Kentucky Rep. Adam Koenig intends to bring a new sports betting bill to the table that would allow legalized sports betting at state racetracks along with mobile wagering.
Koenig spoke at a University of Louisville equine series earlier this week, where he affirmed his support for introducing legislation in the state next legislature in January 2020.
Koenig wrote a similar bill last year that never received a floor vote.
Kentucky’s political landscape changed earlier this month when the voters elected Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear over incumbent Republican Gov. Matt Bevin.
Bevin, who had opposed all measures to pass gambling legislation, conceded the race Thursday.
Beshear ran on a platform that included a promise to legalize sports betting in a state that relies heavily on the horseracing industry.
Beshear hopes to direct sports betting tax revenue to the state’s pension fund.
If a sports betting bill lands on Beshear’s table, he will almost certainly sign it.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO Ashli Watts also reportedly favors the legalizing of sports betting.
With next door Indiana’s sportsbook revenue reaching more than $11.5m for October, Koenig sees what Kentucky is missing out on.
Residents of Louisville, for example, can travel state lines to nearby Elizabeth, Indiana where more than $1.2m in handle was collected at Caesars South Indiana last month.