Kentucky's legislature is considering House Bill 33, filed by Rep. Thomas Huff (R-Bullitt), which would allow counties to decide on commercial casino gambling through local voter referendums. The bill proposes significant changes to Kentucky's gambling landscape, which has historically maintained strict limitations.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• 21% tax on monthly gross gaming revenue from slots, table games, and sports betting
• $3 admission fee per casino visitor
• Revenue would go to the state's General Fund
• Kentucky Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) would regulate casinos

County eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 30,000 residents required
• Smaller counties can partner with neighbors to meet population threshold
• Counties with licensed racing associations exempt from population requirement
• Local referendum needed through either county ordinance or citizen petition (25% of last election's votes)

Current gaming landscape in Kentucky:

• Online sports betting legalized in March 2023
• Historical horse racing (HHR) machines approved in 2021
• HHR performance (July-November 2024):
  • Monthly handle: approximately $800 million
  • Total gross revenue: $302.4 million
  • Track retention: $252.5 million
  • Horse racing development: $26.9 million
  • State General Fund: $23 million

The bill faces potential challenges in the Republican-controlled legislature, where gaming expansion has historically faced resistance in this heavily religious state. However, recent approval of sports betting and HHR machines suggests evolving attitudes toward gambling expansion.

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