Kentucky legalized sports betting on March 31 and at least one person is not happy with the state’s age rules for gambling. Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), blasted Kentucky for allowing 18-20-year-olds the ability to gamble.
Schuler told WCPO that it was “a fundamental mistake” that people under 21 can place bets on sports.
“I absolutely hate the idea that individuals under 21 can go across the border, open an account and bet,” said Schuler. “I think it’s horrible.”
State representative Michael Meredith, who sponsored the bill, defended Kentucky’s age rule for gambling.
“It’s consistent with all of our other gaming laws in Kentucky,” Merideth told WCPO. “You can bet at a horse track in Kentucky when you’re 18. You can go to an HHR facility at 18 by statute. Now, several of our HHR facilities have self-regulated to 21 but the statute says 18. And then, you can buy lottery tickets in Kentucky at 18 too. So, it’s consistent with all of our other wagering laws.”
Since Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 552 into law on March 31, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has yet to get ready for a launch. The KHRC is still working on the rules for the state’s sportsbooks.
It is possible that the age rule could be modified. At present, Kentucky is only one of five states that allow gamblers aged 18-20 to place wagers. One company that has applied for a sports betting license said it would refuse bets from people under 21.
Schuler said he hopes the KHRC rethinks its position.
“The age group that is most at risk of developing a gambling problem are males 18 to 35,” Schuler said. “The younger ones are most vulnerable as they’re not at the age yet where they can thoroughly process the consequences of their actions. Not my opinion. Scientific fact.”
Caesars has said they will require bettors to be 21 and BetMGM said they may as well. Welcome news to Schuler, but he hopes more sportsbooks follow suit.
“I do hope that the licensed sportsbooks choose to offer it to only those 21 and older as a matter of responsibility,” Schuler said. “They’re going to have a problem on their hands if they don’t do something on the front end for responsible gambling prevention and be prepared for treatment.”
