Kentucky Sports Betting Bill Clears First Legislative Hurdle

Article By Larry Henry March 16, 2022 · 2 min read

Kentucky Sports Betting Bill Clears First Legislative Hurdle — © PA

Sports betting in Kentucky is getting another push as March Madness approaches.

Kentucky House Bill 606

House Bill 606 cleared the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee on Wednesday but still will have to clear more obstacles in the closing days of the legislative session.

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The bill would allow Kentucky to launch an online sports betting marketplace, permitting users to place bets on their mobile devices. Bettors could also place wagers at horse tracks.

Rep. Adam Koenig is the bill's leading supporter and is optimistic that Kentucky legislators will finally legalize sports betting. Koenig estimates that millions of dollars are illegally bet on sports each year in Kentucky through offshore websites or bookies. According to supporters of previous sports betting bills, a regulated sports betting market in Kentucky could produce $22 million in yearly revenue.

HB 606 would legalize and regulate taxes on all online gambling sites, including online poker and fantasy sports, as well as sports betting.

Koenig has been one of the most outspoken advocates for sports betting in Kentucky. He led legislative efforts in 2020 and 2021 and remained determined despite coming short in both years.

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“I’m not going to leave here until I get it done,” he told WAVE news on Tuesday. “Three years ago, the study said $22.5 million (tax revenue from sports betting). I think that is conservative, frankly, especially with other states outpacing their projections.”

Kentucky has been close

Two years ago, Koenig’s bill also passed the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee. It also took place during the second week of a 60-day session before going to the House floor. In the House, 41 of Koenig’s 99 colleagues co-sponsored the bill. However, opponents filed numerous amendments before it returned to the committee, stalling the bill.

Koenig does have the support of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. During his State of the Commonwealth address, Beshear mentioned sports betting as an activity he would like to see legalized in his state.

“Speaking of laws that unduly restrict us from growth and innovation, it is time to legalize medical marijuana, pass sports betting, and save historic horse racing,” he said.