Kentucky lawmakers are transferring ahead with a wide-ranging invoice that will overhaul how the state regulates fantasy contests, sports activities betting, and charitable gaming, with the proposal now sitting within the Senate for additional consideration.
The measure, often known as House Bill 904, handed the Home on March 19 with a 79–15 vote. It reached the Senate the subsequent day and was despatched to the Committee on Committees. Sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith and Rep. Matthew Koch, the laws would enhance the authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Company whereas laying out detailed guidelines throughout a number of gaming sectors.
The invoice hopes to introduce a brand new system to manage fantasy contest operators. It offers the state company energy to license and supervise these companies, whereas requiring stronger protections in opposition to fraud and criminal activity. Firms would want to verify person identities and block anybody beneath the authorized age from taking part.
Lawmakers are additionally drawing a sharper line between fantasy contests and conventional sports activities betting. The invoice retains the minimal age for fantasy contests at 18 however raises the authorized age for sports activities wagering to 21, creating a brand new distinction in how the 2 actions are handled beneath state legislation.
Location verification is one other key requirement. Operators should use “geolocation know-how to confirm” the place individuals are bodily positioned. The invoice additionally requires routine audits, together with unbiased monetary critiques and compliance checks to make sure operators comply with the principles.
New invoice in Kentucky tie gaming entry to baby assist compliance
One provision hyperlinks entry to on-line gaming with unpaid baby assist. The state would preserve a registry of people who owe at the very least $1,000, and operators could be required to display all candidates in opposition to it.
The laws states operators should “deny account creation to any applicant who’s a disqualified particular person” listed on the registry. Current accounts might be suspended till the person is faraway from the checklist.
The invoice additionally tightens licensing requirements. Candidates and key personnel would endure background checks, and anybody with felony convictions, unlawful playing offenses, or sure fraud-related crimes could be disqualified. Operators would additionally have to actively monitor for suspicious exercise, together with match fixing or different integrity dangers tied to sporting occasions.
Financially, the invoice creates new funding streams tied to gaming exercise. A “fantasy contest administration fund” would accumulate charges and taxes to cowl regulatory prices, assist drawback playing packages, and contribute to the state pension system. One other fund would direct income from fixed-odds horse race betting towards race purses.
The tax modifications come as Kentucky’s gaming market continues to develop. In accordance with latest knowledge, gambling revenue in the state rose 54% in February 2025 in contrast with the identical month final yr, reflecting sturdy demand throughout sports activities betting and associated platforms.
The laws additionally updates charitable gaming guidelines by elevating prize limits, adjusting licensing charges, and strengthening oversight. It provides accountable gaming measures, together with self-exclusion choices and required disclosures about playing dangers.
As of March 20, the invoice stays beneath Senate evaluation, marking its subsequent step within the legislative course of.
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