LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers have approved sweeping legislation to regulate gambling across the state, addressing what supporters say are critical gaps in consumer protections in an industry that has expanded significantly in recent years. House Bill 904 won final passage Wednesday in the 2026 legislative session, clearing the Senate on a 24-13 vote and the House 64-19.

The comprehensive bill, sponsored by Reps. Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, both Republicans, addresses "nearly every area that is regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission," according to Meredith. Among its key provisions, the legislation raises the minimum age for sports wagering from 18 to 21 and prohibits individuals on the attorney general's child support arrearage list from accessing online betting platforms.

The measure also creates a licensing framework for fantasy sports operators and bans "under" bets on college athletes from in-state teams. It prevents fantasy operators and betting companies from working with prediction markets operating in Kentucky and gives racetracks the option to offer fixed-odds wagering to address concerns about computer-assisted odds that shift before races.

The bill includes provisions for tote system modernization, charitable gaming governance reforms, and would establish a purse stabilization fund to ensure horse industry support from fixed-odds wagering revenue.

"Gambling is here," said Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, during Senate floor debate. "We have two choices. We can do nothing and let the proliferation of some of the problems we have go unchecked, or we could step up and do the best we can to protect people of Kentucky."

Not all lawmakers were convinced. Senate Minority Whip Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville, supported the charitable gaming and age provisions but voted against the bill citing concerns about potential restrictions on Churchill Downs' broadcasting of the Kentucky Derby nationally.

Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville, acknowledged mixed provisions but voted in favor, emphasizing the importance of protections for younger Kentuckians. The measure now goes to the governor's desk.