The Kentucky House of Representatives recently passed HB 904 with a vote of 79 to 15, proposing to raise the minimum age for sports betting from 18 to 21, while also prohibiting individual performance bets on college athletes from the state. The bill, initiated by Republican Representatives Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, has now been forwarded to the Senate for review. In essence, it temporarily removes players aged 18 to 20 from the betting table, adding an extra layer of protection for college athletes.
Key provisions: Age raised to 21, ban on betting options for state college players
The main provisions of the bill raise the legal age for sports betting from 18 to 21, and prohibit individual performance bets on athletes from Kentucky's college teams. The proponents point out that this move aims to reduce the risk of student athletes being bribed or harassed, and to eliminate the motivation for misconduct due to players not achieving personal goals. Since the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky in 2023, the market has grown rapidly, with betting amounts exceeding $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2025, contributing approximately $41 million in state consumption taxes.
Expanded regulation: Fantasy sports, prediction markets, and fixed-odds horse racing included in the framework
The bill also brings fantasy sports under the regulation of Kentucky's horse racing and betting companies, and sets a tax framework for prediction markets (provided that federal courts allow their legal operation in the future). Additionally, the bill proposes to legalize fixed-odds horse racing betting (currently heavily restricted by Kentucky law), and establishes a special task force to study the regulatory practices of charitable gambling. These measures aim to improve the regulatory system in sync with market development.
Consumer protection: Prohibition against non-payment of large winnings, gambling ban for those owing child support
In response to some betting companies limiting players' large winnings, the bill stipulates that such practices will be illegal—if passed, betting operators will no longer be able to refuse to pay out large winnings. Moreover, the bill also stipulates that individuals owing more than $1,000 in child support cannot participate in sports betting until their debts are settled, with the Attorney General's office providing a list for regulatory agencies and operators to enforce.
When the House passed the bill, there were only 7 days left in Kentucky's 60-day legislative session, showing strong momentum, but whether it will ultimately become law remains uncertain. Interested in the latest updates on gambling legislation in various US states? PASA's official website continues to track.
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