Kentucky legislator files bill to eliminate dime breakage

A bill that would move Kentucky to penny breakage was filed in the state's legislature Monday by Republican representative Adam Koenig. The bill would eliminate dime breakage at all of the state’s tracks, impacting Kentucky’s signal across the country.

At a Monday press conference, Koenig said the change would help drive bettors to Kentucky tracks.

Related: Kentucky may end breakage. Will the rest of the nation follow?

“You’re going to get paid to the penny,” Koenig said. “As I said plenty of times, especially during our task force meetings, when we legalized (Historical Horse Racing) we took care of the breeders, we took care of the horsemen, we took care of everyone who makes the races go, except for the bettors. We were going to do something about that and this is what we do.”

The bill also included a provision to tax advance deposit wagers, simulcast bets and in-person wagering at the same rate, 1.5 percent. Koenig also introduced three other gaming bills, including one to legalize sports gambling in Kentucky, something he has attempt before to no avail.

Kentucky’s 2022 legislative session is set to end on April 14.