Kentucky House Passes Sports Betting Reform Bill

The Kentucky House of Representatives has passed a series of reforms that could significantly alter the state’s sports betting and gaming landscape. With a 79-15 vote, lawmakers approved House Bill 904 (HB 904), which introduces several new regulations, including an increase in the legal gambling age, new restrictions on certain bets, and enhanced oversight for operators. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Key Provisions in the Sports Betting Reform Bill

A major component of HB 904 is the proposal to raise the minimum legal age for sports betting from 18 to 21. This change has sparked debate among lawmakers, with Rep. Michael Meredith, who sponsored the bill, expressing his personal concerns. "I’m a strong believer in, if you’re 18 and you’re an adult by every other standard, you should be an adult by all standards,” Meredith stated. Despite his reservations, the bill reflects growing concerns about player safety, especially regarding college athletes.

In addition to the age change, the bill seeks to ban proposition bets (prop bets) that involve individual college athletes. These bets, which focus on specific in-game performances or outcomes tied to a single player, have raised questions about their potential impact on the integrity of sports. Meredith cited past scandals in professional sports to emphasize the need for safeguards.

Another provision of HB 904 addresses the growing trend of prediction markets, where individuals bet on future events. The bill proposes prohibiting licensed sports betting operators, horse racing tracks, and fantasy sports companies from engaging in these markets. Meredith noted that this aspect of the bill is part of an ongoing national debate about how to regulate prediction markets tied to sports.

New Rules for Operators and Market Structure

Alongside HB 904, the House also passed HB 604, which introduces new rules for sportsbook operations in Kentucky. If passed, the legislation would make Kentucky the first state to require online betting platforms to accept wagers up to $1,000. This measure has stirred debates, particularly regarding experienced bettors. Rep. Nick Wilson proposed an amendment allowing sportsbooks to reject certain wagers, such as those from suspected irregular bettors or large cumulative bets. While Meredith expressed concerns about the potential disruption to businesses, the amendment passed and is now part of the bill.

The bill also includes provisions for taxing prediction market revenue at 14.25%, the same rate applied to online sportsbooks. Moreover, it would regulate daily fantasy sports, which currently operate without oversight in Kentucky.

Addressing Charitable Gaming

HB 904 also targets Kentucky’s charitable gaming sector, offering clearer rules and increased accountability. Mike Mulrooney, founder of Shirley’s Way, noted that the bill could help expand nonprofit gaming activities and raise more funds. The bill would also regulate fantasy contests and allow horse racing venues to offer fixed-odds wagering.

However, the Family Foundation has raised concerns, warning that the expansion could lead to full gambling legalization in Kentucky.

As both bills move to the Senate, lawmakers will have limited time to decide their fate.

Source:

“Kentucky House of Representatives Advances Sports Betting Reform Bill”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, March 21, 2026