Kentucky Approves Electronic Table Games for HHR

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Kentucky Approves Electronic Table Games for HHR

Kentucky lawmakers and regulators have taken a major step toward gaming expansion. On November 25, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) approved electronic table-game themes for Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines. The move redefines the scope of horse-racing based wagering in the state.

KHRGC Pushes Forward with Electronic Table Games HHR Terminals

The KHRGC voted nearly unanimously to authorize HHR terminals that replicate electronic versions of table games such as roulette, blackjack, and craps. 

This decision follows a request from technology providers Interblock Luxury Gaming Products and Exacta Systems, a subsidiary of gaming firm Churchill Downs, Inc. Regulators noted that the machines passed compliance testing by Gaming Labs International (GLI). 

Supporters argued the change is needed to keep Kentucky competitive with neighboring states offering traditional live casino games. “We can’t get complacent,” said HHR backer and KHRGC board member Dale Romans. Another board member, Bill Landes, asserted the new terminals “allow Kentucky to stay competitive”. 

Only one board member opposed the move. Catherine Parke questioned the decision to use roulette-themed machines instead of horse imagery. Meanwhile, Churchill Downs said its partner would review possible design changes. 

Ongoing Regulatory Rule Changes in Kentucky

This approval comes amid a wave of regulatory changes by the KHRGC. In May 2025, the regulator advanced a rule to allow HHR operators to use pari-mutuel race data from racetracks outside the United States. 

That rule now is subject to public comment and may go before the state’s Legislative Research Commission. Supporters of expanded data use include Churchill Downs. They argue broader data sources let HHR products remain fresh and competitive. 

However, critics such as data provider Equibase said the amendment is unnecessary and prefer to address the matter through private agreements. 

Meanwhile, some community and charitable gaming advocates previously voiced concern that mixing for-profit gaming oversight with charitable gaming regulation may create conflicts. 

Could Online Casinos in Kentucky be Next?

Observers say the table game HHR approval may signal a broader shift in Kentucky’s gambling landscape. If regulators are willing to expand HHR formats, this could lay the groundwork for full-blown casino legalization. This includes the possibility of allowing US online casinos within the state.

Currently, HHR machines represent Kentucky’s main casino-style gambling option. With the recent approval of table game themes, some lawmakers have reintroduced measures such as House Bill 33 (HB33), which would legalize land-based and riverboat casinos statewide. 

If HB33 or comparable legislation ever passes, Kentucky may shift toward a regulated casino market. In that case, the demand and regulatory groundwork could extend to allowing US online casinos. Should that happen, Kentucky players might no longer rely primarily on HHR machines.

For now, the authorizing of electronic table-game HHR terminals remains a significant milestone for Kentucky gambling. Local regulators and lawmakers appear willing to modernize Kentucky’s gambling laws. That could set a future course toward both traditional casinos and online casino regulation.