How to Bet on Sports in Kentucky

Legal sports betting has become increasingly popular in the United States during the past few years, thanks in part to the Supreme Court‘s decision in 2018 to strike down a federal law banning sports betting in most states. For a half-decade afterward, Kentucky was among the states that did not legalize sports betting. But that changed in 2023 when a bill was passed by the state legislature and signed into law.

Now that sports betting is legal in Kentucky, there are several ways to place bets on sports. The most common way is to bet on the outcome of a game, such as picking which team will win or lose. However, there are also many other types of bets, such as point spreads, totals, props and futures.

Below, you will find a guide to sports betting in Kentucky that outlines all of the basic information you need to know.

How to read sports betting odds

If you are new to sports betting in Kentucky, understanding the odds can be confusing. However, it is essential to know how odds work to make informed betting decisions. Sports betting odds are designed to reflect the probability of a particular outcome in a sporting event. This guide will explain how to read sports betting odds in Kentucky.

How odds work

Sports betting odds are typically displayed in one of three formats: American, fractional or decimal odds. American odds are the most common format used in the US, while decimal odds are used in Europe and Australia. Fractional odds are commonly used in the UK.

American odds: American odds are the most common odds format used in the United States. These odds are represented as a positive or negative number, and they indicate how much you would need to bet to win $100 on a favored team or how much you would win on a $100 bet on an underdog.

For example, if the odds for a football game are -110 for the favored team and +120 for the underdog, you would need to bet $110 on the favored team to win $100, while a $100 bet on the underdog would win you $120.

Fractional odds: Fractional odds are commonly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These odds are displayed as a fraction and represent the amount you would win compared to the amount you bet.

For example, if the odds for a horse race are 2/1, this means you would win $2 for every $1 bet. If you bet $10, you would win $20, and your total payout would be $30.

Decimal odds: Decimal odds are the most common odds format used in Europe, Australia and Canada. These odds are displayed as decimals and represent the total payout, including your original stake.

For example, if the odds for a soccer game are 1.75, you would win $1.75 for every $1 bet. If you bet $10, you would win $17.50, and your total payout would be $27.50.

Identifying favorites and underdogs

When you’re looking at sports betting odds, the favored team will have a negative (-) sign next to their odds, while the underdog will have a positive (+) sign. For example, if the odds for a football game are -110 for the favored team and +120 for the underdog, you would need to bet $110 on the favored team to win $100, while a $100 bet on the underdog would win you $120.

Understanding -110 odds

Standard -110 odds are notable for how they reveal a sportsbook’s “juice” or “vig” because they’re close to even, except for that extra -10. These odds indicate that you must bet $110 to win $100. The extra $10 represents the sportsbook’s commission, also known as the bookmaker’s fee or the vig.

Why do lines move?

Sports betting odds can change based on the incoming action. This is called a line move. A line move occurs when the odds change from their original point, and this happens because of the money bet on each team. When a lot of money comes in on one team, the sportsbook may adjust the odds to balance the betting action between the two teams.

Types of sports wagers

When it comes to sports betting in Kentucky, there are plenty of options aside from picking a side. Here are some of the most popular types of sports wagers.

Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a simple bet on which team will win a game. The odds for each team are expressed as either a positive or negative number, and you simply bet on the team you think will win. For a more in-depth explanation, check out our guide to moneyline betting.
Totals: A total, also known as an over/under, is a bet on the combined points scored in a game. You can bet on whether that total will be over or under a certain number. For more information, check out our guide to totals betting.
Point spreads: A point spread involves betting on the margin of victory for a team, rather than just whether they will win or lose. For example, if the point spread is five points and you bet on the favorite, they must win by more than five points for you to win the bet. For a more detailed explanation, check out our guide to point spread betting.
Parlays: A parlay bet concerns multiple games or outcomes. To win a parlay bet, you must correctly predict the outcome of each game or event. Parlays can offer bigger payouts than individual bets, but they are also riskier. Check out our guide to parlays for more information.
Teasers: A teaser is similar to a parlay, but it allows you to adjust the point spread or total line to increase your chances of winning. For example, if the original point spread is five points, you could use a teaser to increase the line to seven points in favor of the team you are betting on. Of course, this shrinks your odds. Check out our guide to teasers for more information.
Pleasers: A pleaser bet is the opposite of a teaser. Instead of adjusting the point spread or total in your favor, you adjust it against yourself. For example, if the original point spread is five points, you could use a pleaser to adjust the line to three points against the team you are betting on. Here, you’re customizing a riskier bet in exchange for a bigger potential payout. Check out our guide to pleasers for more information.

These are just a few of the many types of sports wagers available in Kentucky. Understanding the different types of bets and how they work is essential to making informed betting decisions.

Finding a sportsbook in Kentucky

Sports betting in Kentucky is legal and regulated, meaning there are many legal online sportsbooks available to residents of the state. These sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, and more.

If you’re looking for a sportsbook in Kentucky, some of the top options include BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetRivers. These sportsbooks offer competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, and various sports and betting options. Additionally, many sportsbooks offer new users sports betting promos and bonuses, such as free bets or deposit matches.

When choosing a sportsbook, consider the variety of betting options, the odds offered, and the user experience. By researching and comparing different sportsbooks, you can find the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

How to bet on football in Kentucky

Football is a popular sport to bet on in Kentucky, with both the NFL and college football drawing in fans from around the state. When it comes to betting on football, you can make several types of bets, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, and more.

For example, if you’re a fan of the Louisville Cardinals, you can bet on their games by placing a moneyline bet on whether they will win or lose the game. Alternatively, you can bet on the point spread, which would require the Cardinals to win (or lose) by a certain margin for you to win the bet.

Similarly, if you’re a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, you can place a moneyline bet on their games or bet on the point spread. You can also place totals bets on whether the total number of points scored in the game will be over or under a certain number.

When it comes to betting on football, there are some differences to keep in mind compared to other sports. For example, the point spread is a popular betting option in football but may not be as common in other sports. Additionally, football games can have higher totals than other sports, so totals bets may be more competitive.

Discover more football betting insights and tips on our dedicated pages:

How to bet on basketball in Kentucky

Basketball is another popular sport to bet on in Kentucky, with both the NBA and college basketball drawing fans from around the state. When it comes to betting on basketball, you can make several types of bets, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, and more.

For example, if you’re a fan of the Kentucky Wildcats in college basketball, you can bet on their games by placing a moneyline bet on whether they will win or lose the game. Alternatively, you can bet on the point spread, which would require the Wildcats to win (or lose) by a certain margin for you to win the bet.

Similarly, if you’re a fan of the Louisville Cardinals in the NCAAB or the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, you can place a moneyline bet on their games or bet on the point spread. You can also place totals bets on whether the total number of points scored in the game will be over or under a certain number.

Betting on basketball will reveal some differences compared to other sports. For example, basketball games can have much higher scores than other sports, which can make totals bets more competitive. Additionally, the game’s pace can be much faster, which may impact the outcomes of certain bets.

Check out our dedicated pages for more in-depth basketball betting information:

How to bet on baseball in Kentucky

When it comes to betting on baseball, you can make several types of bets, including moneylines, run lines, totals, parlays, teasers and more.

For example, if you’re a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, you can bet on their games by placing a moneyline bet on whether they will win or lose the game. Alternatively, you can place a run line bet, which is similar to the point spread in other sports. It requires the Reds to win (or lose) by a certain margin for you to win the bet.

You can also place totals bets on whether the total number of runs scored in the game will be over or under a certain number. Additionally, you can place a futures bet on which team will win the World Series or the National League.

Regarding betting on baseball, there are some specifics to keep in mind. For example, baseball games can have lower scores than in other sports, which can make totals bets swirl around certain smaller numbers. Additionally, the starting pitcher can significantly impact the outcome of the game, so it’s important to consider the pitching matchups when placing your bets.

Find everything you need to know about baseball betting on our dedicated pages:

How to bet on hockey in Kentucky

You can make several types of bets when betting on hockey in Kentucky, including moneylines, puck lines, totals, parlays, teasers and more.

For example, if you’re a Nashville Predators fan, you can bet on their games by placing a moneyline bet on whether they will win or lose the game. Alternatively, you can place a puck line bet, which is similar to the point spread in other sports. This would require the Predators to win (or lose) by a certain margin for you to win the bet.

You can also place totals bets on whether the total number of goals scored in the game will be over or under a certain number. Additionally, you can place a futures bet on which team will win the Stanley Cup or the Western Conference.

Remember that hockey games can have lower scores than other sports, which can make totals bets hinge on common goal totals. Additionally, the starting goalie can significantly impact the outcome of the game, so it’s important to consider the goalie matchups when placing your bets.

How to bet on soccer in Kentucky

Soccer is a popular sport worldwide and is gaining popularity in Kentucky. There are two professional soccer teams in the state, with many fans following the Louisville City FC, which plays in the USL Championship, and Racing Louisville FC, which plays in the NWSL.

When it comes to betting on soccer, there are several types of bets you can make, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers and more.

Moneylines are, of course, available for picking straight winners and losers. Additionally, you can place totals bets on whether the total number of goals scored in the game will be over or under a certain number. You can also bet on the point spread, which requires the favored team to win by a certain margin.

There are distinct soccer characteristics to consider when betting, like the fact that soccer games often end in draws. Additionally, the number of goals scored in a soccer game is typically lower than in other sports, meaning totals results tend to hover around small, key numbers.