horse Racing Track
- Opened: 1922
- Table Games: 0
- Slots: 180
- Location: 3300 US-41, Henderson, KY 42420
- Phone: (812) 425-1456
- Kentucky Downs
- Type: Horse Racing Track
- Opened: 1990
- Table Games: 0
- Slots: 625
- Location: 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134
- Phone: (270) 586-7778
- BluegrassDowns
- Type: Horse Racing Track
- Table Games: 0
- Slots: 0
- Location: 150 Downs Dr, Paducah, KY 42001
- Phone: (270) 444-7117
Gambling Help Kentucky
Below are free gambling addiction help centers you can get in touch with, should you feel like you or a loved one may be addicted to gambling:
National Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-522-4700
Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling
Call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537)
Gambler’s Anonymous
Lexington – (859) 277-8236
Louisville – (502) 561-5665
Kentucky Gambling FAQs
Does Kentucky have casinos?
Yes, but they don’t offer gambling games like a normal casino would. The state offers racetrack casinos that offer instant horse racing betting machines only.
How many casinos are there in Kentucky?
Four.
Are slot machines legal in Kentucky?
No. Traditional slot machines are not offered in the state, but players can access slots online at licensed offshore casino sites.
Is poker legal in Kentucky?
No, table games are legal in Kentucky; hence, traditional casinos don’t have any. You can only access poker at offshore poker rooms on the internet or play free poker games at home with friends.
Are pull tabs legal in Kentucky?
Yes, pull tabs were introduced by the state of Kentucky in 1992.
How old do you have to be to go to a casino in Kentucky?
18 years of age.
