Kentucky Sports Betting Bill Tracker

Kentucky Sports Betting Bill TrackerImagine going to Churchill Downs to bet on the Kentucky Derby, the Cincinnati Reds, AND the Kentucky Wildcats! This scenario could become a reality with the efforts of lawmakers, who are putting in the work to legalize KY sports betting statewide. With the 2018 Supreme Court overturn of the federal sports betting ban, Kentucky is joining a number of states in introducing sports gambling bills during the current legislative session.

You may recall that KY currently has no casinos, which is why legislators are pushing to bring sports wagering to horse racing venues around the state. Already the most famous horse racing hubs in the United States, Kentucky could further future proof its beloved pony industry by offering sports wagering at its tracks. The extra revenue generated by sports betting could bring an entirely new source of income to the local economy, and it could help keep these historic tracks relevant for the long haul.

Legal sports betting in Kentucky continues to be a main topic of discussion amongst regulators in the state. Officials have held several hearings where various aspects of proposed regulation have been discussed. Tax rates, consumer protections, and mobile betting are just a few of the details that need to be mulled over before any type of Kentucky sports gambling law is passed.

Representatives drafted a couple of preemptive bills prior to the May 14, 2018, Supreme Court decision on the case, but these didn’t pass. Several new proposals have been written each year since, however. You can use our Kentucky sports betting bill tracker to get the latest updates on all legislative actions.

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Current Kentucky Sports Betting Bills

HB 12

Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Keene (D-67), et al.

Summary: “Create a new section of KRS Chapter 154A to require the Kentucky Lottery Corporation to institute a sports wagering system; amend KRS 154A.010 to define "collegiate sports contest,’ ‘net sports wagering receipts,’ ‘professional sports contest,’ and ‘sports wagering’”

HB 171

Sponsor: Rep. Sal Santoro (R-60)

Summary: “Amend KRS 154A.063 to remove games in which the winners are determined by the outcome of a sports contest from the list of games that the Kentucky Lottery Corporation is prohibited from approving or operating.”

HB 175

Sponsor: Rep. Adam Koenig (R-69), et al.

Summary: “…amend KRS 230.215 to declare the intent to allow citizens to enjoy sports wagering and allow the racing commission to promulgate administrative regulations prescribing conditions under which sports wagering is to be conducted; amend KRS 230.225, KRS 230.240, and KRS 230.260 to include sports wagering; create a new section of KRS Chapter 230 to establish sports wagering licensure requirements…”

HB 190

Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Keene (D-67), et al.

Summary: “…amend 154A.063 to remove prohibition against casino gaming; create new sections of KRS Chapter 154A to require a local option election in any precinct wanting to host a casino…”

SB 23

Sponsor: Sen. Julian M. Carroll (D-07)

Summary: “…require the commission to promulgate administrative regulations relating to sports wagering conducted by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, racing associations licensed under KRS Chapter 230, and other locations…;create a new section of KRS Chapter 138 to impose an excise tax on sports wagering at 25 percent of net sports wagering receipts…”

Kentucky Sports Betting FAQ’s

Where Can I Bet On Sports In Kentucky?

Currently, you will not find any land-based sportsbooks in Kentucky. Once legal Kentucky sports betting is established by the state legislature, you would potentially be able to wager at local horse race tracks like Churchill Downs or Turfway Park. Depending on which of the currently-considered bills are passed, KY could also finally get brick-and-mortar and online casino venues that could also offer sports wagering. Until these services are locally available, you’ll have to stick to offshore sportsbooks for your KY betting needs.

How Old Do I Need To Bet On Sports In Kentucky?

There are no specific age minimums on the books in Kentucky, so you can legally and safely wager at offshore betting sites as long as you honor the age restrictions in their Terms of Service. Sports fans that currently use any of the offshore online sportsbooks that accept Kentucky residents must be at least 18 before joining. If you’re caught using these sites under the age of 18, you will have your account permanently banned and all your funds forfeited.

Are Casinos With Sportsbooks Coming To Kentucky?

Though the proposed legislation has been put on the table to bring casinos to the state, there is no explicit mention of allowing legal Kentucky sports betting at these venues. Some analysts will argue that such is implied rather than explicit, though there are other bills specifically stating that sports wagering would be conducted at horse racetracks and simulcast facilities. Certainly, the most logical conclusion would be that, should casino venues be approved in KY, they will also eventually offer sportsbooks on their premises.