A new push to legalize sports betting in Kentucky is underway — but without the inclusion of online poker or daily fantasy sports (DFS).
House Bill 551, introduced by Republican Representative Michael Meredith, is the latest effort to expand gaming in the Bluegrass State. Unlike its predecessor proposals, HB 551 excludes online poker and DFS, confirming earlier reports that those provisions have been dropped to improve the bill’s chances of passing.
🎯 Focus Shift: Sports Betting Only
In a written statement, Rep. Meredith emphasized that Kentuckians are already gambling, often through illegal offshore websites, bookies, or by crossing state lines to neighboring states with legalized markets. The new bill seeks to capture that revenue and regulate the industry more effectively.
“We’re losing potential revenue to illegal, unregulated offshore gaming entities,” Meredith said.
Under HB 551, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission would oversee the state’s legal sports betting operations. The Commission already regulates horse racing — currently the only form of sports wagering legally allowed in Kentucky.
🔄 Why Online Poker and DFS Were Removed
Meredith made it clear: online poker and DFS had to be cut for HB 551 to stand a chance in the legislature. Previous bills that included broader gaming expansions failed to gain traction, particularly in the Republican-controlled Senate.
“Taking out the online poker, taking out the fantasy — we did those to try to appeal over on the other side,” Meredith told Lex18 News.
🗳️ Challenges Ahead
HB 551 faces tough odds, especially since it’s being introduced in an odd-numbered year, which imposes higher vote thresholds for passage. However, Meredith remains optimistic.
“I do feel really good about it,” he said. “We picked up some votes in the Senate.”
