Lobbying for Broadened Gambling Opportunities in Kentucky by 2025
Kentucky is considering a significant leap in its gambling landscape, following a successful year of sports betting in the state. Since September 28, 2023, online sports betting with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbooks has been available statewide, marking a new chapter in Kentucky's gambling history.
The state's cautious approach to expanding gambling has been evident, but its success with sports betting has paved the way for potential commercial casinos. Gov. Andy Beshear has expressed his support for the legalization of gambling as a means to boost the state's public funds and combat illegal gambling.
If House Bill 33, proposed by Kentucky Representative Thomas Huff, is passed, counties in the state could have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to host commercial casinos. However, a ballot referendum, a poll, or a citizen-led petition is required for a county to proceed with a commercial casino project.
The draft law for commercial casinos in Kentucky is extensive and covers a broad range of considerations. Counties with a licensed racing association can still seek the right to host commercial casinos, even if they have fewer than 30,000 residents. On the other hand, counties with fewer than 30,000 residents cannot be eligible hosts for commercial casinos, according to the draft law.
Each person entering a commercial casino, if established, would incur an additional $3 fee, as proposed by Representative Huff. The proceeds from the taxation of commercial casinos, as per House Bill 33, would be directed to Kentucky's General Fund.
The General Assembly of Kentucky could potentially legalize commercial casinos in this legislative session. If passed, commercial casinos in Kentucky could be taxed 21% of their gross gaming revenue.
The state's willingness to move forward with the times is evident in its past successes with gambling expansion, as shown by the successful introduction of historical horse racing machines. Smaller counties in Kentucky may have an opportunity to become eligible hosts for commercial casinos, adding a new dimension to the state's gambling industry.
However, the available search results do not provide information on the supporters of House Bill 33 in Kentucky regarding the introduction of commercial casinos. The passage of House Bill 33 could result in commercial casinos reaching Gov. Andy Beshear's desk for approval, potentially marking a new era for Kentucky's gambling industry.
