Kentucky horse racing board approves electronic table-game HHR
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has recently approved the use of electronic table-game themes within the state’s Historical Horse Racing (HHR) system, marking a major expansion of how pari-mutuel wagering technology can be used in racetrack gaming venues. The decision was finalised on 25 November during a special meeting of the regulator.
During the special meeting, the KHRGC voted nearly unanimously to authorise HHR terminals that simulate table games such as roulette, blackjack and craps. According to the meeting documents, the request was submitted by Churchill Downs Incorporated, Exacta Systems and Interblock Gaming. For players interested in exploring regulated betting options beyond horse racing, the best sportsbetting sites for players provide vetted sportsbooks offering competitive odds, generous bonuses, and extensive market coverage.
The internal memo presented to the Board explained that “Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”), Exacta Systems, LLC (“Exacta”), and Interblock Gaming (“Interblock”) have requested Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming’s approval of a historical horse racing roulette game theme, system, and terminals.” It added that the request was elevated to the full Board because it “would introduce electronic table game themes and terminals to Kentucky.”
The memo also noted that “CDI, Exacta, and Interblock provided a detailed summary of HHR roulette, including how players can handicap the races, place wagers, and view the races and wager results. Importantly, unlike a traditional roulette game, in HHR roulette the ball and wheel do not determine the outcome of the wagers. Rather, the ball stops on the number determined by historical horse race results.”
During the public discussion, KHRGC Senior Vice President of Gaming Travers Manley said, “Well this game has a roulette game theme, KHRGC staff anticipates future requests will have other types of theme game terminals, therefore KHRGC staff recommends the general approval of the use of electronic game themes and terminals for use in historical horse racing in Kentucky.”
How the new HHR roulette system works
Materials provided to the regulator describe the new product as an HHR-based wagering model that uses five historical horse races to determine outcomes. “HHR roulette involves a set of five historical horse races. One race is the ‘selector race’ and horses in this race are assigned a number one through four. The winner of the selector race determines which of the four main races will include the ‘ultimate winner’,” the memo states. “The horses in the four main races are assigned roulette numbers. The winner of the main race as determined by the selector race is the ultimate winner, whose corresponding number will be where the roulette wheel/ball stops.”
Gaming Laboratories International tested the technology prior to approval. The memo noted that GLI “completed testing of the system, theme, and software against Kentucky’s regulations and determined the system operates as a pari-mutuel system of wagering.” GLI also checked accounting accuracy, pari-mutuel pool allocation, help-screen information and overall game integrity.
KHRGC staff carried out its own review, including a demonstration at Exacta’s Lexington office. The internal report stated that staff “has determined the system and components are compliant with KHRG regulations and statutes.”
Board members cite competitiveness concerns
Supporters within the KHRGC board said the approval is necessary to keep Kentucky’s wagering market aligned with states that offer live casino table games. Board member and horse trainer Dale Romans said, “I’d just like to say I agree with it. We’re doing very well in Kentucky, and we can’t be complacent. We have to keep getting better, and I think this makes us more competitive with the three major racetracks on the Indiana border that are competing with (inaudible) casinos. This is going to make us more competitive.”
Another board member, Bill Landes, said earlier in the meeting that the new terminals “allow Kentucky to stay competitive.”
Only one member, Catherine Parke, opposed the measure. Parke raised concerns about using roulette-themed displays instead of horse imagery. Churchill Downs stated during discussions that its partner would look at design adjustments.
Part of wider rule changes in Kentucky
The approval takes place as the KHRGC continues to review broader regulatory amendments. These include a proposed change introduced earlier in 2025 that would allow HHR operators to use pari-mutuel race data from tracks outside the United States. That proposal is undergoing public comment and may later be reviewed by the Legislative Research Commission.
Churchill Downs has supported the option to use a wider set of race data, saying broader datasets help HHR products remain competitive. Data provider Equibase has raised opposition to the change, stating the matter should be addressed through private agreements.
Some charitable and community gaming groups have also expressed concern about the expanding role of the regulator, noting the overlap between commercial and charitable oversight responsibilities.
A step that may shape Kentucky’s wider gambling debate
HHR machines remain Kentucky’s only casino-style gaming products. With table-game-style terminals now approved, observers note the decision may influence future legislative discussions around regulated casinos and online casino gaming.
Some lawmakers have recently revived House Bill 33, which seeks to authorise casinos across the state. If such a bill moves forward in the future, it may create momentum for online casino discussions. For now, the approval of electronic table-game themes within HHR remains one of the most significant regulatory milestones for the state’s racing-based wagering system.
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