Kentucky sports betting bill passes in the House

Sports Betting

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.

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.

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.

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