Kentucky governor reflects on two years of sports betting
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has said he believes that sports betting in the state is going “really well” two years after it was legalized.
Speaking at his most recent Team Kentucky update, Beshear said that he believes the regulation of the betting markets in the state has helped problem gamblers by introducing safeguards and responsible gambling tools.
“What it showed us was a whole lot of people were betting – let’s call it unlawfully – before, but now have a system where it is regulated,” Beshear explained, adding that the state can now track and respond to people who develop gambling problems.
He added, “I’ve actually talked to people, I’ve been at baseball games where someone says I’ve been locked out of the system in Kentucky, so there are those safeguards in place.”
Despite the Governor’s positive words, Dr. Ronsonlyn Clark from the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling believes the state needs to do more to help problem gamblers.
In 2024, calls to the Kentucky Problem Gambling Helpline doubled from the previous year.
Dr Clark believes there are not enough counselors to deal with this increased number of calls and wants the government to act on this. She said, “We need to make sure our legislators are aware of the council and the council’s efforts.”
In March, Kentucky sports wagers increased 15.5% year-on-year, generating US$284.9 million in revenue.
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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