Sports gambling bill advances in Kentucky Senate committee
In a significant move for the state, Kentucky legalized sports betting on March 31, 2023, with Governor Andy Beshear signing House Bill 551 (HB 551) into law. This legislation allows both retail and online sports betting in Kentucky, following its approval by the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee in a vote of 9-1[1][5].
The bill enables the state's nine licensed horse tracks to offer retail and online sports wagering. Each track could partner with up to three online sports betting operators, potentially resulting in as many as 27 mobile sportsbooks in Kentucky[2]. A license for sports betting in Kentucky would cost $500,000, with an annual renewal fee of $50,000[1].
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will serve as the state's sports betting regulator, overseeing the implementation and operation of the new legislation. The commission has been tasked with approving wagering rules and launch details by July 2023, with several sportsbooks expected to launch starting in late 2023[1]. As of mid-2025, Kentucky has eight online sportsbooks and 12 retail locations accepting legal wagers[1].
The legislative process for HB 551 was not without challenge, as several people spoke against the bill on moral grounds and concerns about problem gambling issues[1]. Despite these concerns, the bill successfully passed a Senate committee for the first time and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate floor, which could occur as early as March 29[1]. To reach Gov. Beshear's desk, HB 551 needs a three-fifths majority vote (23 of the 38 senators) of approval on the Senate floor[1].
Gov. Beshear has expressed his support for sports betting, so there is no veto threat[1]. During the 10-day break, people may express their support for HB 551 to their senators[6]. The legislature returns on March 29, creating two busy days for passing bills, including HB 551[1].
It's worth noting that Kentucky is bordered by six states that allow legal mobile sports betting[7]. This proximity to states with legal sports betting could contribute to increased interest and participation in sports betting within Kentucky.
While sports betting is now legal and operational in Kentucky, broader gambling expansions face legislative hurdles before reaching the governor's desk. For instance, House Bill 33 (HB33), introduced in 2025, aims to legalize land-based and riverboat casinos as well as regulate fantasy sports in Kentucky[3]. However, this bill has faced resistance, particularly from conservative lawmakers concerned about deficits[3][4].
In summary, sports betting is currently legalized and functioning in Kentucky, while broader gambling expansions face legislative challenges before reaching the governor. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will serve as the state's sports betting regulator, overseeing the implementation and operation of the new legislation. If HB 551 reaches Gov. Beshear's desk, he is likely to sign it, paving the way for the launch of legal sports betting in the state.
- The legislation signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, HB 551, opens up sports betting in Kentucky, encompassing both retail and online sports betting.
- Each of the state's nine licensed horse tracks can partner with up to three online sports betting operators, potentially leading to 27 mobile sportsbooks in Kentucky.
- As political debates continue regarding broader gambling expansions such as House Bill 33, which aims to legalize land-based and riverboat casinos and fantasy sports, sports betting within Kentucky is now operational.
- With the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission serving as the state's sports betting regulator, tracking the progress of policy-and-legislation developments in the sports-betting landscape, particularly in relation to sports betting and politics, remains significant general news.
