LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Tighter restrictions could be coming to charitable gaming in Kentucky.

Some charitable gaming organizations are pushing House Bill 904, which would require players to be at least 21 years old to play. Under this proposal, you could also win more money.

"I think it's great," said Allan Loney. "That's more people it can help."

Loney lost his wife, Elaine, to cancer, and is a huge supporter of Shirley's Way.

"It means everything to me," he said. "I was the first check they wrote."

He also would have lost their home if it weren't for the nonprofit.

"I lost my job taking care of my wife, and they took care of my bills," he said. "My water, my electric."

Shirley's Way is just one of the hundreds of charitable gaming organizations waiting to see if HB 904 passes.

"Over the last two years, we've given away about $12 million," Mike Mulrooney, founder of Shirley's Way, said. "You can't raise the money that charitable gaming provides any other way."

The proposal polices gambling activity and regulates fantasy sports betting, such as DraftKings and FanDuel. It also expands and taxes certain types of horse race betting, and cracks down on gambling rules, safety, and oversight across the board.

"We're operating in so many unknowns," said Mulrooney.

The proposal oversees charitable gaming, with higher licensing fees, stronger inspections and background checks.

"We support this bill," said Lori Smith, acting president for the Charitable Gaming Association of Kentucky. "It gives us a path forward."

Officials could dictate where gaming machines go and shut down operations immediately if the money is misused.

"So we know exactly where our limitations are in how to pursue gaming the right way," Mulrooney said.

Players would have to be at least 21 years old, but they could win bigger prizes.

"Our plan is to grow," Smith said.

But, these organizations say, it's not about the money. It's about the veterans, children and cancer survivors they're helping every day.

"Charitable gaming is really helping us impact people's lives in the state of Kentucky," said Mulrooney.

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