Kentucky Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer has identified sports betting as the most significant pending issue in the state. Thayer, a Republican from Georgetown, has been a vocal supporter of legalizing sports betting in Kentucky for several years.

In an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader, Thayer said that he believes legalizing sports betting could generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state. He also noted that neighboring states like Indiana and Tennessee have already legalized sports betting, putting Kentucky at a competitive disadvantage.

Thayer’s comments come as the Kentucky legislature prepares to reconvene for its 2021 session. Last year, a bill to legalize sports betting in the state was introduced but failed to gain traction. However, Thayer remains optimistic that a bill will pass this year.

“I think we’re closer than we’ve ever been,” Thayer said. “I think there’s a lot of support on both sides of the aisle.”

If Kentucky were to legalize sports betting, it would join a growing number of states that have done so in recent years. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, paving the way for states to legalize it if they choose to do so.

Since then, more than 20 states have legalized sports betting in some form. The revenue generated from sports betting has been a boon for many states, particularly those that have struggled with budget shortfalls.

In neighboring Indiana, for example, sports betting has generated more than $100 million in tax revenue since it was legalized in 2019. That money has been used to fund education, infrastructure projects, and other state programs.

Thayer believes that Kentucky could see similar benefits if it were to legalize sports betting. He has proposed a bill that would allow sports betting at horse racing tracks and online. The bill would also impose a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, with the money going to fund public pensions.

Opponents of sports betting argue that it could lead to an increase in problem gambling and other social ills. However, Thayer believes that those concerns can be addressed through responsible gaming measures and education.

“I think we can do this in a responsible way,” he said. “We can generate revenue for the state and protect consumers at the same time.”

Overall, Thayer’s identification of sports betting as the most significant pending issue in Kentucky reflects the growing momentum behind legalization efforts across the country. As more and more states embrace sports betting, it seems likely that Kentucky will eventually follow suit.