Gambling expansion is once again be on the radar as a Kentucky sports betting bill will return to the state legislature next year. At least one legislator is optimistic the bill will pass. State Representative Adam Koenig (R-Erlanger) said he will file a bill that allows for legalized sports betting at Kentucky race tracks and via mobile betting. Koenig said he has long been a proponent of expanded gaming but acknowledged that casinos have been a hard sell for the state. He noted urban parts of the state have shown an openness to expanded gaming, but rural parts of the…

A lawmaker pushing the newest Kentucky sports betting bill says it is a good bet to pass this year, but it still faces long odds. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that states could legalize sports betting, and so far seven states have done it. Rep. Adam Koenig argues Kentucky should not be late to the game. He has sponsored House Bill 175 to legalize sports betting, online poker and fantasy sports. Koenig testified about the bill during a meeting of the House Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations, which he chairs. “You can bet on sports on this…