All of the Kentucky State online poker site bonuses mentioned on this page are subject to change at any time, should any of them be of interest to you please visit the respective Poker sites website for full terms and conditions of any bonus listed.
Online Louisville Poker Rooms in KY
If you're a poker enthusiast in Louisville, Kentucky, you're in luck! Our guide to the best online poker rooms will help you find the right site for your needs.
Kentucky is a state with a love-hate relationship with gambling. Although most forms of gambling are still illegal, the residents of the Bluegrass State have enjoyed the thrill of pari-mutuel horse race wagering and lottery for ages.
But what about online poker? Unfortunately, there are no state-regulated poker websites in the land of bourbon and fried chicken. However, you can still get in on the action, thanks to offshore poker rooms. These popular foreign-based poker websites accept US and Kentucky players.
In the following article, we’ll dive into the online poker scene in Louisville and explore your options. So sit back, grab a mint julep, and let’s get ready to shuffle some virtual chips.
Best Online Poker Sites in Louisville, KY
You’ve come to the right page if you want to enjoy a safe and quality online poker experience. The following is a list of the best offshore poker platforms where ‘Ville citizens can take a virtual seat. All of these websites have been thoroughly researched and vetted by our experts.
My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:- 100% Legal & Licensed
- Verified Bonus
- Mobile Friendly
- Advertiser Disclosure
Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions
- Must be 18+ to participate.
Displayed 3 of 8 rooms
Is Online Poker Legal in Louisville, KY
Gambling has been an integral part of the Bluegrass State culture since the earliest days of settlement. Louisville has been a hub for horse racing ever since the first Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs on May 17, 1875. In 1906, pari-mutuel betting was the first form of gambling legalized in Derby City, followed by the Lottery in 1989 and charitable gaming in 1994.
The first steps toward allowing any type of online gambling in Louisville, KY, were the TwinSpires website with pari-mutuel bets (2007), Historical Horse Racing machines for betting on replays of horse races (2011), and iLottery.
Unfortunately for the residents of the Bluegrass State, attempts to legalize other gambling verticals (casinos, online poker, sports betting) have been unsuccessful due to opposition from conservative lawmakers and religious groups.
In 2017, Senator Julian Carroll proposed BR 155, which would have enabled betting on sporting events through smartphones or computers, but it was never adopted. Rep. Keene’s attempt to legalize casino gambling in February 2019 with HB 190 also failed. However, the battle wasn’t over.
In 2022, House Bill 606 was sponsored by eight Representatives to legalize sports wagering and regulate online poker and DSF. It failed to pass the Senate due to a lack of support from the Republican Party.
The most recent move toward legalizing online poker and sports betting was made on January 5, 2023, with the introduction of House Bill 106. We’re yet to find out whether the bill will pass.
Despite poker being illegal in Kentucky, individual players rarely face charges as the state authorities focus on prosecuting illegal gambling operations. Therefore players from Derby City can enjoy poker games on offshore platforms.
Laws & Regulations In Kentucky
Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 528.010 defines gambling as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device… based upon an element of chance.”
Though you can play on any of the platforms we listed, it’s still important to do some research before participating in online gambling activities in Louisville. And here’s where to get relevant information:
Selecting a Good Online Poker Room
The sites we recommended are some of the best poker rooms catering to Louisville residents. However, you might still want to look further into the competition.
If you’re curious about how we decided which offshore poker sites to feature on this page, read the guide below — it will tell you what to look for in an online poker site before putting down your money.
Licensing and Security
Whenever you’re searching for a poker site, always check the licensing and security first. Proper licensing ensures that the poker room operates legally and is held accountable for its practices.
You don’t want to end up playing at a sketchy casino that puts your money at risk. Security protects your personal and financial info from hackers and scammers. It’s like having a bouncer at a party — they’ll ensure safety and fun.
Games and Tournaments
A wide selection of games and tournaments is vital because it keeps things fresh and competitive. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic game of Texas Hold ’em or want to try something more exotic, like Razz, you should be able to find something that suits you.
With a diverse range of tournaments, there are more opportunities to walk away with a fat stack of cash. From low-stakes events with small fields to high-stakes games with massive payouts, you can tailor your play to your budget and skill level. Plus, if you like to mix things up, enrolling in different tournament formats (like freezeouts, rebuys, and satellites) can help you test different strategies and develop new skills.
Rake and Player Traffic
Rake is the commission (typically a percentage of the pot) charged by the poker room for hosting the game, and player traffic is the number of active players on the site.
Simply put, a lower rake is better for players as more money stays in the pot, and higher player traffic gives more game/tournament options. So, look for a low-rake and high-traffic combo.
Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses (welcome deals, reloads, special promos for tournaments) are important factors for players choosing an online poker room.
But, before taking advantage of any deal, read the T&C to see which requirements apply (e.g., a minimum deposit or number of hands played).
Banking Options
Before joining an online poker site, double-check their Banking section for accepted payment methods (e.g., credit cards, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets), processing speed/fees, and deposit/withdrawal limits/frequency.
Device Compatibility
In case you prefer playing on the go, make sure the online poker room you choose is compatible with your device and operating system.
Most online poker platforms are mobile-friendly, providing mobile browsers or native Android and iOS apps. However, you should test the website’s functionality on your phone if there is no app.
Customer Support
Access to dependable and responsive customer service can make or break a gaming experience.
An offshore online poker room should provide multiple ways to contact customer support (via email, phone, or live chat) 24/7. Aside from customer service representatives, the poker platform should have informative Help and FAQ sections and extensive T&C pages.
Benefits of Playing Online Poker
Since no land-based casinos exist in Louisville, online poker rooms are players’ only option. These websites provide numerous advantages, including the following:
- Convenience — Online poker rooms provide a convenient and secure way to play poker from the comfort of your home at a lower cost.
- Wide range of games and tournaments — Online casinos generally have a more extensive gaming portfolio than their land-based counterparts.
- Better bonuses — Due to competition, online poker rooms strive to provide more generous bonuses to new and returning players. Deposit match bonuses, reloads, cashback, loyalty rewards, and freerolls are some of the promotions available on these platforms.
Famous Poker Players From Louisville, KY
Despite not having any commercial or online casinos, the state of Kentucky has given a few notable poker players. Here are the top five of the Kentucky All-Time Money List and their winnings to date:
- Kurt Jewell (pictured) — Jewell is a Kentucky-based professional poker player who has been playing for over a decade. In live tournaments, he has earned $1,998,999, with his best live cash being $257,922. He is currently ranked 597th on the All-Time Money List in the United States.
- Charlie Dawson — Dawson, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, has earned a total of $1,258,994. He has three WSOP rings to his name.
- William Billy Kopp — Kopp has made a total of $1,255,294 in live earnings. He won the most at World Championship No Limit Hold ’em in 2009, where he took home $896,730.
- Dennis Perry — the “Ironman” from Kentucky, won the 2006/07 WSOP Circuit Championship event at Tunica Casino in Mississippi. That victory got him $563,402, which is also his biggest live win. His last appearance was in February 2017, where he placed fourth in the $300 No Limit Hold’em — Seniors event in Jack Poker Open, Cincinnati, cashing out $8,569. His total live earnings total $1,101,418.
- Mark Smith — Smith, nicknamed “Pegasus” due to his horse racing and breeding background, is a professional poker player from Georgetown, Kentucky. He is best known as the first player to win five WSOP Circuit rings and as the 2009–10 WSOP Circuit Player of the Year. He has earned $843,575 in his poker career.
Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker
Louisville has zero brick-and-mortar casino options. Therefore the closest thing to real action for its residents is road trips to neighboring states to play live poker or sign up for tournaments. KY players are most likely to visit the following casinos:
Name | Address | Number of tables | Cash games | Tournaments |
Belterra Casino Resort | 777 Belterra Dr, Florence, IN 47020 | 9 | Yes | Yes |
Caesars Southern Indiana | 11999 Casino Center Dr SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117 | 16 | Yes | Yes |
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack | 1 S Stone St, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 9 | Yes | Yes |
Rivers Casino | 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5840 | 28 | Yes | Yes |
Rocky Gap Casino Resort | 16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530 | 3 | Yes | Yes |
And if you’re not keen on traveling, you can have fun at home poker games, which are considered legal if there’s no rake or the winnings and losses do not exceed $500.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Louisville, KY?
No, online poker isn’t legal in Louisville, but players from Derby City can join offshore poker rooms and play with any repercussions.
What are the most popular online poker games played in Louisville?
Louisville’s most popular online poker games are Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, all of which are available on our recommended offshore poker sites.
What are the legal requirements for playing online poker in Louisville, Kentucky?
There are no specific legal requirements for playing online poker in Louisville, Kentucky, as the state doesn’t regulate gambling. However, it is essential to note that offshore platforms usually require players to be at least 18 to sign up for an account.