FRANKFORT, KY – The topic of legal sports betting has been a growing trend across the United States in the past few months, and Kentucky may soon be in that number. If everything goes through with a recent bill proposal, then Kentucky residents could have legal sports gambling in their own state.

The Scope Of The Bill

KY House Bill 175, if passed, would allow land-based sports gambling at horse racing tracks or the Kentucky Speedway. Residents looking to bet on horses would also be able to bet on their favorite sports teams.

For Residents wanting to stay in the comfort of their home, the bill would also allow for internet poker and fantasy sports gambling as well.

What The State Thinks About The Bill

“We’ve been pushing this thing pretty hard,” said Ellis Park Race Track General Manager Jeff Hall. “We fight for Kentucky dollars we’re losing to Indiana.”

The need for financial gain to compete with nearby states is only a sliver of the needs the bill can supply the area with.

What This Means Financially For Kentucky

Betting on sports in Kentucky would line the state’s pockets with potentially millions of dollars in tax revenue. Tax revenue that could enable the state to fix up Ellis Park into something amazing.

“Our first impression, you’re not going to know the place, let me put it to you like that,” said Ellis.

The money gained from the bill would also greatly benefit Kentucky Residents. Dollars would be used to help people struggling with gambling addiction. Funds would also go to Kentucky’s struggling pension systems.

What Happens Next

Kentucky’s legislative committee approved the bill on Tuesday, and now the Kentucky House has plans to vote on the bill this week. If the bill gets past the House, then it will need approval from the Senate. sports betting in Kentucky is within arm’s reach for residents of the Bluegrass State. They surely need this bill, if not purely for the financial implications and benefits it will provide.