KY Sports Betting Passes House, Off to Senate Committee

A sports wagering bill tied to Kentucky racetracks and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission heads into the Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations March 15 after passing 63-34 in the Kentucky House of Representatives March 13.

Should it clear committee, House Bill 551 will likely face a battle in the State Senate. Last year a sports betting bill failed to come up for a vote in the chamber amid conflicting views from senators—leaving it without the votes to pass.

Legislative rules in Kentucky during odd-numbered years complicate its chances of passage, with a larger majority required to pass bills involving taxation. This year, 23 votes are required for passage in the Senate instead of 20 in an even-numbered year.

HB 551 would legalize gambling on live professional and amateur sporting events, as neighboring states such as Indiana and Ohio have done. The bill would require online gaming providers to associate with a Kentucky racetrack with the KHRC regulating. Wagers could be placed at a licensed facility or online through a website or mobile app.

Though it has the support of majority floor leader Damon Thayer (Republican, Georgetown), some socially conservative Republican senators are not behind it. The conservative lobbying group The Family Foundation opposes its passage.

If presented with a sports wagering bill, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is expected to sign it into law.