Not Much Optimism For Gambling Expansion In Kentucky

The state of Kentucky has a struggling horse racing industry that is in desperate need of financial help. After a press conference late this past week held by political leaders, it does not appear that the racing industry's relief will come from expanded gambling.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who is in favor of gambling expansion, and Senate President David Williams, who opposes the expansion, both agreed that this will most likely not be the year that the expansion takes place.

Stumbo pointed to the fact that Senate members were already lining up to fight against any legislation for expanded slot machine gambling. He acknowledged that because of that opposition, he likely would not even propose a Bill this session.

Williams believes that gambling expansion would only further hurt the economic conditions in Kentucky. His belief is that it would be the poor people in the state that would be harmed the most by the expansion.

"Expansion of gambling is a bad idea, and, the fact that we have tough economic times, it's not a time to prey upon the the poorest among us," said Williams.

Williams is not stopping there, he is set to propose legislation that will ensure that voters in the state have the final say on gambling expansion. Under his proposal, lawmakers would be unable to simply create a law, voters would have to be consulted on the issue.

January 9, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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