Both live horse racing betting and simulcast wagering are perfectly legal in this state, offering you a wide array of options to indulge in your passion. Notably, Kentucky hosts some of the most prestigious races in the nation, including the renowned Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs.
Address: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-636-4400
Home to the renowned Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Clark Stakes, this well-established racetrack provides a captivating experience that goes beyond mere betting. With a seating capacity of 165,000, it hosts live racing and simulcast wagering on a 1-mile dirt track and a 0.87-mile turf track.
From Grade I, II, and III thoroughbred racing to a variety of betting options including Superfecta, Quinella, Win, Place, and Show, there’s something for everyone. Simulcast admission is just $3 on normal days and $5 on live racing dates, making it a must-visit destination for any horse racing fan.
Address: 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510
Phone: 859-254-3412
Keeneland has a rich tradition of horse racing dating back to 1936. With a seating capacity of 20,813, the racetrack offers live Kentucky racing and simulcast betting on a 1.05-mile dirt track and a 0.875-mile turf track.
The venue hosts popular races like the Blue Grass Stakes, Madison Stakes, and Ashland Stakes. You can place a variety of bets including Quinella, Superfecta, Win, Parlay, and Show. For just $7, you can experience the thrill of the racing season from April to October.
Don’t forget to download the Keeneland Race Day App, your central hub for all the essential information. A season pass for $40 offers unbeatable value. Remember, there’s no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Address: 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: 270-586-7778
This exclusive venue offers a racing season from August to mid-September, featuring Grade I, II, and III races. The racetrack, America’s only all-turf track, is a distinctive kidney shape with a right-hand bend, making it one of the longest and most unique tracks in the nation.
You can partake in live racing and simulcast wagering, with bet types including Win, Place, Show, Pick 5, Quinella, and Superfecta. Beyond racing, Kentucky Downs offers a gaming area for added excitement.
When you need a break, several bars and dining options await, from a cozy corner cafe to a sumptuous steakhouse. The Sidebar offers a more casual setting.
Address: 3300 US Hwy 31 N, Henderson, KY 42420
Phone: 812-425-1456
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming offers horse racing and diverse gaming options. With a history dating back to 1922, Ellis Park offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. You can place bets on various races including Grade I, II, and III thoroughbred betting on a 1.125-mile dirt track and 1-mile turf.
The betting types include Pick 3, Win, Place, Parlay, Quinella, and Show. Watch the action unfold on 30 screens, adding to the overall excitement. With a seating capacity of 6,000 and no entrance fee, it’s an accessible venue for all.
Beyond racing, Ellis Park is a gaming hub offering casino games and a sportsbook. When hunger strikes, head to the Dade Park Grill for a vast variety of delicious food.
Address: 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504
Phone: 859-371-0200
The venue, featuring a one-mile racetrack, offers both thoroughbred and harness races. With a racing season from August to mid-October, you have ample opportunities to witness the excitement. With over 175 screens, you won’t miss a moment of the action. You can place bets like Superfecta, Quinella, Win, Place, and Parlay, either on-site or through their mobile betting app.
The venue offers more than just racing. With a gaming area and private event spaces, it’s a hub of entertainment. With no entrance fee and 6,500 seats, you and 18,000 other fans can enjoy the thrill of the race each year.
Home to renowned Kentucky race tracks like Kentucky Downs and Churchill Downs, let’s take a look at the other horse race tracks in the state.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Churchill Downs | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 | 502-636-4400 | Yes |
| Ellis Park Racing & Gaming | 3300 US Hwy 31 N, Henderson, KY 42420 | 812-425-1456 | Yes |
| Keeneland | 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510 | 859-254-3412 | Yes |
| Kentucky Downs | 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 | 270-586-7778 | Yes |
| Oak Grove Racing | 375 Thompsonville Ln, Oak Grove, KY 42262 | 270-984-4200 | Yes |
| Red Mile Racetrack | 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504 | 859-255-0752 | Yes |
| Turfway Park | 7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY 41042 | 859-371-0200 | Yes |
| Sandy’s Racing & Gaming | 10699 US 60, Ashland, KY 41102 | 312-504-7848 | Yes |
As a betting enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that simulcast wagering is not only legal in Kentucky, but it’s also widely available. Whether you’re at a live race track or at one of the numerous standalone simulcast wagering facilities, you can place your bets on live races happening across the country. So, let’s review the list of all simulcast wagering locations throughout Kentucky.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Derby City Gaming | 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213 |
| Newport Racing & Gaming | 1723 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071 |
| Churchill Downs | 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 |
| Ellis Park Racing & Gaming | 3300 US Hwy 31 N, Henderson, KY 42420 |
| Keeneland | 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510 |
| Kentucky Downs | 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 |
| Oak Grove Racing | 375 Thompsonville Ln, Oak Grove, KY 42262 |
| Red Mile Racetrack | 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504 |
| Turfway Park | 7500 Turfway Rd, Florence, KY 41042 |
| Sandy’s Racing & Gaming | 10699 US 60, Ashland, KY 41102 |
From the high-stakes Blue Grass Stakes to the iconic Kentucky Derby and the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, there’s always a thrilling race to look forward to. Mark your calendars, as we’re about to offer a list of these major races along with their respective dates.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Jenny Wiley Stakes | April | Keeneland |
| Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes | April | Keeneland |
| Blue Grass Stakes | April | Keeneland |
| Madison Stakes | April | Keeneland |
| Ashland Stakes | April | Keeneland |
| Derby City Distaff Stakes | May | Churchill Downs |
| Kentucky Oaks | May | Churchill Downs |
| Kentucky Derby | May | Churchill Downs |
| Turf Classic | May | Churchill Downs |
| La Troienne | May | Churchill Downs |
| Beverly D Stakes | August | Churchill Downs |
| Arlington Million | August | Churchill Downs |
| Keeneland Turf Mile | October | Keeneland |
| Alcibiades Stakes | October | Keeneland |
| Breeders’ Futurity Stakes | October | Keeneland |
| Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup | October | Keeneland |
| First Lady Stakes | October | Keeneland |
| Spinster Stakes | October | Keeneland |
| Clark Stakes | November | Churchill Downs |
As a betting enthusiast in Kentucky, you have a wide array of horse racing and betting options at your disposal. You can bet on a variety of horse races including thoroughbred racing, harness racing, quarter horse racing, Appaloosa racing, and Arabian horse racing.
When it comes to betting types, you’re not limited to just straight bets like Win, Place, and Show. You can also explore exotic bets such as Quinella, Trifecta, and Superfecta among others. These diverse betting options provide a multitude of ways to engage with and enjoy the thrilling world of Kentucky horse racing.
Learn all about Kentucky gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
The rich history of Kentucky horse racing dates back to 1789, making it a deep-rooted part of the state’s culture. As a betting enthusiast, you’ll be interested to know that all pari mutuel betting is overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). Since 2011, the state has been embroiled in controversy over instant racing, which allows bettors like you to wager on previously run horse races using a slot-machine-like device.
The KHRC ruled instant racing legal, stating that bets are pooled against other players, not the house. This stance was supported by the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, which considers instant racing a form of pari mutuel wagering. In response, the KHRC adopted regulations in 2011 to manage this type of betting.
However, opponents challenged this in court, arguing it’s akin to a slot machine, which Kentucky law forbids. In 2013, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the KHRC has the authority to license and regulate instant racing, but left it to the Franklin Circuit Court to decide whether instant racing is pari mutuel wagering or not. This decision is still pending.
In 2018, the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was repealed. While other states started taking steps toward authorizing sports betting, positive steps were also made in Kentucky.
In 2020, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the Exacta Systems product was not pari mutuel. In response, legislators in 2021 updated the definition of pari mutuel wagering to allow historical horse racing. Furthermore, in 2011, advance deposit wagering was legalized, adding another layer to Kentucky’s complex horse racing history.
US state gambling laws are all independent of each other, so it’s vital for you to check the rules and regulations in your area. As a bettor, you can participate in pari mutuel betting, which is overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The state has a rich history of horse racing dating back to 1789, making it a deeply ingrained part of the local culture. You can also engage in instant racing, a form of betting on previously run races.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through simulcast wagering facilities, which broadcast races from different locations in real-time. This allows you to place bets on these races as if you were there in person. So, even if you’re in Kentucky, you can still bet on races happening elsewhere.
The largest race track in Kentucky is Churchill Downs. Located in Louisville, it’s famously known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the United States. The track has a seating capacity of around 170,000, making it the largest in the state.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Kentucky. The state allows Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), which is a form of gambling on the outcome of horse races in which the bettor must fund their account before being allowed to place bets. Remember to practice responsible and safe gambling practices.
There are several ways you can bet on Kentucky horse racing events. You can go to the physical Kentucky race tracks and place your bets in person, which also gives you the thrill of watching the race live. Alternatively, you can use online wagering platforms if you prefer to bet from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, off-track betting locations are available where you can place bets on races happening elsewhere.
In Kentucky, the legal age to bet on horse races is 18 years old. This applies whether you’re betting at a physical racetrack, online, or at an off-track betting location. Always ensure you’re of legal age before participating in any form of gambling.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
