Best Guide to Casinos in Kentucky

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Updated on: March 3rd, 2022

Casinos in Kentucky aren’t many. Also known as the “Bluegrass State”, Kentucky is popularly known for the type of grass that is commonly located in some areas of the state due to its soil. In this guide, we will focus on gambling in the state of Kentucky. We will look at online gambling, land-based casinos, horse and greyhound racing as well as the gambling laws. While casinos in Kentucky aren’t that popular as casinos in other states, the state is considered the home of horse racing because of its popular race, the Kentucky Derby.

While casinos in Kentucky aren’t that common, bettors in the state have plenty other options that they consider. Below, we’ve listed some of the best USA online casino sites for US players. All these casinos are accordingly licensed and regulated. By signing up with of the casinos below, you will be opening yourself up to plenty more options. It is important for Kentucky resident to check if this is in line with their legal framework.

Top Internet Casinos in Kentucky

1
 High Country Casino
100% Bonus up to $2500
T&Cs Apply
2
Slots of Vegas Casino
350% Bonus up to $2,500. Min Deposit: $25
T&Cs Apply
3
Vegas Aces Casino
Up to $5,000 of welcome bonus
T&Cs Apply
4
RubySlots Casino
200% Bonus up to $2,500. Min Deposit: $25
T&Cs Apply
18+. New players only. Welcome Bonus – 350% Bonus up to $3,500. This bonus only applies for deposits of $25 or higher! 40x Wagering Requirement.
250% Bonus up to $5,000
4.5
350% Bonus up to $3,000
4.5

Gambling Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky state gambling laws are straight to the point. No form of gambling is permitted apart from horse racing, charitable bingo, state lottery, as well as raffles. Charities are permitted to host bingo games as well as raffles. Promoting gambling in the state of Kentucky is a Class A misdemeanour or Class D felony, this depends on the charges. All gamblers participating in either the state lottery, horse racing or any other legal form of gambling must be 8 years old and above.

Casinos in Kentucky

Types of Casinos in Kentucky

We’ve mentioned that there are quite a few racetracks in the Bluegrass state. This is because of the popularity of Horse Racing Betting in the state. There are no land-based casinos in the state. Below, we’ve outlined where the racetracks in the state are located.

Racetrack Address
Churchill Downs – Louisville 700 Central Ave.
Ellis Park Race Course – Henderson 3300 US-41
Keeneland – Lexington 4201 Versailles Rd.
Kentucky Downs – Franklin 5629 Nashville Rd.
The Red Mile – Lexington 1200 Red Mile Rd.
Turfway Park – Florence 7500 Turfway Rd.

 

Gambling Types in Kentucky

Residents in Kentucky have three types of gambling available to them. Popular lottery games that players can indulge in include Pick 3, Pick 4, Powerball, 5 Card Cash, and Lucky for Life as well as Mega Millions. Also, there are six racetracks in Kentucky, which we’ve already listed below. All of the tracks offer horse racing betting. Greyhound racing is not legal in Kentucky.

Kentucky Downs, Red Mile and Ellis Park all offer a controversial form of gambling that is working its way through the Kentucky state court system. These tracks offer instant racing machine devices that are programmed previous horse races. In order to make a wager, players will need to put cash in the machine. These are described by many as historical racing machines.

Kentucky Gambling History

Horse racing was founded back in 1783 before Kentucky was legally formed as a state. The Elm Tree Gardens was the first racing venue and it was located in Louisville. Horse racing then spread to Lexington in 1787 where The Commons were introduced. In 1883 Churchill Downs race track, home of the Kentucky Derby, opened.

In 1792 the first lottery draw was held in Kentucky and this was an attempt to fundraise for a church in Lexington. In 1988 there was a constitutional referendum that was adopted in Kentucky that paved the way for the legal establishment of the officially Kentucky State Lottery.

Kentucky Gambling FAQs


Does Kentucky have casinos?

Kentucky does not have any traditional casinos however they have raised tracks where players can bet on horse races and play at instant racing terminals.

Does Kentucky downs have slot machines

Kentucky Downs has slot like electronic gaming machines with huge jackpot prices going up to multiple hundreds of thousands.

Does Kentucky allow gambling?

Kentucky allows gambling at race tracks and the state lottery. Players can enjoy slot like electronic gaming machines at his race tracks as well.

How far is Kentucky downs from Nashville?

Kentucky downs racetrack is 35 miles from Nashville.

 What city is Kentucky downs in?

Kentucky downs is located in Franklin which is near Portland and Tennessee.

How old do you have to be to get into Kentucky downs?

The minimum age to engage in all the legal forms of gambling Kentucky is 18 years.

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