Beshear's Plea For Gambling Falls On Deaf Ears In Legislature

Governor Steve Beshear has flip-flopped on the gambling issue in Kentucky over the past year, but on Thursday he again tried to rally lawmakers to consider expanded gambling at state racetracks. Much like his previous efforts, the latest attempt has failed.

Lawmakers in Kentucky are not interested in bringing video gambling to state racetracks. That is the vibe that is coming from some of the top ranking politicians in Kentucky. Just two days after Beshear sent a letter to lawmakers, the issue appears to be dead.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Senate President David Williams acknowledged that the new budget will be tight, but also claimed that the budget would survive without gambling revenue. Beshear believes that the additional gambling revenue is needed to help balance the budget.

Last year, Beshear went after the Internet gambling industry by attempting to seize online gambling domain names. The effort has thus far failed, with a ruling by the Supreme Court being Beshear's last chance.

Kentucky racetracks have been struggling since the economy in the US collapsed. The video gambling terminals have been seen as a way for the tracks to continue to compete in the racing industry by using some of the funds for purse's and horsemen fees.

Kentucky is just one of the many states that have entertained the idea of expanded gambling. Over the past year, lawmakers in over a dozen states have made changes to existing gambling laws in some form.

February 13, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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