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Online Poker Legislation Introduced In Kentucky

Proposal Would Allow Anyone 18 And Up To Play

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KY StatehouseThe state of Kentucky will again consider legalizing and regulating online poker.

On Friday, Senate Bill 213 was introduced in Lexington to authorize the state to sanction online poker sites. Under the bill, the legal online poker age would be 18.

The proposal defines online poker as “any form of poker,” making specific mention of “Five Card Draw, Seven Card Stud, and Texas Hold’em.” Online poker could be played at “locations removed from other players via the Internet through the use of computers, smartphones, or other types of electronic devices,” according to the bill.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by State Sen. David Yates, a Democrat, notes that the legal definition of online poker would “not include video lottery terminals or slot machines using electronic representations of cards in a game of chance in which skill does not play a part.”

The bill would require potential online poker sites to utilize geolocation software to ensure that all online poker is conducted within the geographical confines of the state. Platforms would also need to have age verification software to make sure no one under 18 can play.

A state tax of 6.75% on poker revenue would be imposed on each online poker platform.

Kentucky has considered online poker legislation since 2019, coming alongside efforts to legalize sports betting. Kentucky is in the minority of states without legal sports betting.

Kentucky would join a growing number of states with online poker, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, West Virginia, and Delaware.

The Bluegrass State’s 2022 legislation session wraps up in April, giving the bill less than two months to make its way through the legislature.