Charitable gaming is a regulated form of nonprofit fundraising where proceeds support charitable purposes. These locally raised dollars help Kentucky nonprofits deliver essential services—from food assistance and veterans’ support to youth programs, senior services and community care—by reinvesting resources directly back into the communities they serve.
Across Kentucky, charitable gaming serves as essential infrastructure for nonprofit organizations—helping keep doors open, programs running and neighbors supported when needs are greatest.
For many Kentucky nonprofits, charitable gaming revenue isn’t optional, it’s foundational. Protecting charitable gaming protects the services communities rely on.
Every dollar raised puts food on families’ tables, supports veterans’ services, funds after-school programs, expands addiction recovery and mental health counseling, bolsters senior services and keeps the lights on for community centers.
Our partners include:
Charitable gaming is not unregulated gaming and it is not a state lottery substitute. It is a distinct, regulated funding model designed to support Kentucky nonprofits—delivering community benefits other gaming models do not.
Charitable gaming delivered approximately $93.5 million directly to Kentucky charities in 2024, making it one of the strongest charitable gaming markets in the country.
Kentucky law requires at least 40% of charitable gaming receipts to support charitable purposes. The average statewide retention rate was nearly 62% in 2024, meaning even more dollars stayed with nonprofits.
Since electronic pull-tabs became operational in Kentucky in 2016, charitable gaming net receipts have more than doubled, allowing nonprofits to scale services and reach more Kentuckians.
Do you have questions about charitable gaming in Kentucky? Email the project team at info@playforpurposeky.org.
Protecting and strengthening charitable gaming safeguards the services Kentucky families rely on. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, community advocate, policymaker or engaged citizen, your voice matters.
Nonprofits and beneficiaries can help show how charitable gaming supports real people.
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Charitable gaming is a regulated form of nonprofit fundraising where all proceeds are required by law to support charitable purposes. In Kentucky, these funds help nonprofits provide essential services such as food assistance, veterans’ support, youth programs, senior services and community care.
Charitable gaming serves as essential infrastructure for nonprofit organizations (including veterans, churches, schools and educational organizations, fraternal organizations, fire departments and rescue squads) across the Commonwealth. This helps funds stay local and keeps doors open and programs running to support the community.
Charitable gaming dollars are raised locally and reinvested locally. Funds go directly to Kentucky nonprofits, supporting services like:
Every dollar raised strengthens the community where it originates.
Yes. Charitable gaming in Kentucky is legal, highly regulated and accountable. State law requires oversight to ensure funds are used appropriately and for charitable purposes.
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In 2024, charitable gaming delivered approximately $93.5 million directly to Kentucky charities.
Charitable gaming is not unregulated gaming and not a substitute for the state lottery. It is a distinct funding model designed specifically to support nonprofits. Unlike other gaming models, its primary purpose is community benefit—not profit.
Charitable gaming supports a wide range of Kentucky nonprofits, including:
Since electronic pull-tabs became operational in Kentucky in 2016, charitable gaming net receipts have more than doubled. This modernization has allowed nonprofits to scale services, respond to growing needs and reach more Kentuckians statewide.
Protecting charitable gaming means protecting essential services and our communities. These funds help stock food pantries, keep after-school programs open, provide crisis support, fund disability services and ensure nonprofits can continue serving those who need help most.
Nonprofits must meet basic eligibility and registration requirements under Kentucky law. Generally, organizations must be recognized as a nonprofit organization, be registered with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and comply with state charitable gaming regulations. Eligible nonprofits then apply through the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation, Office of Charitable Gaming for the appropriate exemption or license, depending on the size and scope of their gaming activities. Once approved, nonprofits can receive charitable gaming proceeds to support their mission and community services.
Explore and share our resources, partner stories and educational materials to demonstrate how charitable gaming is making a difference across Kentucky.