Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 904, a wide-ranging measure covering gambling and horse racing, setting up a likely override as lawmakers return for the final days of the legislative session.
The veto came on the deadline for action on bills passed by March 31. While the legislation included extensive gaming reforms, Beshear’s objection focused on provisions affecting regulatory authority rather than gambling policy.
In his veto message, he wrote: “Authorizing an agency to file an emergency regulation in this manner would prevent the Governor from carrying out his constitutional duties and allow boards and agencies to impose rules on Kentuckians without executive oversight, including boards whose decisions impact public safety,”
Focus of Veto Centers on Executive Authority
Although HB 904 contains wide-ranging reforms affecting sports betting, horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and charitable gaming, Beshear’s veto did not address those policy areas. Instead, the dispute centered on the balance of power between the executive branch and state agencies.
The governor’s office issued a broader legislative update shortly before 4 pm ET on Monday, listing several bills signed, vetoed, or allowed to become law without signature. HB 904 was not included in that announcement, and the formal veto was logged later that afternoon at 4:27 pm ET.
The General Assembly is now set to reconvene for the final two days of its session, with veto overrides as a primary focus.
Broad Gaming and Racing Changes in HB 904
The 150-page bill, sponsored by Reps. Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, introduces multiple updates across Kentucky’s gaming sectors.
Sports betting provisions raise the minimum age to 21, ban “under” prop bets on in-state college athletes, prohibit prediction markets, and restrict wagering by individuals owing $500 or more in child support. The bill also requires handling of self-exclusion forms by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corp.
Additional sections create a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports and implement changes in horse racing, including pari-mutuel system updates, wagering cut-off rules, fixed-odds betting authorization, and limits on partnerships with prediction markets.
Charitable gaming provisions increase the minimum age for e-pulltabs to 21 and raise prize limits from $599 to $1,499.
Political Divide Sets Stage for Override
The dispute follows earlier clashes between the governor and lawmakers over regulatory powers, including during the COVID-19 period and the formation of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
Supporters continue to push for the bill, pointing to the role of charitable gaming.
Given Republican supermajorities in both chambers and prior vote margins supporting HB 904, an override is widely expected when lawmakers return.
Charitable Gaming Stakeholders Push for Passage
Charitable gaming activity has expanded significantly, with wagers rising from nearly $490 million in 2019 to $1.37 billion in 2024. Revenues have also increased, even as the sector’s share declined with the growth of sports betting and racetrack gaming.
Lawmakers are expected to act quickly as the session concludes, determining whether the bill’s provisions move forward despite the veto.
Source:
“Veto Message From The Governor Of The Commonwealth Of Kentucky Regarding House Bill 904 Of The 2026 Regular Session”, apps.legislature.ky.gov, April 13, 2026
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