Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Kentucky?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Kentucky. Skill machines in Kentucky bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Kentucky. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Kentucky; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Neighboring Indiana keeps cash play for every game except card games. Kentucky taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Kentucky, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Kentucky
| Game | Cash play in Kentucky | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Kentucky |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Kentucky |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Kentucky |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Kentucky |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Kentucky |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Kentucky |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Kentucky
Every game plays free first, so Kentucky players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Kentucky
Kentucky taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Kentucky return. The Kentucky Department of Revenue decides how Kentucky treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Kentucky players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Kentucky
In Indiana, card games lose cash play but other games keep it. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring Tennessee.
Questions about skill-game apps in Kentucky
Can I play Atay games for cash in Kentucky?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Kentucky. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Kentucky I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Louisville and Frankfort get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from Kentucky into Indiana?
In Indiana, card games such as Solitaire Real Cash and Gin Rummy Cash switch to free play, while other games keep cash play. Back in Kentucky, card games return to normal.
Does Kentucky tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Kentucky has a state income tax; check the Kentucky Department of Revenue's guidance for your situation.
Kentucky status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.