Kentucky sports betting regulation got caught in the middle of a political tug-of-war this session.
On Friday, ahead of Monday’s final day of session, Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 299, legislation that creates an independent Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission to oversee gambling including KY sports betting.
The existing Kentucky Horse Racing Commission sits under the governor’s purview as part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Public Protection.
The Senate overturned the veto with a vote of 26-12, with the House following suit, 57-38. SB 299 initially passed the Senate, 26-12, and the House, 64-28. It was one of more than two dozen Beshear vetoes Friday.
