Kentucky had the interest for sports betting, a governor who wanted sports betting and apparently enough votes in both legislative votes to get it done in 2020.
But it fell apart due to some late protests and the fact the COVID-19 pandemic left Kentucky legislators no time to focus on it. So sports betting (along with daily fantasy sports and online poker) is probably pushed ahead until 2021 and maybe 2022.
Gov. Andy Beshear championed the cause of sports betting and both houses and both Democrats and Republicans pledged their support. But then a late lobby by the Family Foundation of Kentucky stalled things a bit.
Is Kentucky sports betting legal?
Not yet, although it seemed like sports betting was on the horizon for 2020 before things fell apart. The bill can be re-introduced in 2021, but the rules in odd-number years are that a 60% majority is needed to pass a bill, whereas it’s a simple 51% vote in even-number years.
Where can I bet at Kentucky sportsbooks?
As of March 2020, you cannot. You can wager at horse tracks and via online racebook operators, but nothing is currently legal for sports betting, DFS or online poker. The state famously sued some overseas poker operators and seized domains in 2008. A court also awarded the state nearly a billion dollar settlement against the Poker Stars franchise, but that was overturned in 2019.
What about mobile sports betting apps in Kentucky?
Nothing yet, but the fact Kentucky’s sports betting proposal includes DFS, you can presume that online operators such as Draft Kings and FanDuel will be quick off the mark to offer services here eventually. They boast terrific betting apps.