Kentucky lawmakers introduced new legislation that would increase the legal age for sports wagering and restrict certain types of bets tied to college athletes in the state.
House Bill 904, filed on March 4 by state Reps. Michael Meredith of Oakland and Matt Koch of Paris, proposes raising the minimum sports betting age from 18 to 21. The measure also would prohibit proposition bets involving athletes from Kentucky colleges and universities.
The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee in the Kentucky House.
Changes Proposed For Sports Betting And Fantasy Contests
The legislation would formally legalize fantasy sports contests under Kentucky’s sports betting laws. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation would regulate the activity. Daily fantasy sports is already accessible in Kentucky through operators such as DraftKings, although the contests have operated without specific regulation.
The bill would also allow racetracks to offer fixed-odds wagering alongside traditional pari-mutuel betting. The legal betting age for horse racing, including wagers placed on historical horse racing machines, would remain 18.
Supporters say the measure aims to strengthen oversight as the sports betting market grows.
“We created a nationally recognized structure for sports wagering in the commonwealth a few years ago,” Meredith said. “House Bill 904 would bring us in line with much of the country in governing fantasy contests. Our goal is to make sure consumers are protected and have access to the products they are demanding in the marketplace.”
Koch said the proposal focuses on protecting bettors and maintaining trust in regulated gaming.
“It is important that we ensure safeguards are in place to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of lawful wagering and charitable gaming,” Koch said. “The Wagering Consumer Protection Act would build on the General Assembly’s previous work to strengthen industry oversight and establish a regulatory framework that supports the long-term success of these industries.”
Debate Over Younger Bettors And Prop Bet Restrictions
Supporters of the bill say raising the minimum betting age could reduce risks faced by younger gamblers. Ronsonlyn Clark, president of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, warned about the financial pressure some gamblers experience.
“Everyone does it is something that people say, especially young people that are gambling,” Clark said.
Not all younger bettors support the proposal. Dylan Froyo, a 19-year-old University of Kentucky student, said wagering adds excitement when watching sports.
The bill also seeks to eliminate prop bets involving Kentucky college athletes. Brad Taylor, host of the sports betting radio show Bottomline with Brad Taylor, said those wagers could create integrity concerns.
“We’ve seen it in the NBA, we’ve seen players in the NFL even get suspended for betting on these prop bets,” Taylor said.
Growing Sports Betting Market
Sports wagering has expanded quickly in Kentucky since legalization in 2023. In fiscal year 2025, bettors placed more than $2.8 billion in wagers, generating $41 million in state tax revenue. Nearly $1.9 billion has already been wagered in fiscal year 2026.
Survey results released by the NCAA in May 2023 found that 58% of people aged 18 to 22 have taken part in at least one sports betting activity.
Source:
“New bill would raise Kentucky sports betting age to 21, ban some prop bets” , kentucky.com, March 5, 2026
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