On Thursday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 594 into law, which bans unregulated skill games throughout the state. The bill is aimed at curbing the spread of unregulated slot machines and video gaming terminals, but its language is broad enough to potentially cover online poker and other forms of online gambling under its definitions.
Key Details:
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HB 594: The bill specifically targets the spread of unregulated gambling machines, including slot machines and video gaming terminals that are not overseen by state regulations.
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Impact on Online Gambling: The language of the bill could place a barrier in the path of online poker and casino-style gaming becoming legalized and regulated in Kentucky. This comes after online-poker provisions were removed from a separate sports-betting regulatory measure in the state’s legislature just weeks prior.
Support for the Bill:
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The bill received backing from established gambling entities in Kentucky, including Churchill Downs Inc. based in Louisville.
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The American Gaming Association (AGA) also endorsed the bill, citing it as a victory in the fight against illegal gambling.
AGA’s Statement:
Bill Miller, CEO of the American Gaming Association, described Kentucky’s action as a “milestone victory” in the battle against illegal gambling. He noted that Kentucky is the first state to pass standalone legislation banning unregulated gambling machines and follows Virginia in taking action to eliminate these operators.
Miller emphasized that this success will serve as a springboard for further action across the U.S., with the AGA aiming to replicate this success in other states. Combating illegal gambling remains a top priority for the association.
This move represents a significant step in Kentucky’s efforts to regulate and control gambling activities within the state, potentially limiting the future expansion of online gambling.
