Home / United States casinos / Kentucky casinos / Lexington casinos / The Red Mile Kentucky Harness & Historic Racing The Red Mile Kentucky Harness & Historic Racing Review The Red Mile is located at 1200 Red Mile Road in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the second oldest harness track in the world and the oldest track in Lexington. Casinos in Kentucky. There are five pari-mutuel racetracks in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Of these, only four sites offer skill-based HHR electronic gaming machines. The largest casino in Kentucky is Derby City Gaming with 1,000 HHR gaming machines. This Lexington hotel is 5 mi from the University of Kentucky and is a 15-minute drive from the Kentucky Horse Park. Guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool or relaxing in the indoor hot tub. Convenient and accommodating to my needs so made my stay so much better.

• Year Kentucky Regulated Gambling: Horseracing (1783), Lottery (1988), Historical Racing (2010)
• Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: unknown
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: unknown
• Kentucky Gambling Age: 18
• Smoking ban: Kentucky does not have a smoking ban
• Kentucky Online gambling: Off-track betting

Kentucky is considered the home of horse racing in the U.S. The Kentucky Derby, one of the best-known horse races in the world, is hosted at Churchill Downs in the state. Kentucky was home to the first known horse race in the country in 1783. The state has always accepted that its residents and tourists visit Bluegrass Country to take in the races and wager a few dollars.

While gambling on horses has always been embraced, it has not been quick to expand into Kentucky casinos. There is a state lottery in Kentucky. Instant racing, which are slot machines that display winning symbols based on past races, started appearing at racetracks earlier this decade. Kentucky racetracks may also offer off-track betting. Charities can offer games of chance with limited prizes and a number of events.

Paying Gambling Taxes in Kentucky

OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. Find out how you can report your gambling income to the IRS with our in-depth Gambling Taxes Guide. Learn which forms you have to fill out, how to report your winnings, as well as deduct losses.

Kentucky Casinos Map & Guide of Racetracks

• Ellis Park – Henderson
• Red Mile – Lexington

• Number of B&M Casinos: 0
• Number of Poker Rooms: 0
• Number of Indian Casinos: 0

Best Online Casinos for Players in Kentucky

• • Huge Welcome Bonus Package
  • Visa and MasterCard Payment Options Available for US Players
  • Over 150 Real Money Online Slot Games

  Compatible with:

  • windows
  • apple
  • android
  • mobile
• • Safe and Reputable Casino, Mobile Friendly
  • Easy Credit Card Deposits for US Players
  • Impressive Welcome Bonuses up to 260% match

  Compatible with:

  • windows
  • apple
  • android
  • mobile
• • Quick USA Payouts, Credit Cards Accepted
  • Great Selection of Slots & Table Games
  • Legit & Reputable Mobile Friendly Casino

  Compatible with:

  • windows
  • apple
  • android
  • mobile
• • Uses the Microgaming Software
  • Fast Cashouts in Just 1-7 Days
  • Online, Mobile, Instant & Live Play

  Deposit Options include:

  • visa
  • mastercard
  • paypal
  • neteller

  100% up to €1,000
• • Big Jackpots and Massive Deposit Bonuses
  • Over 400 Online Casino Games
  • Play Live Dealer Games

  Deposit Options include:

  • visa
  • mastercard
  • paypal
  • bitcoin

  100% up to €1,600
• • Large Australian Bitcoin-Friendly Casino
  • Mobile, Flash, and Download Play Options
  • Fastest Payouts

  Deposit Options include:

  • visa
  • mastercard
  • paypal
  • neteller
• • Safe and Trustworthy Australian Casino
  • Multiple Daily Deposit Deals
  • 100s of Pokies, Slots, and Table Games

  Compatible with:

  • windows
  • apple
  • android
  • mobile

Types of Kentucky Online Gambling

The only form of legal Kentucky online gambling is off-track betting on horses. These wagers may be placed on websites and apps belonging to companies like TVG, Twinspires, and BetAmerica. TwinSpires is based in Kentucky. It is owned by Churchill Downs.

Daily fantasy sites claim legality under Kentucky’s skill gaming laws. While the state attorney general and its legislature have not addressed daily fantasy sports, some sour gamblers have filed lawsuits against the companies in an attempt to recover losses through qui tam laws. These cases are still in the court system.

Online poker, casino, and sports betting sites are not legal in Kentucky. The state has filed its own qui tam lawsuits to recover losses for the state’s residents. One judgment against PokerStars compelled the site to pay Kentucky $870 million. That case is under appeal. The state also filed a lawsuit in an attempt to seize 141 domain names from gambling sites.

Types of Live Kentucky Gambling

• Slots: No
• Blackjack: No
• Poker: No
• Craps/Roulette: No
• Horses: Yes
• Lottery: Yes

There are three types of live Kentucky gambling available to residents. A state lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. This includes interstate drawings. Popular games include Lucky for Life, Pick 3, Pick 4, 5 Card Cash, Powerball, and Mega Millions.

There are six Kentucky racetracks. All offer horse tracks. Greyhound racing is not legal in Kentucky. All six tracks offer off-track betting on horses.

Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park, and Red Mile offer a controversial form of gambling that is working its way through the court system. These two tracks offer instant racing machines. These devices are programmed with thousands of past horse races. Players put cash into the machine and make a wager. The machine pulls one of these historical races and displays the reels on the device to match a payout similar to what the event would have paid. These are described as historical racing machines. Some consider them to be slot machines because that is exactly how they look and feel. The only difference is how the position of the reels is determined.

There are currently no Kentucky casinos operating at the moment. There is legislation that racetracks are trying to pass so that they can legally offer more popular electronic casino games, like electronic blackjack and roulette. We may see the racetracks and Kentucky casinos legislation combine and form “racinos” that are already popular in other states.

Kentucky Gambling Laws

Kentucky gambling laws define gambling as,

“staking or risking something of value on the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device which is based upon an element of chance, in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”

It only exempts the state lottery, horse racing, and arguably, instant racing machines. Charities may operate bingo games and raffles.

Promoting gambling is a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony, depending on the charges. The minimum gambling age in Kentucky is 18 years for lottery, racing, and instant racing bettors.

Where to Gamble in Kentucky

There are more than 1,000 lottery retailers in Kentucky. There are also dozens of charitable organizations that offer bingo and similar games to raise funds for nonprofit operations.

Outside of these options, there are only six Kentucky racetracks to gamble at. You might consider these racetracks to be Kentucky casinos, as they already have permission to offer racing machines, which are very similar to slot machines. This may be the start of new Kentucky gambling legislation.

You can look for the specific racetrack you want to wager at on our Kentucky casinos map and guide located above.

History of Kentucky Gambling

Horse racing dates back to 1783 in Kentucky. That is nine years before it became a state. The first organized racing venue was created in Louisville. It was called Elm Tree Gardens. Racing spread to Lexington in 1787 where horses competed in The Commons. Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, opened in 1883.

Kentucky did not regulate horse racing like it does today in its early years. It was simply impossible to control pari-mutuel pools and organize the tracks and horses centuries ago. It took until the early 1900’s for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to be created. Tracks have come and gone over the years. There are five in operation today. This makes Kentucky one of the most thriving states when it comes to horseracing.

The first legal lottery in Kentucky was held in 1792. It occurred in an attempt to fundraise for a church in Lexington. The Kentucky Lottery that exists today was created through a November 1988 constitutional referendum. The first ticket was sold in April 1989. The Kentucky Lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission modified its regulations to permit instant racing machines in 2010. These games mimic slot machines. The devices display slot symbols in a pattern to show the payout of a horse race based in the past. The exact race is never known. The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the racing commission had the authority to legalize these games. Anti-gambling groups are still fighting instant racing in the courts. Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park, and Red Mile offer instant racing, and can be considered to be the only Kentucky casinos operating today.

Kentucky has been the home of two disputes with offshore online gambling sites. In 2008, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear’s office initiated a lawsuit in an attempt to seize 141 domain names related to gambling. Major sites were included in the list. Big names like PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker, DoylesRoom and Cake Poker were among them. The case dragged out until 2014 when a state appeals court essentially quashed it. This case was the beginning of offshore gaming sites moving to domains that do not use the .com extension. Kentucky received a small settlement related to Black Friday due to this case before it ultimately failed.

Kentucky is also the venue where PokerStars was sued for $290 million for accepting players in the state. Government officials alleged that PokerStars operated illegally and should be compelled to pay the state for its residents’ gambling losses under qui tam laws. The alleged events occurred from 2006 to 2011.

These loss recovery laws permit anybody to recover illegal gambling losses if the loser does not act within six months. A lower court awarded the $290 million as well as treble damages, making the total judgment $870 million. The case is currently under appeal

PokerStars was owned by Rational Group at the time the lawsuit is based. It has since been acquired by Amaya Gaming. The new owners of PokerStars have vowed to fight the case or pursue the former owners if it ultimately loses the legal battle.

Kentucky Casinos & Gambling FAQ

Yes. Kentucky is considered the home of the horse racing industry in the country.

Yes. There are six race books in Kentucky.

The only form of online betting legal in Kentucky is off-track horse racing.

No, only horse racing.

No, the closest thing to casinos in the state is instant racing machines. There are casinos in West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

The minimum Kentucky gambling age is 18 years for all legal forms of gambling, including lottery and racing bets.

Yes, the Kentucky Lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets.

Lottery sales are not permitted over the Internet.

None of these types of websites are licensed to operate in Kentucky.

There is currently a court battle over alleged illegal online gambling where a lower court ruled PokerStars owes Kentucky $870 million. It is currently under appeal.

Kentucky is the perfect place to get away from it all. There’s gorgeous horse farms, the Derby, bourbon (and the Bourbon Trail!), Southern charm, a college basketball scene, farm-to-table dining everywhere you look and even a few little urban centers so you don’t feel too out of the loop.

But where to stay when you’re in the Bluegrass State? There are lots of options to choose from, but you’ll want to pick a resort that can meet all your expectations and give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Here’s the best resorts in Kentucky:

1. Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa

Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa

This resort truly is an urban getaway, located right in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, but far enough away from the hubbub of a major metropolis that you can really let go and feel at ease, while also having everything you want and need nearby.

You’ll find that you’re close to a variety of local attractions, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Track and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

There are several great restaurants and they even have a Ree Jones-designed golf course that was recently renovated.

Enjoy the spa, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center as well.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/

2. The Galt House

The Galt House

In Kentucky’s largest city of Louisville, the Galt House offers the only river-view accommodations.

With unique and truly Southern experiences, you’ll enjoy views of the Ohio River as you sip on a Kentucky bourbon cocktail or just relax after a day of exploring the area.

You’re right near Whiskey Row, as well as Museum Row, featuring notable names like Muhammad Ali and the Louisville Slugger.

The property certainly has its own history — it was originally a residence in the early 1800s.

A hotel, the original Galt House, opened up across the street with 60 guest rooms in 1835. (Now, the two sides are connected as one). This hotel burnt down in a fire in 1864, but famous architect R. Whitestone began rebuilding it, and it reopened in 1869, operating until 1919. It was torn down, and rebuilt in the 1970s, and has expanded ever since.

Website: https://www.galthouse.com

3. 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

21c Museum Hotel Louisville

The founding flagship location of the quickly growing 21c Museum Hotel chain, this boutique, 91-room hotel has been winning awards since its opening.

It’s home to a great award-winning restaurant and bar as well, Proof on Main.

In addition to the guest rooms and dining, though, there’s also more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space for art exhibits, as well as a spa, fitness center and shopping.

You’d never believe that so much can fit into such a small property!

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/

4. The Seelbach

The Seelbach

This property has more than a century of history and a great location close to all the stops you’ll want to make in Louisville — Churchill Downs, the Yum Center, the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville Palace and more.

There are four on-site restaurants, a ton of convention space, the only AAA Five-Diamond Restaurant in the entire state and more.

Additionally, Business Insider has named it as a best hotel, and Thrillest has named it as a Best Bar.

Want more? The hotel is the backdrop for the wedding scene in the iconic novel “The Great Gatsby.” Yep, this is that hotel.

Additionally, the hotel has hosted an array of famous celebrities, including one duchess, nine presidents and 14 award-winning musicians and bands.

It’s so good, even if you don’t stay here, travelers recommend that you stop by anyway, even if it’s just for a drink at the bar.

Website: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/kentucky/the-seelbach-hilton-louisville-SDFSHHF/index.html

5. The Brown

The Brown

Yes, it does certainly seem like all of these historic Louisville properties are vying for the top spot as the city’s best and most historic legendary property. You’ll have to judge for yourself, though.

The Brown is all about opulence and it can be seen in its Georgian-Revival elegance, for sure.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers tons of access to top spots, particularly theaters.

It has an AAA Four-Diamond rating, and just recently underwent a $12 million renovation, that just upped the ante, rather than removing any of the southern charm.

You’ll love the little touches throughout, such as the handwoven blankets in the bedroom.

Also, you can’t leave without trying out the Kentucky classic dish of a Hot Brown.

Website: http://www.brownhotel.com

6. The Campbell House

The Campbell House

Of course, if you depart out of Louisville and head to Lexington, there are more options there as well.

The Campbell House is one such option, and it was recently incorporated into the Curio Collection by Hilton.

Filled with classic Kentucky charm and lots of luxury, you’ll feel right at home in this 1951 property.

Award-winning dining is on site, and if you want a real home away from home, you can book the King Deluxe Suite, with a gorgeous fireplace and its own wet bar.

A salon is on site, and the golf course is right next door, the Gay Brewer Jr Course at Picador to be exact.

You’ll additionally find yourself close to several Lexington attractions, such as Commonwealth Stadium, and there is a complimentary shuttle upon request.

Website: http://curiocollection3.hilton.com/en/hotels/kentucky/the-campbell-house-lexington-curio-collection-by-hilton-LEXQQQQ/index.html

7. Gratz Park Inn

Gratz Park Inn

If you really want something that’s more quaint and quintessential, the Gratz Park Inn may be more your speed.

Located in Lexington, it’s been rated a Reader’s Choice property for years on end.

The best room in the place is the Mansion Room Suite, which is decorated with Italian influences and boasts a bathroom that’s simply a must-have, with a humongous shower big enough for two, and a jacuzzi sitting underneath a chandelier.

Beyond the great guest rooms, you’ll also enjoy many of the special touches found throughout, such as the grand piano in the lobby, the lush courtyard, access to the guest experience coordinator and more.

Website: http://www.gratzparkinn.com

8. Springhill Winery Plantation

Springhill Winery Plantation

This small property is set on a historic plantation from the mid-1800s.

The architecture is inspired by Federal and Victorian styles, and the historic structure boasts its own Civil War past.

The guest suites are the perfect spots to enjoy wine straight from the vineyard, where you’ll find locally produced Cabernet Franc, Savignon, Cambourcin and Chardonnay.

There’s a gift shop so you can take a few of your favorites home with you.

Additionally, there are always a ton of fun events going on at the property that you can take advantage of, such as murder mystery parties.

Website: http://www.springhillwinery.com

9. Bourbon Manor

Is There A Casino In Lexington Kentucky Near

Bourbon Manor

This small property is completely themed around the spirit that Kentucky is known best for — bourbon! Don’t want to stay in your room all day? No problem, explore the bourbon lounge, or head to the day spa.

The property also includes two pre-Civil War plantation homes (a Federal Home from 1810 and a Greek Revival mansion from 1830). There’s also an original smokehouse on the grounds.

Additionally, you’re right within walking distance of some of the quaint attractions in Bardstown, Kentucky, what has been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America.

Website: https://www.bourbonmanor.com

10. Maple Hill Manor

Maple Hill Manor

Yet another manor set within horse country, this is a beautiful little spot with almost too much Southern charm to handle.

In fact, this is one of the most award-winning and nationally recognized properties in the state (of its size). Right within bourbon country, horse country and Civil War history, you really can have it all while getting away from it all.

In addition to acquiring quite a lot of history since the properties origination in 1851, it also has one other special fact — there’s an operating alpaca and llama farm on site!

Website: https://maplehillmanor.com

11. 21c Museum Hotel Lexington

21c Museum Hotel Lexington

Not long after the hotel by the same name opened up in Louisville, a second followed in the state’s second-most popular city, Lexington.

The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington has 88 guest rooms, a contemporary art museum, a cultural center and the great restaurant, Lockbox.

There’s more than 7,000 sure feet of Exhibition Space, shopping, a fitness center and you can even find pet-friendly rooms.

The property is housed within what was once the Fayette National Bank Building, originally designed by McKim, Mead and White.

Guest rooms are large and spacious, and you’ll enjoy large historic windows, as well as high ceilings.

Overall, it has more of a downtown apartment feel than a hotel room feel.

With all the amenities you want right there in your room, you’ll never want to venture off the property.

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/lexington/

12. Marriott Louisville Downtown

Marriott Louisville Downtown

The Louisville Marriott Downtown is the sole AAA Four-Dimaond convention hotel within the downtown area of the city, and it offers you direct access to the Kentucky International Convention Center.

In addition to this perk, though, it’s also wonderfully situated to see the rest of the city, so you can walk to Museum Row, and the 4th Street Live Entertainment District.

Guest rooms boast views of the Ohio River Valley and the city, and you’ll love the extra spacious guest rooms, as well as the on site fitness center, pools and beautiful lobby.

Website: http://louisvillemarriottdowntown.com

13. Hyatt Regency Louisville

Hyatt Regency Louisville

The Hyatt Regency Louisville just recently underwent a $16 million renovation, and now offers a big-city feel, all within the small-city atmosphere of Louisville.

The aesthetic is modern and cool, but the hospitality is decidedly Southern, making for a unique and refreshing experience.

Each new guest room has those greta Hyatt amenities.

On site, you’ll find an outdoor tennis court, indoor pool and a full fitness center.

There’s an outdoor bar, a farm-to-table restaurant and multiple event venues.

Are There Any Casinos In Lexington Kentucky

You’re also very close to the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Science Center, making this property a great option for young families who want to stay somewhere posh for mom and dad, but want somewhere that can still cater to the children of the family.

Website: https://louisville.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

14. Louisville Marriott East

Are There Any Casinos In Lexington Ky

Louisville Marriott East

This hotel is the newest Four-Diamond property in the city, and it’s all themed around bourbon.

A little more out of the center of town and within the East End of Louisville, it’s close to the airport and a short drive out of downtown.

However, because of the more out-of-the-way location, you have a larger property.

It boasts more than 250 guest rooms, that are awfully spacious, as well as a full Concierge Level for VIPs.

There’s huge event space.

It’s also now the official hotel of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and also a stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail.

The restaurant on site, Charr’d, offers a bourbon list with more than 200 varieties, and Southern-style cuisine.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sdfls-louisville-marriott-east/

15. Louisville Hyatt Place

Louisville Hyatt Place

If you’ve yet to stay in a Hyatt Place property, you’re really missing out.

These millennial-centric properties are modern and cool, while still offering everything that Hyatt makes itself known for — great guest rooms and great service, catering to the individual.

This particular property is casual and fun, with all the amenities you crave, like round-the-clock dining, an on site fitness center and a convenient location.

Mix and mingle in the lounge, spacious lobby or at the bar.

The Coffee to Cocktails Bar is there for an of your beverage needs, day or night.

You can even book a small meeting room to chat with business associates before heading out for a fun evening on the town, with easy access to shopping, entertainment, golf and multiple universities.

Website: https://louisvilleeast.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html