Churchill Downs To Focus More On Internet Gambling In Future

Churchill Downs Inc. may have put the state of Kentucky in a pickle without even realizing it. The company announced on Monday that they are creating a subsidiary that will focus on expanding their online gambling operation.

"The racing, gaming, and entertainment we provide customers are very independent, regardless of whether they are delivered on-site at our tracks, casino and OTBs or online via TwinSpires.com or other online sites," said Robert L. Evans, President and CEO of Churchill Downs, Inc., in a statement.

The new subsidiary will be led by Steven P. Sexton, the current racetrack president for Churchill Downs. In addition to the Internet gambling, Sexton will be overseeing the focus of casino gambling and concerts by Churchill Downs.

The announcement could not have come at a worse time for Governor Steve Beshear. He has been going after the online gambling industry, claiming that Internet wagering is potentially harmful to the youth of Kentucky.

Beshear has seized the domain names to 141 online gambling sites and an appeal has been made on behalf of the casinos. That ruling is expected to come down in the next couple of weeks.

Churchill Downs is realizing in today's economy, that people are not coming out to enjoy the horse racing as much as they used to. They feel that they must focus their attention on other areas that can keep the company profitable.

January 20, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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