Lawmakers in Kentucky have introduced a new bill that could significantly change the state’s sports betting regulations. The proposal would raise the legal betting age from 18 to 21 and prohibit certain player prop bets involving college athletes.
The legislation, known as House Bill 904, was introduced in early March and includes several measures designed to strengthen consumer protections and address concerns around the integrity of college sports.
Age limit could increase to 21
One of the most notable provisions would raise the minimum legal age for sports betting from 18 to 21. Kentucky is currently among a small group of U.S. jurisdictions where 18-year-olds can legally place sports wagers.
Supporters of the change argue that younger bettors face higher risks of developing gambling problems and accumulating debt. Responsible gambling advocates say increasing the age requirement could reduce harm among young adults who may not yet fully understand the financial risks associated with sports betting.
If passed, the change would bring Kentucky more in line with most U.S. states, where the legal betting age is already set at 21.
Ban on college player prop bets
The bill would also prohibit sportsbooks from offering proposition bets on individual college athletes playing for in-state universities.
Prop bets allow bettors to wager on specific player outcomes, such as the number of points scored or assists recorded, rather than the final result of a game. Lawmakers and regulators have expressed concerns that these types of wagers could make college athletes more vulnerable to harassment or manipulation.
However, the proposal would still allow prop bets on athletes from colleges outside Kentucky, limiting the ban to local teams.
The measure aligns with broader efforts across the U.S. to reduce pressure on student-athletes and protect the integrity of college sports competitions.
Additional gambling reforms included
House Bill 904 also contains several other regulatory updates affecting the state’s gambling industry. These include:
New rules for regulating fantasy sports operators
Expanded consumer protection measures such as self-exclusion lists
Changes related to horse racing wagering and fixed-odds betting
Updates to charitable gaming regulations
Together, the provisions aim to modernize Kentucky’s gambling framework while addressing concerns around problem gambling and sports integrity.
What happens next
The bill has been referred to a legislative committee for further review. Lawmakers will debate the proposal before deciding whether it should move forward in the legislative process.
If approved, the changes could reshape Kentucky’s sports betting market and bring the state’s regulations closer to the national standard.
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