Many gambling operators fought back with internet rights groups on their side, and they claimed censorship. The reason given by Governor Steve Beshear was that the operators “prey on Kentucky citizens, including our youth, and deprive the Commonwealth of millions of dollars in revenue.” He indicated that the horse racing industry suffered due to gambling on the internet. Domains such as PokerStars and Bodog were caught up in the sweep as sites were shut down for Kentucky players. This happened in September 2008 with the permission of a Circuit Court judge. Inspired by the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, under the direction of its then-governor, seized the internet domains of more than 140 websites determined to be related to gambling. Kentucky was caught up in quite a years-long court battle due to its decision to take on internet gambling sites in 2008. “A contest or game in which eligibility to participate is determined y chance and the ultimate winner is determined by skill shall not be considered to be gambling.” Most Recent Developments However, there is a section about simulated gambling programs, which describes playing on an electronic device for money or property “through the application of an element of chance.” While this is not a specific mention of internet gambling or betting on sports, it could be interpreted as such.įinally, the meaning of gambling in the code does offer an interesting note about contests of skill that has the potential to exempt games like poker and betting on sports. Per the Chapter 528 of the Kentucky Statutes, gambling is defined in a standard way, as are players. The lottery became legal in 1988 via a voter referendum, and some forms of gambling by charitable organizations are permitted. Other than the racing industry, however, there is little legal gambling. Pari-mutuel betting has been legal for many years in the state and paved the way for many others to follow.

Horse racing is not only legal in Kentucky, it’s a way of life and a staple of its economy. Population Estimate: 4.45 million (26th).State Motto: Let us be grateful to God.

Is online gambling legal in kentucky