Sports fans throughout Kentucky might find themselves lost in a field of dense legal foliage when searching for an online sportsbook. The conjecture floating around regarding the legality of online sports betting can sour people’s fascination with the whole affair. Non-professionals that misread the law started these rumors. In this article, we will elucidate what the law really says in easy to read language. We will also point you in the direction of the best online sportsbooks for Kentucky residents in the game. These sites have been functioning for decades legally, and you will see why millions of Americans are using them risk-free every day.
There are two federal laws that affect sports betting. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 considered sports betting a “national problem.” This Act abolished all sports betting in America, except for in Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. The PASPA is the reason you will not find a land-based sportsbook in Kentucky. The next law to affect sports betting was the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006. This Act criminalized the operation of online sportsbooks in America. Therefore, there are no land-based options, and there are no internet sites located within the states, what is a sports fan to do? Well, there are many online sportsbooks operating overseas, and these sites are legal to use. These sites function out of places like Canada and the Republic of Panama, where running an online sportsbook that accepts Kentucly players is legal. The UIGEA and PASPA restrictions do not extend outside of the US, and there is no law stopping you from using legitimate sports betting sites.
Read More: Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Kentucky?
When looking for a great online sportsbook, you will want to keep a few things in mind. Sports fans should hold the site in high regard. There are plenty of forums where members review online sportsbooks. These websites are home to knowledgeable sports bettors, and they know a good site when they see one. Unfortunately, these forums are also filled with immature trolls who do nothing but talk trash, so take everything with a grain of salt. Many of the best sports betting sites for Kentucky players garner acclaim from giant US media outlets, and these shout outs are hard earned. We have done a lot of the work for you, and found some of the best online sportsbooks in the business.
Bovada has been the leading name in sports betting action for over two decades. Gaining accolades from the likes of USA Today and CBS Sports, Bovada is where the pros come to bet on their favorite sports. Offering the fastest lines on every major sport, as well as celebrity and political props, Bovada caters to everyone. They also use the most up-to-date security software and SSL protocols to ensure members’ safety. This place is a virtual Fort Knox, and is just as safe as sites like Amazon or PayPal.
Making a first deposit at Bovada is as simple as clicking on the “Cashier” button and entering some credit card information. A unique promotion is in place right now that will reward new members with a 50% Welcome Bonus worth up to $250. This bonus money will goes into your account upon making a first deposit, and you can use it to bet on all your favorite games.
It doesn’t get any more cut and dry than SportsBetting.ag. This site offers just what its domain name refers to, excellent sports betting. Operating out of Panama City, Panama, this site has been serving up the best sports betting action for over a decade. Everything from baseball to the Olympics is on the plate, including political and entertainment props. Whatever you are interested in SportsBetting.ag offers it in spades. There are numerous wager types including futures and parlays, and there is no limit to how much you can win.
If you have ever bet on a game, you know that the real fun lies in wagering as the action unfolds, and the odds go up and down. SportsBetting offers live in game betting, and for a limited time they are offering a $25 rebate if your first bet loses. This is a great way to check out the live betting option risk-free, and see why so many sports fans call SportsBetting.ag home.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Kentucky Welcome? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Up To $250 First Deposit | Yes | Visit |
| SportsBetting | 50% Match On First Deposit | Yes | Visit |
| BetOnline Sportsbook | $1,000 On All Deposits - 25% | Yes | Visit |
| 5Dimes Sportsbook | 50% To $200 Then 20% To $500 | Yes | Visit |
Because of the PASPA, there are no land-based sportsbooks in Kentucky. We do realize that it is not very hard to come across an illegal sports betting ring in most cities. These underground rackets are raided quite often, and we do not recommend risking your money in this way. With the many legal online sportsbooks available, it is much safer to do your wagering from the comfort of your own home. Online sportsbooks allow you to bet in a safe, trusted environment, and offer many more options that the land-based counterparts.
The age for legal gambling for Kentucky residents is 18. Most sports betting sites accepting Kentucky residents require you to be the same age, so signing up should never be a problem. Occasionally you might come across a site that requires you to be 21, in which case it is best to wait. When looking for an online sportsbook, always check your state laws, as well as the age required to sign up. Underage gambling carries harsh penalties, and you don’t want to get in trouble for something so easily avoidable.
There are many online options available for sports fans in Kentucky. These sites offer top of the line wagering options on all the popular sports. The laws are constantly evolving, and many experts believe that sports betting will be legal in most of America within a decade. As of now, we recommend sticking to the trusted online sportsbooks for your betting action.