Kentucky Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in KY

Find the best online poker rooms in KY and learn about gambling laws in The Bluegrass State

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Kentucky doesn’t offer any licensed or regulated land-based casinos or online poker sites.
  • You can play online poker in Kentucky at our trusted and secure offshore gambling sites.
  • The most popular games at the best Kentucky poker sites are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.
  • Some of the tournaments at Kentucky poker sites offer prizepools worth $1 million.
  • Many of our trusted KY online poker sites support freerolls and Rakeback.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in Kentucky

  • Ignition – Best online poker room overall in Kentucky
  • Everygame – Top rakeback deals in Kentucky
  • Bovada – Best mobile poker app for iOS and Android

Reviews of the Top Three Online Poker Rooms in Kentucky

Ignition Casino

Ignition Poker stands as a top-tier choice for Kentucky players seeking an exceptional online poker experience. This esteemed platform, with a track record dating back to 2016, offers an extensive selection of poker games, including crowd favorites like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo, along with other thrilling options.

At Ignition Poker, players of all levels can find a seat, with stakes ranging from an affordable $0.01/$0.02 to high-limit tables for the more adventurous. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a high roller, there’s a spot for you.

Ignition Poker hosts exciting tournaments, with a standout being the massive $1 million guaranteed prize pool Monthly Millions. Besides that, you can immerse yourself in knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs, ensuring that the action never stops.

New players are warmly welcomed with a generous 100% match bonus, allowing you to double your initial deposit and start your poker journey with a bang. Funding your account is a breeze, with options including credit cards like American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker stands as a premier choice for Kentucky players seeking an exceptional online poker experience. This reputable platform has been catering to poker enthusiasts since 2004, offering a diverse range of poker variants, including the ever-popular Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo. But that’s not all—Everygame Poker also boasts exciting options like Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Affordability is a key feature, with stakes starting as low as $0.01/$0.02, making it an ideal choice for both casual players and high rollers. If you’re aiming for big wins, Everygame Poker hosts the Monthly Millions tournament, featuring a massive guaranteed prize pool of $1 million, alongside knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs to keep the action thrilling.

To sweeten the deal, new players can kickstart their poker journey with up to $500 in bonus funds using the promo code PWB500. Everygame Poker offers a variety of convenient deposit options, including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and cryptocurrency support, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker shines as a premier choice for Kentucky players seeking an exceptional online poker experience. This well-established poker site, operating since 2004, offers a diverse and exciting range of poker games, catering to all preferences. From the ever-popular Texas Hold’em to Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo, Bovada Poker has it all, including Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud, ensuring a variety of options to keep players engaged.

One of its standout features is the accessibility to games for all budgets, with stakes starting as low as $0.01/$0.02, making it the perfect destination for both casual gamers and those who prefer high-limit tables.

Bovada Poker boasts the Monthly Millions tournament, where players have the chance to compete for a remarkable $1 million guaranteed prize pool. In addition to this prestigious event, players can dive into knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs for an extra dose of excitement.

Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, offering up to $500 in bonus funds with a 100% match on their first deposit when using the PWB500 bonus code. Bovada Poker provides a variety of convenient deposit options, including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Online Poker Laws & Regulations in Kentucky – Is It Legal?

It is not an exaggeration to say that Kentucky has not been the most welcoming state when it comes to online gambling. We’re not just talking about online casinos, sports betting, and poker either: Kentucky has long been resistant to land-based casino gaming too.

Kentucky’s gambling laws go one step further than the legislation in other states. The Bluegrass State actively deems any online casino and offshore poker sites to be “gambling devices”, which makes them prohibited. Statutes 230.010 and 528.010 are quite clear that online poker and online casino gambling in Kentucky are off the table.

There have been attempts to make online poker legal. However, most proposed gambling laws have failed to gain traction, or they have been voted down in the Senate.

Kentucky’s general opposition to gambling even extends to the land-based betting world. There are no brick ‘n mortar poker rooms or casinos in Kentucky. Even tribal casinos don’t get a look-in in The Bluegrass State, with residents having to jump to neighboring states to put down a roulette bet.

Kentucky may not be as open to gambling as Las Vegas. However, there are a few peculiarities in the state gaming laws.

For example, both home poker games and social poker games are legal. Secondly, if you choose to play on an offshore poker room, you’re outside Kentucky’s legal reach.

The best online poker sites are accessible, if unregulated, in Kentucky. Moreover, you won’t be prosecuted for playing at our recommend cardrooms.

How to Play Online Poker in Kentucky

If you’re eager to start playing online poker in Kentucky, follow these step-by-step instructions using Ignition Poker as an example:

1. Choose an Online Poker Site

Begin by selecting a reputable online poker site that accepts players from Kentucky. Ignition Poker is a great choice known for its quality and variety of poker games. Check for reviews and comparisons of other available options to ensure you find the right fit for you.

2. Create an Online Poker Account

Visit the Ignition Poker website and locate the ‘Sign Up’ button. Click on it to initiate the registration process. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, address, email, and desired account credentials. After completing the registration form, submit it, and then access your email inbox to confirm your account by clicking on the verification link provided.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose a Sign-Up Bonus

Sign in to your newly created Ignition Poker account. Head to the cashier or banking section of the site. Here, you can select your preferred payment method for depositing funds. Specify the amount you wish to deposit and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.

Some online poker sites offer welcome bonuses that activate automatically upon your initial deposit, while others require you to enter a unique bonus code. If Ignition Poker provides a bonus code, you can typically find it on their promotions or bonus offers page.

4. Play Poker for Real Money

With funds in your account, you’re ready to dive into real-money poker action. Navigate to the poker lobby on Ignition Poker’s website. Here, you can choose from a variety of options, including cash games, tournaments, or Sit ‘n Gos.

Before joining a game, review important details such as minimum and maximum stakes, pot rules, and buy-in amounts. If you’re new to online poker, consider starting with freeroll tournaments or try your skills at play-money tables to gain confidence and experience.

When Will Kentucky Legalize Online Poker?

Are you going to be playing regulated online poker in Kentucky any time soon? We wouldn’t have thought so. There have been moves to make online gambling legal and to create a legal online poker and sports betting industry in Kentucky. However, all moves thus far have been voted down by opponents.

Kentucky’s lawmakers are worried about a possible gambling problem if the laws are relaxed. However, if other states like Tennessee continue to expand their own gaming laws, Kentucky could follow.

How to Choose the Right Kentucky Poker Site for Your Play Style

Now that you know a bit about online poker in Kentucky, you can start looking for the best place to play. Here are our top picks based on each site’s strong suits:

  • Cash game variety: BetOnline Poker
  • Betting limits: Bovada Poker
  • Freeroll availability: Ignition Poker
  • Poker welcome bonus size: Everygame Poker
  • Tournament variety: America’s Card Room
  • Mobile betting: SportsBetting.ag Poker
  • Rakeback: Everygame Poker

What Varieties of Poker Are Available Online in Kentucky?

Offshore poker sites offer a range of games, tournaments, and offers. Here are some of the most popular online poker games that you can enjoy for play or real money:

Texas Hold’em

You can find Texas Hold’em at all our recommended online sites. It’s the variant of choice when it comes to real-money poker games in the US. You can play cash games, tournaments, or Sit ‘n Gos in Hold’em 24/7.

You play Texas Hold’em with two hole cards, plus five community cards that everyone shares. Choose from No Limit, Limit, or Pot Limit betting online – there’s so much choice compared to your nearest brick ‘n mortar cardroom.

Omaha/Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha poker games are also widely available at the top online gambling sites. It’s typically played in cash game variants, but you may also find some big-money tournaments in PLO.

In Omaha, you receive four hole cards each. You must make the best five-card hand from any two of your cards, plus any three community cards. The swings can be brutal in Omaha. However, that’s what makes it perfect for cash games.

Omaha is usually played as a Hi game, where the highest five-card hand wins. Look out for Omaha Hi-Lo too, though, where the qualifying low hand (2-8) can scoop half the pot.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud is one of the older types of games, yet it is still popular among some players in the US. The best poker sites will spread Five-Card Stud alongside Seven-Card Stud. They are both easy to play but get a feel for Limit betting before you start.

The game is played using two face-down cards and one face-up card at the start of a hand. You receive further down-cards in between rounds of betting. The final card is always dealt face-up. You must make the strongest five-card poker hand to win the pot.

Windfall Poker

Windfall is one of those poker games that excels at selected online sites, specifically BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag. It’s a form of Jackpot SNG that has become hugely popular at many online cardrooms.

Windfall Poker utilizes a winner-takes-all Sit ‘n Go format. The prizepool is determined at random, not by the size of the total buy-ins. Games are played as hyper-turbos, and the winner scoops the entire pot.

Boost Poker

Finally, we have Boost Poker. This offers a way of playing poker without putting too much of your chip stack at risk against seasoned pros. This is because Boost Poker sees those who fold their hands moved to another table.

The beauty of Boost Poker is that it’s not just available in cash games at a good gambling site. You can be moved tables during a tournament too. So, if you want fast-paced poker action with a flexible nature, Boost Poker could be for you.

A History of Online Poker Legislation in Kentucky

Kentucky’s gambling history is clouded with debate, but we’ve straightened out the fact from the fiction in this quick guide:

  • 1875: The very first Kentucky Derby is held.
  • 1931: Attempts are made (but fail) to ban horse racing.
  • 1989: The Kentucky lottery game is established.
  • 2008: Kentucky seizes over 140 poker domains offering online casino games to residents.
  • 2011: Kentucky aims to open slot halls, but this law is shot down early on.
  • 2017: A sports betting bill is introduced, with an aim for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to regulate the industry. It fails to gain traction.
  • 2019: Subsequent online sports betting bills are blocked by opponents, with Kentucky residents not overly keen on the idea of legal online poker, casino games, and other online gambling options.

Can You Play Online Poker for Free in Kentucky?

You can absolutely play free online poker in Kentucky. However, you will need to sign up to an offshore poker room that isn’t regulated in the state. Enjoy play-money cash games 24/7, or play freerolls to win real cash.

Some of our top real-money online poker sites, including Ignition Poker, SportsBetting Poker and Everygame Poker, offer generous freerolls. These allow you to play in tournaments without paying an entry fee. These freerolls may be reserved for new members but some good poker rooms also run regular free-to-enter tournaments for regular players.

Mobile Online Poker in Kentucky

Playing online poker via mobile phones and tablets is an option for Kentuckians. Most poker games and the gambling sites that run them are developed using HTML5, so they are optimized for browser-based gameplay. In most cases, you’ll need to do nothing more than visit the site through your web browser in order to play.

However, if you wish to take advantage of dedicated iOS and Android apps, you can do that at some poker rooms. Check our poker reviews to find ideal sites that give you the opportunity to play streamlined mobile poker on the go via apps.

What Online Poker Tournaments Are Available to Kentucky Poker Players?

Tournaments are a very real possibility when you play online poker in Kentucky. All our online poker sites offer a selection of tournaments. They include:

Freerolls

Freerolls represent a way of playing online without having to pay a buy-in. You receive chips for free, but you have a shot at winning some real money during the game.

Freezeout Tournaments

Freezeouts represent the main way to play in tournaments at Kentucky online poker sites. Buy into the game to receive chips. Once you run out of chips, your tournament is over.

Multi-Buy Tournaments

In a multi-buy tournament, you have the opportunity to purchase multiple stacks before you start playing. This gives you more chances to win. However, you will have to possibly pay more than some of your fellow players.

Re-buys

Re-buy tournaments allow you to buy back in if you run out of chips. There is a strict re-buy period followed by an optional add-on. Once the re-buy session ends, the tournament turns into a freezeout. Most re-buy tournaments allow unlimited re-buys, making these tourneys ideal for players with deep pockets.

Guaranteed Tournaments

In a guaranteed tournament, the poker room will pay out a confirmed amount of prize money, regardless of how many players there are. GTD tournaments with few players will likely feature some overlay. This is extra prize money that hasn’t been covered by all the players’ buy-ins.

Online Satellites

You can qualify for a larger online or live tournament by playing a satellite. Satellites can be cheap to play (or even start as freerolls). You qualify your way through the satellites until you’ve won a seat or package into a major tournament. It’s a good way of winning your entry for less.

Bounties

In a bounty tournament, you earn cash by knocking out your opponents. You can build up prize money by eliminating players alone, often without securing tournament cash at all.

Banking Methods at Online Kentucky Poker Apps

You’ll need to make sure that you’ve deposited if you’re keen to start playing online poker in Kentucky. All our recommended Kentucky poker sites accept US dollars, and some even accept cryptocurrency deposits. Options vary from debit and credit cards to cryptocurrency, money transfer options, and personal checks.

Each site will carries its own minimum/maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. You should also factor in potential fees and transaction times when you play for real money. There may also be a KYC procedure if you want to make a withdrawal.

Rakeback at Kentucky Online Poker Rooms

Kentucky online poker sites may support rakeback, depending on the site you choose. Rake is a small cut of the bets made when you wager on the site’s games. Rakeback is naturally the amount of cashback you get from the amount of fees that you’ve paid. Not all online poker sites offer rakeback, but a decent selection of our top recommended rooms do.

Top Brick ‘n Mortar Poker Rooms in Kentucky

You won’t find any land-based casinos in Kentucky. In most cases, you will have to travel outside state borders to find somewhere to gambe. However, there are one or two other options open to you in The Bluegrass State.

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs doesn’t offer poker table games, but legal gambling is very much possible for the average Kentucky player. Some casino-style games are permitted at this famous racetrack, located just outside Louisville, but you’ll need to head across the Ohio River to nearby Indiana for bona fide poker action. That venue is called the Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort.

The Mint Gaming Hall, Kentucky Downs

Gambling games are supposed to be off-limits for the average Kentucky player. However, Kentucky Downs’s Mint Gaming Hall does offer slot machines. You can also enjoy simulcast betting on races at the iconic race track.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in Kentucky

As you can see from our Kentucky gambling guide above, there isn’t much in the way of casinos and poker rooms in The Bluegrass State. However, that could change in the future.

While online poker is a long way from reality, Churchill Downs and other venues are in talks to launch land-based casinos in KY. However, these are only discussions, with nothing concrete yet in place.

Poker Promotions in Kentucky

Head to one of our offshore Kentucky online poker venues to find all manner of offers. Start with a deposit match bonus, then migrate to a reload or rakeback deal. Here are some of the online poker bonuses you can take advantage of right now:

Welcome Bonus

Most online poker sites offer a deposit bonus for new players. You can only claim a welcome bonus once, plus you must clear the wagering terms before you can enjoy any of your free money.

You can also go on to claim reload bonuses if you are a regular customer. Reload deals tends to be smaller than sign-up bonuses. However, you still have the chance to earn free cash by playing your favorite cash games and tournaments.

Freerolls

Freerolls are free-to-enter tournaments that carry no buy-in. You can win cash donated by the poker room. Plus, some freerolls are exclusive to new sign-ups.

Rakeback

Rakeback is the internet poker world’s version of casino cashback. The value of rakeback deals vary, but they generally involve refunding a portion of your fees and charges back as free cash. VIP players can also claim large rakeback deals if their activity qualifies.

Why Play at Kentucky Poker Rooms Online?

Here are five top reasons to play Kentucky online poker:

Dedicated Bonuses

There’s no shortage of deposit bonuses when you play poker online. Moreover, many of the other bonuses and promos are dedicated to specific games. This allows you to claim deals that are tailor-made to your habits.

Play Multiple Tables & Formats

A Kentucky player can also take advantage of multiple tables when playing online. Aside from allowing you to choose from Omaha and Texas Hold’em games, you can also play many other games that you won’t find in a land-based casino. You can multi-table to increase your volume too.

Poker Tournaments

Online tournaments run throughout the week. You can choose from freerolls, Sit ‘n Gos, or big-money tournaments with some seriously large prizes. Look out for weekly specials offering million-dollar prizepools too.

24-Hour Access

Casino games and poker in Kentucky are severely limited. That’s why playing online poker is so advantageous in the state. Log on at home and play games at breakfast, dinner, or supper.

Anonymity

With offshore poker rooms, you can play with a secure username and password without giving away your real name. You can also hide your physical tells when you play against humans across the internet. The top offshore gaming sites allow Bitcoin and Ethereum deposits too, making the anonymous payment system even sweeter.

Famous Kentucky Online Poker Players

Kentucky online poker players and renowned bettors include the following famous faces:

  • Kurt Jewell: Kentucky’s most successful player, Jewell has won just shy of $2 million since 2007 and holds five WSOP circuit rings.
  • Charlie Dawson: Dawson comes from Owensboro and has won over $1.26 million and three WSOP rings.
  • William Billy Kopp: William comes from Erianger, has 15 major cashes, and has been to the final table in the WSOP Main Event.

Kentucky Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Kentucky?

There are no regulated online poker sites in Kentucky. Plus, Kentucky has no plans to legalized and license poker operators working out of the state. However, you can still access offshore gambling sites from within Kentucky.

Can you play real-money poker in Kentucky?

Yes, but you’ll need to head to online poker Kentucky sites based offshore. You can play real-money games and tournaments from home as long as you have a valid account.

Where can I play live poker in Kentucky?

Unless you’re playing at home, you’ll need to head to Indiana, Ohio, or another state for live poker. There are currently no legal cardrooms in the state of Kentucky.

What’s the largest cardroom in Kentucky?

There are currently no legal cardrooms in Kentucky. The Queen of Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana is the closest venue for many Kentuckians to go and play poker.

Can I play online freerolls in Kentucky?

Yes, but not every Kentucky online poker site supports them. Check our reviews to find out which ones offer freerolls with real-money prizes.

Are there comp points at Kentucky poker sites?

Some Kentucky poker sites offer loyalty points when you play games. Build up points, then earn rakeback or cash in points for perks and benefits.

Can you predict the results of an online poker game?

Because you’re playing at Kentucky online poker sites, it is very difficult to gauge poker faces and tells. So, you’re just going to have to rely on your gameplay skills alone.

Are there any famous poker players from Kentucky?

Alongside Kurt Jewell, Charlie Dawson and William Billy Kopp, Dennis Perry, and Mark Smith are notable Kentucky players.

Is Ignition legal in Kentucky?

You can play poker at Ignition Poker’s offshore poker room if you are based in Kentucky. Ignition runs a selection of NLHE and PLO cash games and tournaments to suit all stakes.

Can you play at BetOnline Poker from Kentucky?

Yes. BetOnline is one of the offshore Kentucky poker sites that we are happy to recommend to you. Earn a welcome bonus, then make a deposit and play cash games or tournaments.

What’s the difference between P2P poker and poker games at Kentucky online casinos?

You play P2P poker games against other human opponents. However, online casino video poker games are computerized and governed by random number generators. You must beat the house to win a cash prize.

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