A bill to regulate Kentucky sports betting has passed through a state House committee with an 18-0 vote and has excellent odds to clear the full chamber. House Bill 137 would establish a framework in the state to legally bet on sport events and play online poker and fantasy sports.

Twenty states have now legalized sports betting. Kentucky sports betting bill sponsor Rep. Adam Koenig pointed out that the state is “largely surrounded” by states that have already taken that step to tap into some of the estimated $150 billion of illegal sports wagering in the country each year.

“It has taken off quite quickly, and obviously a lot of folks see the revenue potential and opportunity to allow individuals to do something legally that they are currently doing illegally,” Koenig said. You can read more on this topic at the Courier Journal.