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Kentucky House Approves Gambling Overhaul Heading to Senate

The measure now heads to the Senate following a 79-15 House vote.

Overview

  • HB 904 would unify oversight of wagering under the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation with expanded enforcement powers.
  • The bill raises the legal sports-betting age to 21 and bans proposition bets tied to individual athletes on Kentucky college teams.
  • Fantasy sports operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel would require licenses, geolocation, anti-fraud safeguards and independent audits.
  • Fixed-odds wagering on horse racing would be legalized, with taxes partly directed to a new purse stabilization fund.
  • Charitable gaming would face higher fees, more background checks, broader inspections and potential shutdowns, alongside a higher $1,499 prize cap, with nonprofits and veterans groups voicing support as The Family Foundation objects to gambling expansion.