A bi-partisan group of Kentucky lawmakers are "working on drafting a bill to permit and regulate sports gambling" in the state that "could generate" between $5-30M in annual state revenues, according to Ronnie Ellis of the GLASGOW DAILY TIMES. Kentucky state Rep. Jason Nemes and state Sen. Morgan McGarvey during an appearance yesterday on ESPN Radio 680 Louisville said that their bill is "likely to allow gambling on both professional and collegiate sports." They said that they hope to "solicit support from other lawmakers and the public in time to offer legislation" when the '19 General Assembly convenes in January. They have "formed a nine-member panel to work on the legislation." Kentucky state Sen. Julian Carroll on Friday "pre-filed a version of a bill he offered in the last General Assembly which never got a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate." His bill would "place the authority to regulate sports betting with the Kentucky Racing Commission." Nemes suggested a 12% tax on sports wagers but added that is "just a starting point and he’s open to a higher rate." Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has "opposed casino gambling but has sounded at least open to the idea of sports betting" (GLASGOW DAILY TIMES, 6/19). Churchill Downs Inc. announced last month that it "will enter the real-money online gaming and sports-betting markets with a new partnership" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/18).
