Churchill Downs Hires Gambling Lobbyist In Kentucky

Churchill Down has been in the news a lot this week. Yesterday it was revealed that the company, which owns the storied Churchill Downs racetrack in Kentucky, bought Internet gambling company YouBet.com. Today, it was confirmed that the company has hired a gambling lobbyist.

D. Brett Hale, a lobbyist who has political ties to Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Ed Whitfield. Hale has been named senior vice=president of corporate and government relations of Churchill Downs.

Kentucky lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of expanding gambling options in the state to include casino-type slots at state racetracks. Up until now, however, there has only been talk, and no action.

The state's racetracks have been struggling for several years. The economy has caused the purses to shrink at the tracks, which in turn has caused a drop-off in revenue.

Kentucky is highly reliant on their racing industry. Churchill Downs showed on Wednesday that they understand that the future of horse racing betting will lie with the Internet. They bought YouBet.com, the company with the biggest hold on Internet horse racing action.

The ultimate goal for Churchill Downs is to continue to operate their heralded track and also be able to pay top dollar to horsemen. The addition of Hale will be key to that goal. He has been with the American Gaming Association in Washington for the past eight years.

November 13, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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