Casinos in Kentucky
Updated: October 16, 2025
Kentucky Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations
Kentucky Casino Map
The Best Casino in Kentucky
Slots
900
Special Services
- Dining
- Live concerts
- Shows
The Biggest Casinos in Kentucky
| Derby City Gaming | Louisville | 85.000 | 0 | 0 | Read Our Review Visit Website |
| Kentucky Downs Gaming | Franklin | N/A | 0 | 0 | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Are There Indian Casinos in Kentucky?
Indian casinos refer to gambling establishments that are built on native land, and such entities are regulated by the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. While there are 501 Indian gaming operations currently active in the US (which contribute around 43% of the nation’s total casino revenue), none of these are currently based in Kentucky, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t wager freely in the state!
Racino
As something of a spiritual home for horse racing, it should come as no surprise that Kentucky is home to a superb racino in the city of Franklin. Unlike the other Kentucky casino, this site offers access to live race events and sports bets, and a genuinely immersive gambling experience!
| Kentucky Downs Gaming | Franklin | 1.0, | N/A | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Kentucky?
In essence, riverboat or cruise ship casinos are gambling establishments that operate on the open waves, and there are 63 such entities currently active in the US. However, these are confined to just six states, with Kentucky not listed amongst this number. So, you’ll have to make do with visiting either KY’s sole commercial casino or Franklin-based racino.
Full Kentucky Casino List
While there are a limited number of land-based casinos in Kentucky, it’s important to understand where each one is located in relation to the other. So, here’s further details on the state’s gambling locations and the distance that exists between them.
Choose a City
Choose a Type
| All Casinos in Louisville | ||||
| Derby City Gaming | 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, 40213 | |||
| Kentucky Downs Gaming | 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, 42134 | |||
Expected New Casinos
The Kentucky Downs racetrack is embarking on an expansion project that will eventually open up a 30,000-square foot venue in which patrons can play Historic Horse Racing games. Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel is expected to open in September 2020.
Gambling in Kentucky
| Kentucky Gambling Topics | Gambling Facts for Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 2 |
| Casino Types | Commercial, Racino |
| Casino Games Offered | Slots, Harness and Horse Racing (at Kentucky Downs), Bingo, Poker, |
| Age | 21+ to bet with cash, |
| Smoking | Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each Kentucky casino |
| Drinking | Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served |
| Opening Hours |
24/7
,
Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
|
| Betting Limit | N/A (Kentucky Downs has a minimum bet limit of $0.01) |
| Taxation of Winnings | Yes/No, for additional details click here |
Casino Games in Kentucky
While there are a limited number of casino games available in Kentucky, numerous slots are accessible to gamblers. However, if you want a larger selection of games, then you can always travel out of state to one of the great land-based casinos in neighboring states. Here’s a breakdown of precisely what to expect in Kentucky:
Slot
- Colossal Wizards
- Li’l Red
- Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
- Forbidden Dragons
- Queen of the Wild II
- Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
- 1531 Slot Machines
- Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
- Slot Providers: Igt, and WMS
Casino Poker
- N/A
Additional DetailsN/A
Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
- Poker
Additional DetailsN/A
Roulette
- N/A
Additional DetailsN/A
Blackjack
- N/A
Additional DetailsN/A
Dice Games
- N/A
Additional DetailsN/A
Lottery Games
- Bingo
Additional DetailsN/A
Other Games
- N/A
Additional DetailsN/A
Sports Betting
- Harness Racing
- Thoroughbred (Grade I, Grade II, Grade III)
- Standardbred
Additional DetailsThere are various types of bet available at Kentucky Downs, including Win, Place, Show and Superfecta wagers
Gambling Legal Situation in Kentucky
When was casino gambling legalized in Kentucky?
Full casino gambling has yet to be fully legalised in the state of Kentucky, but competition-based electronic slots and on-track horse race betting are allowed at licensed resorts.
Online gambling
While online gambling isn’t expressly prohibited in Kentucky, respective bills in 2019 and 2020 have failed to create a framework for legalizing and regulating this practice.
What is the legal gambling age in Kentucky?
You’re allowed to wager with cash at Kentucky’s casino locations from the age of 21 upwards, while those aged 18 or older can participate in the state lottery.
Can you smoke in Kentucky casinos?
While smoking is largely prohibited at Kentucky casinos, players can indulge this pastime in specific areas that have been designated outside.
Horse racing / Off-Track betting
On-track horse race betting is permitted in Kentucky, both in the form of live sports wagering and instant gaming machines that re-run historic races. However, off-track and online betting remains prohibited.
Dog racing / Off-Track betting
Dog racing is completely banned in the state of Kentucky, so there’s no opportunity to wager either on or off-track on the sport.
Kentucky charitable gaming
In Kentucky, various type of licensed charitable gaming is permitted, including raffles, specific bingo games and the sales of scratch-off type tickets.
Other legal restrictions
While skill and competition-based slots are allowed in Kentucky, traditional slot machines that features games of chance are not available to players.
Taxation of Winnings
Like all states, any winnings earned while gambling in Kentucky will be subject to a flat Federal rate tax of 24%. For winnings that exceed the value of $5,000, a state tax rate of 6% will be added, creating a total liability of 30% overall.
Prize ($)
$5,000 or less
(any prize)
Kentucky Gross Income Tax (%)24 Federal Tax
Prize ($)
$5,000 or above
(any prize)
Kentucky Gross Income Tax (%)24 Federal Tax + 6 state take (30% total)
Kentucky Gambling Laws
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Kentucky Revised Statutes, et seq.: Gambling
The opening of full casinos remains prohibited in Kentucky, but state laws have been relaxed to allow for electronic competition-based slots
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Kentucky Revised Statutes,et seq.: Horse Racing and Showing
Allows horse running, trotting, pacing and harness races wagering. Pari-mutuel betting only is permitted
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Kentucky Revised Statutes 528.010,et seq.: Gambling
Charitable gaming is allowed in the form of licensed bingo games, raffles and scratch cards.
History
Interestingly, the entire constitution of Kentucky was deliberately worded to prevent the crude and corrupt lotteries of the 1800s. It has proved difficult for the state to overcome this prohibitive legislation over the years, creating a scenario where only a select few forms of gambling are now accessible to modern-day players.
The Kentucky Downs racino in Franklin first opened in 1990, while the state’s first commercial gambling hub began trading on September 14th, 2018.
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1875-1988 Of course, the state remains synonymous with horse racing, and has done ever since the old Churchill Downs site opened its doors in 1875 (this site continues to host the famous Kentucky Derby each and every year). Over the course of the next 50 years, pari-mutuel betting became incredibly popular statewide, but it was not until the 1980s when gambling regulations were extended beyond this type of wagering.
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1988 – 2008 1988 finally saw the state’s Lottery Act passed, while the iconic Kentucky Downs racino (which contains a racecourse and various types of event with slot gaming) first opened its doors on April 22nd, 1990. Less than two years later, legislation was passed to allow for charitable gaming, including the use of selected bingo games, raffles and scratch cards for good causes.
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2008 – present Further proposed legislative changes have been slow to take hold since the turn of the century, with 2008 seeing more than 140 domain names seized by the government having been decried as gambling devices. While 2019 and 2020 also saw failed attempts to legalise online gambling in Kentucky, the state’s first non-racino facility was opened for business in September 2018 and has become incredibly popular in the region.
Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation
As we’ve already touched on, the last 24 months have seen two failed online gambling bills in the state of Kentucky, and it seems unlikely that even revised legislation would pass the senate in 2025. However, work has already started to expand the Kentucky Downs racino, creating a 30,000 sq. Ft venue that features recently installed historic horse racing games.
Kentucky Casino Resorts and Trips
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at your accommodation options when visiting either of Kentucky’s two casino resorts.
We’ll also take a brief look at some of the best casino trips and packages on offer, with a keen focus on achieving genuine value for your hard-earned cash.
Casino Resorts
Neither the Derby City casino or the Kentucky Downs racino boast accommodation, so you’ll need to stay elsewhere during your visit. In terms of the former, the Surestay Plus by Best Western in Louisville offers a high quality and convenient stay, as it’s located just 1.1-miles from the Derby City casino.
When visiting the Kentucky Downs racino, the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Franklin (which is 12.3-miles away) offers excellent value for money. This 2-star resort rents rooms for an average price of $88 per night, although you can usually strike deals that are slightly cheaper than this.
| Number of Rooms | 97 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 80 |
| Special Packages | "Pool", "Free WiFi", "Parking" |
| Additional Services | Pet friendly hotel |
| Number of Rooms | 75 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 85 |
| Special Packages | "Fitness center", "Indoor pool", "Spa tub" |
| Additional Services | Free self parking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Casinos in Kentucky?
Yes, there are two casinos in the state of Kentucky, with a commercial establishment in Louisville and a racino in Franklin.
Are Drugs Allowed in Kentucky State?
Kentucky has a range of strict laws prohibiting controlled substances, with the possession of anything except specific prescription drugs completely forbidden.
Is it possible to bring your children to the casinos in Kentucky?
While you can take your children to the restaurants at both of Kentucky’s casinos, minors aren’t allowed on the gambling floor.
Do Kentucky casinos allow guns?
While there’s no express law prohibiting the carrying of firearms into Kentucky casinos, the possession of a loaded gun is forbidden in any room or premises where alcoholic beverages are sold.
Am I allowed to bring pets to any casino in Kentucky?
At present, pets aren’t allowed in either of Kentucky’s two casinos or their restaurants, although an exemption can be made for service dogs.
Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?
If you showcase signs of problem gambling and want to get to grips with your behaviour, you can visit the online Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling.
About Kentucky
| Capital | Frankfort |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green |
| Size | 104,659 km² |
| Population | 4.468 million |
| Time Zone | GMT -4 |
| Abbreviation | KY |