Kentucky Online Casinos

Kentucky is a state known for its overall hostility towards the online casino market, and most forms of gambling. Therefore, it is not at all surprising to find out that Kentucky online casinos for real money are not a thing in the state. There are few land-based casinos either, but the Bluegrass State has had a breakaway success with the legalization of sports betting.

Today, you can bet on sports both online and physically in the state. The hope is that online casinos for real money in Kentucky could soon follow. For the time being, the only real money alternative is offshore casinos, which come with pitfalls.

Social casinos are a good alternative, and they may be something worth looking into under normal circumstances, but you won’t be able to win any real money this way. To help you make sense of the regulatory mess and better navigate the existing landscape for real money online casinos in Kentucky, we have first put together a list of the best and most trusted brands.

Best Kentucky Online Casinos

The table features what we consider to be the best online casinos for real money in Kentucky. They are all located offshore for the time being and players will effectively be playing in websites that are not regulated under state laws. Does this invite risks?

It certainly does. Offshore casinos for real money are not obligated to maintain the same standards of responsibility. They may offer poorer payment services and could potentially not honor requests for cashouts under various conditions.

AML and KYC checks are asked for only when you want to withdraw, but rarely when you register, which gives players a false understanding of the process. Then, there is the issue of data privacy which is often tenuous.

Offshore brands do not have the same commitment to protecting players and their data as mainstream bookmakers. However, some have repeatedly delivered a reliable overall product that stands out.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Kentucky?

No, online casinos for real money are not legal in Kentucky and they are unlikely to be so any time soon. The state is particularly sensitive when it comes to online casino gaming and any other iGaming verticals, so much so that the Bluegrass State sued PokerStars for $300 million and won.

There has been no other litigation, but this case could potentially alert offshore operators that Kentucky could target them next. The state has shown a willingness to punish illegal operators, and it essentially deems an illegal casino or card room any website that operates without a license.

How does this affect you as a player? For the most part, it does not. Other than running a risk of having a website you are playing at pulled from the market suddenly, there is little else that you ought to worry about.

How to Pick an Online Casino in Kentucky

To pick an online casino in Kentucky, we have considered several factors that we use to test any casino before listing it on our brand table. For the most part, these are the criteria that every player is concerned with whether they actively seek them out or find them at a later point. Here is what we always consider.

Customer Support

Customer support is a crucial part of the experience of any online casino in Kentucky. Essentially, you are bound to run into some issue or have a question to ask, and you need to know that customer support will be able to provide you with a quick and reliable answer to anything you have on your mind.

Banking and Payments

Payments are similarly important and relevant for players. Payments should be fast and easy, and this is why we pay extra attention to the available casinos and what their banking options are like. Players want to always play at casinos that have fast and reliable payments and this is doubly challenging when looking at offshore casinos. Our list hand-picks the best brands only.

Licenses and Reputation

There is no way an online casino is licensed in Kentucky as of right now. Still, player feedback and the brand’s reputation are important in determining if you can trust the sites you choose. We carefully consider other players’ feedback to get a good idea of what to expect from every casino and make sure to only list those brands that enjoy the community’s trust and backing.

Games and Software

Games and software can be similarly important to players who are keen to experience a variety of titles and enjoy smooth gameplay across the board. We check out the available game genres, and whether they can be played smoothly from any device, whether this is a smartphone, a tablet, or a desktop.

Bonuses and Promotions

Finally, bonuses and promotions can be very helpful when it comes to determining whether a casino is a good fit. Most great brands will make sure that players are offered a good chance of winning, and not bogged down in complicated or unfair terms and conditions. We specifically examine what every Kentucky online casino has to offer in terms of bonuses before we list the casino.

Mobile Kentucky Casinos

All offshore casino sites available in Kentucky will feature a mobile platform that you can use to play on. Players are welcome to play on the go from their smartphones and tablets, browsing the available online casinos for real money options. Still, these are not based in the state, so keep in mind that they may not be ideal options.

Kentucky Casino Apps

There are no dedicated apps you can download and play from in Kentucky as far as online casinos for real money go, but you can still play on mobile. Because casinos are not yet regulated in the state, Google Play and Apple Store do not allow apps developed by illegal operators. Frankly, offshore casinos do not invest in development costs for apps.

Land-Based Casinos in Kentucky 

Kentucky currently offers no land-based casinos in the same way that you will find in other states. Las Vegas-styled resorts are some way off, although the Bluegrass State saw a strong shift in political momentum, with more backers openly supporting a possible expansion of land-based gambling. What properties there currently offer only slots, and they include the Derby City and Kentucky Downs. Still, the availability of both a racino and commercial casino paves the way forward for potential expansion.

Casino	Address	Contact
The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs	5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, United States	+1 270-586-7778
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland	244 Penny Ln, Williamsburg, KY 40769, United States	+1 606-400-2888
Newport Racing & Gaming	1723 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071, United States	+1 859-647-4700
Derby City Gaming and Hotel	4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213, United States	+1 502-961-7600
The Mint Gaming Hall Bowling Green	2475 Scottsville Rd Ste. 101 & 102, Bowling Green, KY 42104, United States	+1 270-353-6400

Responsible Gambling in Kentucky

Responsible gambling is an important part of the way the state runs things. One of the biggest objections to gambling expansion is the societal ill that may originate from the activity. This is why lawmakers are treading carefully. In the meantime, there are options for players in Kentucky to explore if they are looking for responsible gambling options, and specifically need help controlling their habits.

To seek help in Kentucky if you believe you are experiencing problem gambling, you may reach out to KYCPG via call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Other resources may be found on the official Kentucky Problem Gambling Resources. In general, awareness of problem gambling is growing and the condition is destigmatizing, which is helping many consumers who suffer to step forward and get the help they need and deserve.

Kentucky Online Casinos FAQ