Reviews Of Local Kentucky Casinos
- No commercial or tribal casinos in the state
- Instant racing betting machines located at popular racetracks.
- 18+ online casino sites are available in 2024.
Kentucky is currently considering legislation to allow in-person casino gambling in the state, a move that could significantly boost the state’s economy. While the state is currently limited to online sportsbooks and horse betting tracks, the proposed legislation could open new opportunities for revenue generation. For instance, in-person casinos could attract tourists and create jobs. Currently, 18+ Kentucky casinos can only be found online with the help of licensed out-of-state online gambling sites, but this could change with new legislation.
In 2023, Kentucky made history by legalizing both retail and online sports betting for those over 18. However, what truly sets Kentucky apart is its deep-rooted connection to the Kentucky Derby. This world-famous event is not just a race, but a symbol of Kentucky’s rich heritage and a significant revenue contributor, also housing in-person sports wagering and machine-based gambling services.
Below, we will explore the local Kentucky gambling industry and discuss the best ways to wager in the Bluegrass state in [year].
Does Kentucky Have 18+ Casinos?
There are no commercial, tribal or online-based casinos in Kentucky. Instead, there are 12 racetracks and several stand-alone game rooms that host a variety of sports betting options. At many of the racetracks, you will find game rooms that host historical horse racing machines, which are essentially slots that offer real-money jackpots.
None of the state’s multiple game rooms dawn the moniker “casino”; instead, they opt for gaming rooms or gaming halls. Table games such as blackjack, roulette bets, craps, and other popular casino-style games are not allowed in the game rooms currently. Still, the state seems poised for new legislation and traditional gambling expansion.
The Minimum Gambling Age In Kentucky
Kentucky is among the few 18+ gambling states allowing bettors over 18 to gamble legally on sports, horse racing, and game rooms. While there are no true local casino options, 18-and-up online casinos are plentiful and operate outside state lines.
We also provide a gambling age-by-state guide that covers all 50 states and their age requirements for domestic and online gambling ventures. Since states regulate gambling options, age limits vary across state lines.
Commercial Game Rooms In KY
The commercial game rooms in Kentucky, while resembling real-money casinos, operate within the bounds of the law. The slot machines, technically historical race betting machines, are a result of a legal loophole, and many of the game rooms exude a Vegas-style casino ambiance.
Below, we detail the options the Kentucky game rooms offer residents and visitors to the state.
Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY
- Gaming Machines: 900
- Sportsbook: Yes
- Online Gambling: Sports only
- Racetrack: Yes
- Hotel Accommodations: Private Suites Available
- Suite Price: $130k – 300k per year
- Entertainment: No
- On-Site Restaurants: 9
- Smoking Allowed: No
- Gambling Age: 18
The famous Churchill Downs racetrack hosts the annual Kentucky Derby and is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. However, they also host multiple races with more than 70 yearly events. With over 900 gaming machines, visitors over 18 can easily enjoy slot-styled racing machines that reward real-money jackpots.
Address: 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: (502) 636-4400
Derby City Gaming Downtown – Louisville, KY
- Racing Machines: 1,000
- Sportsbook: Yes
- Online Gambling: Sports only
- Racetrack: No
- Hotel Accommodations: None
- Entertainment: Yes
- On-Site Restaurants: 4
- Smoking Allowed: No
- Gambling Age: 18
Derby City Gaming Downtown is a multilevel facility that hosts 1,000 historical racing machines, each with a unique story to tell. With multiple dining facilities and entertainment options, Derby City is the closest thing to a casino game room in the state. Derby City also has an open-air patio where smoking patrons can bet on sports or play the machines.
Address: 140 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 678-5600
Derby City Gaming Hotel – Louisville, KY
- Racing Machines: 1,300
- Sportsbook: Yes
- Online Gambling: Sports only
- Racetrack: No
- Hotel Accommodations: Yes
- Hotel Rooms: 123
- Hotel Price: $155-$222
- Entertainment: Yes
- On-Site Restaurants: 5
- Smoking Allowed: No
- Gambling Age: 18
Derby City Gaming Hotel is like their other location, except this stand-alone structure also has a hotel and a few more gaming machines. Known as the only gaming facility not attached to a racetrack, both Derby City locations allow players over 18 to pull the reel and test their luck.
Address: 4520 Poplar Level Road, Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 961-7600
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run – Corbin, KY
- Racing Machines: 450
- Sportsbook: Yes
- Online Gambling: Sports only
- Racetrack: No
- Hotel Accommodations: No
- Entertainment: Yes
- On-Site Restaurants: 2
- Smoking Allowed: No
- Gambling Age: 18
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run is a nice facility that hosts numerous slot machines, an in-person and online sportsbook, and multiple entertainment options. 18 to gamble, 21 to drink; the Mint is one of those places you must visit to get the full game room experience.
Address: 244 Penny Lane, Williamsburg, KY 40769
Phone: (606) 400-2888
More State-Regulated Horse Racetracks & Game Rooms
- Louisville Thoroughbred Society (Louisville, KY)
- The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland (Williamsburg, KY)
- Ellis Park (Henderson, KY)
- The Red Mile (Lexington, KY)
- Sandy’s Gaming and Racing (Ashland, KY)
- Newport Racing and Gaming (Newport, KY)
- Turfway Park (Florence, KY)
- Oak Grove Gaming and Racing (Oak Grove, KY)
Do Local Game Rooms In Kentucky Offer Online Gambling
Rest assured, most of the game rooms in Kentucky now provide an online sportsbook option for residents and state visitors. The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Council has issued a comprehensive wagering catalog, ensuring a wide range of approved sports for online gambling.
It’s important to note that in Kentucky horse racing and sports betting are regulated separately. This unique regulation means that state-licensed online sportsbooks, while offering a wide range of sports for betting, cannot accept bets on the prestigious Kentucky Derby. NFL and college football, NBA, NCAA, WNBA basketball, MLB, UFC, and PGA Tour events are the only online sports betting options in the state now.
Best Online Kentucky Casinos For 2024
The following casinos offer the classic titles you would expect to find online, from blackjack betting and massive slot libraries to obscure specialty games such as bingo or keno. There is something for every type of gambler. Each of the following casinos has been accepting KY players since the early 2000s and operates legally under current federal and state laws that do not place restrictions on offshore gambling sites.
Below are the sites we have deemed the most trusted online casinos for 2024. They each possess a valid license, compliance records, and an excellent player reputation. With more gambling options than any in-person game room in Kentucky, you can easily see why players gravitate to the online market instead of the local state-licensed options.
| Site Name | Bonus | Age | USA | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 100% Max $3,000 | 18+ | Play Now Full Review | |
| 2 |  | 200% Max $3,000 | 18+ | Play Now Full Review | |
| 3 |  | 350% Max $2,500 | 18+ | Play Now Full Review | |
| 4 |  | 150% Max $3,000 | 18+ | Play NowFull Review |