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Kentucky Horse Racing Betting

Author: AmericanGambler1234 | Last Updated: August 31, 2023 | Fact Checked By: Alejandro del Rio

It should go without saying that the horse racing industry in Kentucky is thriving. This goes for their many tracks including Church Hill Downs, their OTB’s, and their online sites as well. Wagering on horse racing isn’t the only option at Kentucky betting sites, but it is a very popular one. Sign up with the Amwager online (off-track) horse racing betting site with a promotional code AMGAMBLER. Bet on Kentucky Derby with no restrictions.

Horse Betting Sites in Kentucky 2023

Wagering on horse races in Kentucky is only possible online. Sites like AmWager and TwinSpires are excellent choices.

The state is home to five thoroughbred horse racing tracks, including Churchill Downs, home of the most famous horse race in America and possibly the world – the Kentucky Derby. The Louisville Oval, which opened in 1875, has hosted 144 annual renewals of the storied race, the first leg in the Triple Crown.

The Bluegrass States is the so-called cradle of the U.S. thoroughbred breeding industry and a major center of horse racing in USA.

With legalized sports betting on the horizon, customers can also claim Kentucky sports betting promos if they are looking to place additional wagers outside of horse racing.

Churchill Downs

But Churchill Downs is hardly the only jewel in the Kentucky racing constellation: Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington hosts top-quality racing meetings in the spring and fall.

Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs in Franklin holds a short five-day meet with astronomical purses in late summer over its undulating and oddly shaped European style turf course.

Ellis Park in Henderson and Turfway Park in Florence

Ellis Park in Henderson and Turfway Park in Florence both offer more workmanlike racing, but both are well supported by the state’s robust horse racing industry.

Standardbred harness racing

Standardbred harness racing also is conducted at the Red Mile in Lexington and a new harness racing facility, to be operated jointly by Churchill Downs and Keeneland.

The state also has a lottery and allows charitable gaming. Casinos are barred, but the state has  recently authorized historical racing machines – slot machine-like contraptions operated at the racing venues that help support purses.

As you would expect in a state that has made horse racing such an integral part of its identity, advance deposit wagering, via phone or Internet, is legal and provided by all licensed U.S. providers, including the homegrown TwinSpires. It is operated by Churchill Downs.

The state also is exploring sports gambling, with two bills before the Legislature in 2021. Racing entities would likely have a leg up on providing such services.