With Super Bowl Sunday here, the American Gaming Association estimates bets on this year’s match-up may total $16 billion dollars.
Unfortunately, Kentucky will not see any of that money, because sports betting is illegal in the Commonwealth but that is not stopping Kentuckians because sports betting is very accessible in neighboring states.
Kentucky’s neighbors, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina, have already cashed in on sports betting. It is estimated that Kentucky loses 20 million dollars each year without it.
People opposed to sports gambling believe more Kentuckians will develop gambling addictions, but lawmakers disagree.
House Representative Al Gentry said a portion of tax revenue from sports betting would go to funding gambling treatment programs, which is something he says the Commonwealth needs now.
Derby City Gaming in Downtown Louisville could become a site for sports gambling in the Commonwealth if it becomes legal.
The House introduced a bill that would expand gambling in Kentucky, but Gentry said he doesn’t think it will get the votes needed to pass both chambers. He said a similar bill that could be introduced soon may have a better chance.
Source: WAVE
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