Kentucky regulators have approved the use of electronic table game themes on historical horse racing (HHR) machines, following a near-unanimous vote by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corp (KHRGC).
The decision allows operators to add themes such as roulette to their terminals, expanding the range of game styles that can appear on machines traditionally tied to horse-race wagering outcomes.
The original request before the commission sought approval for a roulette-themed game. However, KHRGC VP of Gaming, Travers Manley, recommended that commissioners approve electronic table-game themes more broadly, noting that future applications for additional themes were expected.
Several commissioners voiced support for the update, emphasizing competitiveness with neighbouring states.
Director and Thoroughbred trainer, Dale Romans, argued that Kentucky's racetrack venues must continue evolving to remain viable, stating: "We can't get complacent. We have to stay competitive. There are live casinos right now all along the Kentucky border that our racetracks are competing with."
Fellow Director, Bill Landes, echoed this point, noting that electronic table game-style HHR machines would help Kentucky facilities compete with nearby casinos.
The sole dissenting vote came from Catherine Parke, owner of Valkyrie Stud, who questioned why the machine designs did not include horse-related imagery.
A Churchill Downs representative explained that the terminals were produced by partner Interblock Luxury Gaming Products and used in multiple jurisdictions, making redesigns uncertain.
KHRGC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz asked CDI to investigate whether visual adjustments could be considered.
Churchill Downs, along with system developer Exacta and Interblock, has played a central role in creating the new game formats. However, the regulator has not yet confirmed when licensees will be permitted to roll out the updated machines across Kentucky venues.
The approval comes as Churchill Downs continues to demonstrate strong performance in the historical racing sector. The operator reported record quarterly revenue of $683m in Q3 2025, with live and historical racing accounting for $305.7m of that total, representing 21.1% growth year-over-year.
The sole opposition came from Catherine Parke, owner of Valkyrie Stud, who raised concerns about the machine design not incorporating horse imagery
