Kentucky Lawmakers Split On New Gambling Bill Proposed Tuesday

Governor Steve Beshear was on both sides of the gambling issue in Kentucky last year. He was for gambling expansion at state racetracks, but against online gambling that had already been taking place in Kentucky.

Beshear and other lawmakers attempted to have state laws changed to allow slot gambling at state racetracks. The Senate, however, blocked those attempts. House lawmakers have not given up the fight.

On Tuesday, Representative Harry Moberly introduced House Bill 601. The legislation calls for not only slots at the tracks, but also additional betting on old races that were run years ago. House Speaker Greg Stumbo does not believe the chances are good that the legislation will pass in this session.

Beshear made national news last year when he attempted to seize the domain names of 141 online gambling sites. His efforts were stopped by an appeals court, and the case is currently headed to the state Supreme Court.

After his attack on the Internet gambling industry, Beshear began talking up a plan to have slots at racetracks. The governor did not receive much support for the plan, and debate on the issue was tabled, only to be brought back this session.

Kentucky racetracks have one of the most storied past of any in the US when it comes to horse racing. In recent years, however, revenue has dropped at the tracks, causing the purse's to fall as well. Beshear has offered the slot gambling as a way to help the struggling racing industry.

March 4, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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