Thayer Expects KY to Move Forward on Sports Gambling

A prominent Kentucky state senator believes state lawmakers will approve legislation to allow sports gambling at racetracks by next year, although he's not sure whether Republican Gov. Matt Bevin would approve such a bill.

Speaking at the Sports Wagering and Impact on Horse Racing Symposium presented by BloodHorse and Breeders' Cup Sept. 6 at Keeneland, Kentucky senate majority floor leader Damon Thayer (Republican, Georgetown) said a bipartisan group of legislators aims to file a bill ahead of a 30-day session that begins Jan. 8.

Thayer said he's working with the group of lawmakers on legislation he anticipates would allow racetracks to offer sports gambling and would cut out a percentage of revenues for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Thayer said committing a percentage of money to that fund would support Kentucky racing and breeding.

The senator reminded attendees that the type of money that figures to be generated by sports gambling will not approach the level of slot-machine gaming, but he believes sports gambling could help tracks compete with casinos and other entertainment options. Thayer said it's important to act quickly because other states are coming online, including Kentucky neighbor West Virginia.

"I think we can put together a group of Democrats and Republicans to pass this bill," Thayer said. "I don't want us to be one of the last states to pass sports wagering. I want us to be one of the first 10 states to pass sports wagering, and I want it to support the horse industry."

Thayer said he hasn't talked with Bevin about how the governor would react to such legislation showing up on his desk.

"Gov. Bevin has made a fairly benign comment about this issue, and based on working with him, I don't think he'll fight against it, but I don't think he'll be out there banging the drum for it," Thayer said. "Will he sign it? I don't know. Will he let it (go) without a signature? I don't know."

Thayer doesn't believe a constitutional amendment would be needed to allow the state to add sports gambling, and he envisions the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission providing oversight, although he noted a new regulatory body could be formed.

The senator believes the initial focus will be on allowing sports gambling at brick-and-mortar locations—as opposed to online or mobile wagering. He said he wants tracks to be included in that equation but noted the bill could allow for some other sites to offer sports gambling. Either way, he said he'll only support it if a portion of revenues generated would benefit the horse industry.

"What's not for debate is there has to be a component that supports the horse industry," Thayer said, noting most of the money, which he said would not be a huge windfall, would go toward education and the public pension system.