KRS 528.030: Promoting Gambling in the First Degree

What Is KRS 528.030?

KRS 528.030 is Kentucky’s first-degree promoting gambling statute. It targets people who organize, profit from, or facilitate illegal gambling. People in Lexington and Louisville face these felony charges in cases involving alleged gambling operations.

What the Statute Prohibits

A person commits first-degree promoting gambling when they knowingly advance or profit from unlawful gambling activity by:

Engaging in bookmaking
Receiving or accepting bets totaling more than $500 per day
Selling more than $500 worth of lottery tickets per day
Other significant gambling promotion

Penalties Under KRS 528.030

Class D felony: 1 to 5 years in prison
Substantial fines
Forfeiture of equipment and proceeds

Common Cases

Sports bookmaking operations
Underground casinos
Numbers operations
Illegal slot machine operations

Federal Implications

Larger gambling operations can attract federal charges under the Illegal Gambling Business Act with potentially much higher penalties.

Defenses Available

The activity was lawful
You weren’t profiting from gambling
You weren’t promoting gambling
Mistaken identity

Clark + Harris Defends Gambling Cases

Call 859-474-0001 — 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

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