LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Among the dozens of measures set to take effect this week is legislation legalizing sports betting in Kentucky.

Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, who co-sponsored the bill, said it’s been a long time coming, and sports fans will only have to wait a little longer.

“Finally got it through the legislative process, which had taken a really, really long time, but you do feel like you’re right there now and we’re going to be able to hopefully be betting on sports in Kentucky by the start of the NFL season,” he said.

A map from the American Gaming Association shows that as of last week, every state surrounding Kentucky besides Missouri already has live sports betting in play.

Kentucky’s program will be competitive in the region, Meredith told Spectrum News 1.

“Our tax rates are competitive with the other states around us,” said Meredith. “We’re going to be … one of the only states in the region that allows folks from 18-21 to bet, in accordance with all of our other gaming laws in the state.”

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which will set up sports wagering regulations, provided the following update Monday:

“The KHRC is actively engaged with both officials from other states and industry experts, reviewing regulations and best practices. This collaborative approach aims to establish clear and thorough regulations for sports wagering in Kentucky. When available, draft administrative regulations will be posted to KHRC.ky.gov. Following the finalization of regulations, the licensing process will open for various types of applicants for sports wagering.”

According to the governor’s office, sports betting will generate an estimated revenue increase of $23 million a year.