AN ACT relating to gaming activities.
Amend KRS 230.210 to define terms; amend KRS 230.260 to allow the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (corporation) to license and regulate casino gaming and fantasy contests; allow the corporation to inspect all premises where casino gaming is conducted and seize any equipment or records related to casino gaming for the purposes of examination and inspection; require the corporation to promulgate administrative regulations related to casino gaming; create new sections of KRS Chapter 230 to establish licensing requirements for full casino, limited casino, and riverboat casino gaming; establish local option election requirements for the purpose of approving casino gaming; permit the corporation to solicit bids for the purpose of licensing casino gaming in a county; allow a limited casino license for racing associations that meet certain requirements; prohibit the sale or lease of gaming unless a person possesses a manufacturer or supplier license; prohibit a person under 21 years of age from placing a wager at a casino or accessing areas of a casino in which games are operated; require a licensee to compile a list of persons who are to be excluded from any licensed casino if they pose a threat to the interests of this state or to licensed gaming; establish requirements for any person seeking to register as a fantasy contest operator; prohibit a fantasy contest operator from offering a fantasy contest without a valid registration issued by the corporation; require the corporation to promulgate administrative regulations for the operation of fantasy contests; create a new section of KRS Chapter 138 to define terms and impose an excise tax and an admissions tax on gaming operations at casinos; amend KRS 68.182, 91.202, 92.282, 230.215, 230.225, and 230.232 to conform; amend KRS 243.500, 525.090, 528.010, 528.020, 528.070, 528.080, and 528.100 to exempt casino gaming and fantasy contests; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2025.
This bill aims to update Kentucky's gaming laws by allowing the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to regulate casino gaming and fantasy contests. It outlines specific requirements for licensing, inspections, and taxes related to casino operations. The bill also establishes rules for fantasy contests and sets age restrictions for casino access. Local governments will have the option to approve casino gaming through elections. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee in the House. It was introduced on January 7, 2025, and will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.
Key aspects of the bill include defining terms related to gaming, creating licensing categories for different types of casinos, and requiring administrative regulations for both casino gaming and fantasy contests. It also includes provisions for local elections to decide on casino gaming within their jurisdiction. The bill's primary sponsor is Thomas Huff, a Republican representative. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration.
The bill's progress includes its introduction in the House on January 7, 2025, and referral to the Committee on Committees. As of February 4, 2025, it has been referred to the Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee for further review. The bill's future actions will depend on the committee's recommendations and the overall legislative agenda.