Kentucky lawmakers giving sports betting a look

FRANKFORT, Ky-Up until now, the only sport that could legally be wagered on in Kentucky was horse racing. But if state lawmakers get their way, betting on other sports, including college football and basketball, could become legal.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee support the bill, voting unanimously on Wednesday to advance it to the whole House for a vote.

One local sports fan felt legalizing sports betting might mean less money for those placing bets since they would then be paying taxes out of their winnings. Kentucky would benefit from those winnings, gaining as much as $23 billion annually from tax revenues.