Kentucky Online Poker Rooms
Is Poker Legal In Kentucky?
The legality of poker in Kentucky depends on a few factors, like where you're playing, for how much, and through what method. In general, poker is unregulated in Kentucky, and according to KRS 528.010, gambling is defined as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device which is based upon an element of chance.” Since poker involves elements of chance, it falls under this definition and can come with small penalties. There are no commercial casinos or licensed card rooms in Kentucky, and online poker is also unregulated and considered illegal. However, poker sites located outside of Kentucky and the country are permissible, as they follow a different set of rules. Despite attempts to legalize online poker and casino gaming in the 2020s, no legislation has been passed to change the current legal status.
What Is The Legal Poker Age In Kentucky?
To play poker in Kentucky, one must be 18 years old. The legal gambling age is 18 in Kentucky for basically all forms of gambling, giving young adults the rare opportunity to engage in whatever method they choose. Unlike many other states with poker, players can legally participate in horse racing, the state lottery, and sports betting as well. So whether you're playing online or in a private setting, 18-year-olds can enjoy poker.
Live Poker Rooms In Kentucky
Poker social clubs exist as the only live poker rooms in Kentucky. They can operate legally under the state’s gambling laws as long as they follow specific guidelines: the clubs do not profit from the outcome of the games themselves. Instead, they typically charge membership fees or seat rental charges, allowing them to host games in compliance with the law. Because of this, a few private Kentucky poker clubs have found ways to operate where players voluntarily contribute to overhead costs. These clubs aren’t heavily advertised and tend to fly under the radar, but they offer live real-money poker games in Kentucky.
- Moneymaker Social Louisville - An eight-table poker room opened by 2003 WSOP champion Chris Moneymaker.
- Club JAQK - This Louisville poker room is the largest social club in Kentucky with 11 tables.
- Lexington Card Club - As a members-only poker room in Lexington, you won't find easy access.
- The Royal Social Club - Based in London, they are common for $100 buy-in tournaments.
- The Barrel Social Club - In Franklin, this poker room has hosted the Kentucky Poker Open.
Closest Live Poker Rooms
Louisville is the best spot when looking for the closest live poker rooms. Moneymaker Social Louisville opened in June 2024 and is one of the most notable clubs. Located near the University of Louisville, they regularly have $1/$3 No-Limit Hold’em and $5/$5 Pot-Limit Omaha. Not far away, Club JAQK stands out with though they have faced occasional controversy over the years. There are also poker rooms near Lexington. While Lexington Card Club is a private members-only venue that opened in April 2024, it's clean and professional. In southeastern Kentucky, The Royal Social Club in London provides another reliable venue, while The Barrel Social Club in Franklin has earned a loyal following, too.
Live Poker Just Outside Kentucky
If you're willing to cross state lines, there are a couple of full-scale poker rooms near Kentucky that offer casino amenities too. The best of the poker rooms in Illinois and Indiana for Kentucky players to consider are below.
- Caesars Southern Indiana (Elizabeth, IN): ~15 miles from downtown Louisville, offering daily cash games like $1/$2 NLHE and $2/$5 PLO, along with regular tournaments.
- Harrah’s Metropolis (Metropolis, IL): ~10 miles from Paducah, Harrah’s Metropolis features cash games and tournaments in a smaller, more laid-back venue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On How To Play Poker In Kentucky
Can You Play Poker At Home For Money?
Yes, you can legally play poker at home for money in Kentucky, as long as the game qualifies as “social gambling” under KRS 528.010(10). To remain legal, the game must be private, with all players on equal terms. Even charging a small amount (e.g., $5) for food or equipment can cross the legal line into “promoting gambling,” which is a misdemeanor. Small-stakes home games (like a friendly $20 tournament) are legal if run fairly, but high-stakes games risking more than $500 in 24 hours could trigger felony-level charges. That said, law enforcement rarely targets low-key, private games.
Can I Play On PokerStars In Kentucky?
PokerStars is not available for real-money play in Kentucky. The state has not regulated online poker so players can’t access PokerStars’ cash games, tournaments, or exciting formats like Spin & Go, where you could potentially win a huge prize pool in just a few hands. However, if you’re eager to join the action on PokerStars, Pennsylvania is your closest option. Residents and visitors who travel to play poker in Pennsylvania can legally download the PokerStars app and compete in real-money games. With the added option of Spin & Go Flash for even faster gameplay, PokerStars in Pennsylvania offers a nice road trip away.
Is Ignition Poker Legal In Kentucky?
Yes, Ignition Poker is legal to play in Kentucky and is one of the most popular poker sites in KY. Since Kentucky has not explicitly banned offshore poker sites, platforms like Ignition operate legally in a gray area and are available to players 18 and older. What makes Ignition especially appealing is its fully optimized mobile poker experience, allowing you to play real-money games from just about anywhere. It supports everything from cash games and Zone Poker to Jackpot Sit-and-Go’s and multi-table tournaments, all from your smartphone or tablet.
Is Bovada Legal In Kentucky?
You can play Bovada poker in Kentucky so long as you are 18. Residents can safely sign up, deposit, and play real-money online poker at Bovada. Before depositing, make sure to take their generous online poker bonuses, including a 100% Poker Welcome Bonus up to $500 on your first deposit. This means when you make your first deposit, Bovada matches it dollar-for-dollar. And it doesn't stop at poker. Bovada gives players access to its full platform, including the Bovada Sportsbook, Racebook, and Casino, with ongoing promotions that reward frequent play.
- Learn more: Bovada Poker Review
Is BetOnline Poker Available in Kentucky?
Another offshore poker site, BetOnline Poker is available in Kentucky. One of the standout features of BetOnline is its Daily Power Surge promotion, which offers daily challenges and rewards. By playing Boost Fast-Fold cash games at stakes of $0.10/$0.25 or $0.25/$0.50, players can complete a series of missions, earning poker prizes to maximize their rewards. BetOnline also offers a wide range of other promotions, bonuses, tournaments, and accepts many different deposit methods for online poker.