A Bullitt County Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation that would expand legalized gambling in Kentucky.
Rep. Thomas Huff, R-Shepherdsville, filed a measure that would legalize land-based and riverboat casinos and place the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation in charge of licensing and regulating casino gaming and fantasy sports contests.
“HHR machines and sports betting have generated millions of dollars in revenue for Kentucky in recent years,” Huff said. “I filed HB 33 to build on their success, increase state revenue, and provide the people of Kentucky with the opportunity to play at casinos in their home state.”
Under this measure, counties would have the authority to approve the operation of casino gaming through a local option election. A county would be eligible to conduct a local option election if its population exceeds 30,000. Smaller counties that do not meet the 30,000-person threshold may join with adjoining counties to meet population eligibility requirements, with an exception for smaller counties that have a licensed racing association.
Additionally, the county legislative body must pass an ordinance for an election to be held, or a petition for an election must be signed by 25 percent of constitutionally qualified voters in the county from the last regular election. Once approved by the county, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation will solicit bids for licensing casino gaming in the county. A 21 percent tax on casino revenue would be imposed, along with a $3 admissions fee for each person admitted to the casino each day.
The bill also outlines the framework for fantasy sports contests operators. Fantasy sports contest operators would be required to pay a $5,000 initial registration fee. They would also be required to pay a $5,000 annual renewal fee, or six percent of their adjusted gross revenue for the prior calendar year, whichever is greater.
“Several of Kentucky’s neighboring states have more permissive gambling laws, and, as a result, Kentuckians travel to those states each year to play at their casinos,” Huff said. “By legalizing casinos in Kentucky, the state will benefit from the revenue the casinos generate, which will help further supply the state’s General Fund and fund state programs.”
Lawmakers return to Frankfort on Tuesday, Feb. 4, for the remainder of the 30-day session, which ends on March 28.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
