Kentucky gamblers don’t have the option to play traditional slot machines. However, they are allowed to play historical horse racing machines, which are Kentucky’s version of them.
These machines have the same look and function as slot machines, but the results are generated from the outcomes of horse races that have come and gone. Kentucky gambling law prohibits games of chance. But since these machines aren’t technically random, gaming venues can offer them to customers.
Using past horse races, players can get a “slot-like feel” at gambling parlors that feel a lot like Kentucky casinos, and still have a chance to gamble where actual slot machines are not legal. As a result, HHR machines are incredibly popular in Kentucky.
During the 2021-22 fiscal year, Kentucky gamblers bet more than $6.8 billion on HHR machines.
For that type of money to be wagered, there have to be a lot of HHR machines in Kentucky.
And there are.
Here are the nine gambling halls that offer HHR machines, ranked from largest to smallest (in terms of number of HHR machines), according to numbers from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission:
1. Derby City Gaming
4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY, 40213
Number of HHRs: 1,273
Churchill Downs is known as the “World’s Most Legendary Racetrack” and is home to the Kentucky Derby. But the ownership group added the state’s largest historical horse racing machine venue just 6 miles down the street.
Now, Churchill Downs owns the largest racetrack and the most historical horse racing machines in the state, within just a few-mile radius of each other.
The racetrack doesn’t have a hotel attached to it. But Derby City has one and is just minutes from Louisville International Airport. There are a couple of casual dining options and a bar at the center.
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2. Oak Grove Racing & Gaming
777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY, 42262
Number of HHRs: 1,224
This establishment has something for everyone. There are more than 1,200 HHR gaming machines, many of which are themed like your favorite Vegas slot machines.
Oak Grove’s selection of HHR machines includes Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo and Lock It Link-themed machines. Promotions are available for all customers. There’s a chance for new customers to win up to $1,000 Free Play on their first visit.
Oak Grove features award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges, an outdoor amphitheater, and live and simulcast horse racing.
Their signature steakhouse was recently voted “Best Steakhouse” by VIP Clarksville Magazine. There is a food court called Eats, and many to-go options at the O’Dark Thirty Coffee House.
Accommodations include a five-star hotel with all of the amenities, plus an RV park with 30 100-foot pull-through sites for RVs of all sizes.
3. Kentucky Downs
5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY, 42134
Number of HHRs: 1,043
The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs is the spot to have it all. There are more than 1,000 historical horse racing machines with jackpots ranging from $600 all the way up to their record of $780,307.
There is also a Players Club with promotions with cash drawings up to $5,000 and even the chance to win cars and other gifts.
Enjoy a meal at the popular Irons Steakhouse, the 2022 OpenTable Diners’ Choice, and enjoy drinks at either the Center Bar or Oasis Sidebar. Entertainment includes musical performances from artists and DJs.
The Mint recently opened an event center, ready to host a company meeting or wedding. A hotel with 114 rooms and suites, a resort-style pool and more social gathering spaces are set to open in the future.
In the meantime, the recommended hotels nearby include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Franklin, Hampton Inn Franklin and Comfort Inn & Suites.
4. Red Mile Racing & Gaming
1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY, 40514
Number of HHRs: 942
This Lexington track was established in 1875, making it the second-oldest harness racing track in the world. Additionally, it’s got one of the larger selections of HHR machines in the state. Racing events are periodic, but there is a DJ every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for entertainment.
Promotions run multiple times a day through the Players Club, ranging from free drawings, free meals and tons of Free Play up for grabs.
Dining establishments include Center Bar, Frankie’s Bar & Grill, Wager’s Burgers and others. There will be a new Red Bar sports and lounge area and a new smoking area in the future, as well as a Caesars Kentucky Sportsbook called The Red Room.
No hotel is available on the property, but the closest ones recommended are Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green, GuestHouse Lexington and Hilton Lexington Downtown.
5. Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY, 41042
Number of HHRs: 847
Located in Florence, Kentucky, Turfway has over 800 historical horse racing machines with something for everyone. The large gaming floor, two amazing restaurants and live entertainment make for a great night out.
Turfway also shares the same Players Club with Newport Racing & Gaming just 15 minutes away with more gaming, jackpots, food and simulcast racing as well.
There is no hotel attached to this establishment, however the top three closest and recommended hotels are TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Airport South, SpringHill Suites Cincinnati Airport South and Ashley Quarters Hotel, all within half-mile from Turfway.
6. Newport Racing & Gaming
1723 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071
Number of HHRs: 457
This Churchill Downs-owned facility is on the smaller end of the Kentucky HHR spectrum. It’s located in the northern part of the state, on the other side of the Ohio River and just a short drive from Cincinnati.
Aside from HHRs, customers can place wagers on horse races through the simulcast racebook.
7. Mint Gaming Hall Bowling Green
2475 Scottsville Rd. Ste 101 & 102, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Number of HHRs: 449
It’s one of the three Mint Gaming Hall properties in the state and one of the two smaller sister properties to the Franklin-based facility at Kentucky Downs.
Like the other two Mint properties, the Bowling Green location has a simulcast racebook to place bets on horse races nationwide and a handful of dining options. Additionally, there are live entertainment options, including a Karaoke night every Tuesday.
8. Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland
244 Penny Ln, Williamsburg, KY, 40769
Number of HHRs: 447
The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland in Williamsburg features nearly 450 machines and promotions via Players Club for new and returning customers. Win up to $2,500 in free play and gifts, such as a brand new pair of shades.
The simulcast area has widescreen televisions to watch and wager on horse races nationwide.
The popular Backyard restaurant welcomes all families and is open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alternatively, you can grab a drink at Midnight Bourbon for cocktails, beer and wine from 9 a.m. through 2 a.m. daily.
If you want to stay the night, recommended hotels include Holiday Inn Express Williamsburg, Hampton Inn Williamsburg and Cumberland Inn.
9. Ellis Park Racing & Gaming
3300 Highway 41 N, Henderson, KY, 42420
Number of HHRs: 297
This thoroughbred racetrack in Henderson has tons of gaming devices, including nearly 300 historical horse racing machines and slots from pennies up to $5 machines. There is a simulcast calendar available with races multiple times a day.
The Players Club has promotions on the daily with tons of drawings all the time. Current promotions include drawings for a share of $50,000 in Free Play.
Enjoy a meal or two at Dade Park Grill with great prices and something for everyone. If you’ve had a little too much to drink, feel free to stay overnight at one of the hotels nearby, including Courtyard by Marriott Evansville, Drury Inn & Suites Evansville East or Coolbreeze Estate B&B.