The Kentucky Senate and House have successfully overridden Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of HB 904, known as the “Wagering Consumer Protection Act,” which will become law in 90 days. This legislation raises the state’s sports betting age from 18 to 21, prohibits bets on individual collegiate athlete props that depend on negative performance outcomes, legalizes fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, and establishes licensing and tax regulations for daily fantasy sports operators. The override votes were decisive, with the House voting 67-7 and the Senate 26-5 to pass the bill despite the governor’s objections.

Governor Beshear vetoed the bill primarily due to concerns over executive oversight, arguing that it would allow certain state agencies to file emergency regulations without his review, undermining his constitutional duty as chief executive. However, the legislature prioritized the gambling reforms, which also include barring licensed horse racing tracks from partnering with platforms offering event contracts through prediction markets and requiring bettors to be notified within 24 hours if they are limited and why. The new law aims to tighten gambling regulations and consumer protections in Kentucky while aligning the state with broader national standards.