Kentucky lawmaker proposes legalized gambling expansion
This would affect riverboat and land-based casinos.
Key Points
- The state regulator would license and regulate casinos and fantasy sports contests under the new law
- Players currently travel to other states to gambling in casinos
Legislation has been introduced that could expand legalized gambling in the state of Kentucky, according to a local news report from Kentucky Today.
The measure, filed by Representative Thomas Huff, would call for legalizing gambling at land-based and riverboat casinos statewide.
Under the terms of the proposal, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation would be responsible for regulating and licensing fantasy sports contests and casino gambling.
Huff explained to local news his motivation to bring this measure before other Kentucky lawmakers.
He commented, “HHR machines and sports betting have generated millions of dollars in revenue for Kentucky in recent years.
“I filed HB 33 to build on their success, increase state revenue, and provide the people of Kentucky with the opportunity to play at casinos in their home state.”
He went on to note that passing a law like this could keep players in that state who typically travel to other states to gamble.
He said in closing, “Several of Kentucky’s neighboring states have more permissive gambling laws, and, as a result, Kentuckians travel to those states each year to play at their casinos.
“By legalizing casinos in Kentucky, the state will benefit from the revenue the casinos generate, which will help further supply the state’s General Fund and fund state programs.”
Lawmakers will return February 4 to complete the legislative session, which wraps up March 28, the local report said.
Good to know: Kentucky first opened its sports betting in September 2023
The state recently published its sports betting results from the month of November.
Last month, sports wagering statewide generated close to a $301.8m handle when combining online and retail bets, making over $300m for the first time.
In a breakdown of November’s handle, players wagered $290.7m online, while retail players placed $11m in bets during the month.
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