Beshear Urges Lawmakers To Consider Slot Gambling In Kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear spent much of 2009 going after the online gambling industry because of its negative effect on the children of Kentucky. In 2010, the governor is focusing his efforts on expanding legalized gambling in his state.

On Tuesday, Beshear spoke at a joint meeting of the House and Senate and his message to lawmakers was clear. Beshear wants new laws that would allow state racetracks to offer slot gambling. There are several reasons for this request.

Beshear laid out his budget plans, and included was revenue generated from slot gambling. The governor claims that the millions of dollars that would be generated would help stop the layoffs that have occurred recently in the state.

The revenue would also tremendously help an ailing horse racing industry. The racing industry in Kentucky is storied, but has come under some difficult economic times as the economy in the US has slipped. The tracks have been pushing for new ways to help them stay financially viable.

As for the slot gambling, Beshear understands that he is fighting an uphill battle. Beshear has stated that it will take lawmakers to look beyond the surface and go out on a limb to accept the new form of gambling. Still, the governor believes lawmakers could make the slot gambling a reality.

Last year, Beshear received national and international press when he attempted to seize 141 online gambling domain names. The state, however, was unsuccessful in seizing the names, and it is a case that is currently headed to the higher courts.

January 20, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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