Despite picking up speed, a bill proposing to overhaul the betting rules in Kentucky, including raising the minimum age for sports wagering, was vetoed earlier this week. That’s the case for House Bill 904 (HB 904), which proses changes to the legal framework affecting sports betting, horse racing, prediction markets and fantasy sports, among other topics.
Gov. Andy Beshear vetoes HB 904
Under HB 904, the minimum age for sports betting would be increased from 18 to 21. The extensive bill also features a range of other provisions and has gained traction recently, ultimately ending up on the desk of Gov. Andy Beshear. However, the Governor didn’t sign HB 904 into law and instead imposed a veto. Interestingly, Gov. Beshear’s decision to veto the draft law wasn’t related to the changes affecting sports betting, prediction markets or horse racing. In his veto note, signed on April 13, 2026, the Governor highlighted that HB 904 proposes the authorization of two agencies to file emergency and ordinary administrative regulations without the need for his review and signature. That’s the case for the Kentucky Lottery Corporation and the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Gov. Beshear’s decision to veto HB 904 reads: Under the Kentucky Constitution, the Governor is the Chief Magistrate of the Executive Branch and has a duty to ensure all laws are faithfully executed, including by agencies carrying out the law through regulation. In that role, the Governor reviews proposed emergency regulations to ensure they are necessarily and meet legal requirements for emergency filing. The veto note further reads: Authorizing an agency to file an emergency regulation in this manner would prevent the Governor from carrying out his constitutional duties and allow boards and agencies to impose rules on Kentuckians without executive oversight, including boards whose decisions impact public safety. With Gov. Beshear imposing a veto on HB 904, lawmakers can now consider overriding his decision. If that happens, Kentucky will introduce major changes to its gambling industry, increasing the minimum age for betting, establishing a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports, and end certain prop bets.
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