A Christian conservative policy group is urging Kentucky lawmakers to raise the legal age of Kentucky sports betting from 18 to 21. The effort comes after the state legalized sports betting in 2023 and amid growing wagering activity, which advocates say increases concerns about problem gambling among young adults.
Kentucky is one of a small number of states that allow 18-year-olds to wager on sports. Of the 39 states where sports betting is legal, 32 set the minimum age requirement at 21.
Age Limit Debate and Operator Policies
The push is being led by organizations including the Commonwealth Policy Center, which argues that raising the minimum betting age could help reduce issues related to impulsive behavior, gambling addiction, and reported concerns involving college campuses and student athletes.
While Kentucky law currently permits sports betting for individuals 18 and older, sportsbook policies vary. DraftKings Kentucky and bet365 allow users who are at least 18 to place bets in the state. Other major Kentucky sports betting apps, including BetMGM, FanDuel Kentucky, and Fanatics, restrict access to customers who are 21 and older.
Supporters of the proposal say aligning sports betting age limits with existing restrictions on alcohol and tobacco could create more consistent regulatory standards. Any change to the current age requirement would require legislative action by the Kentucky General Assembly.
