Regulated Gambling In Kentucky Gaining Momentum Among Residents

Gambling expansion is something that most Kentucky residents have been against when the issue has come up in the past. This year, however, the issue is gaining momentum not only with lawmakers, but also with residents and business groups that want to help out the state's racing industry.

Governor Steve Beshear has made a strong push to bring slots to state race tracks, and the idea is one that has been debated ferociously in recent months. Not all legislators want to follow in the footsteps of other states such as Florida, that have expanded their gaming industries. Residents have been lukewarm to the idea.

"I think it's just another way to get more gambling in the state," said longtime resident Mary Charlton. "They are wrapping it in a nice bow, and selling it to us as some great present, but really, it is only something that will hurt our state in the long run."

Charlton's views are not shared by many these days. The Kentucky Alliance for Jobs will lobby for the jobs and revenue that new casinos could bring to Kentucky. The group will be raising money, and using the funds to get the word out to residents that slots could be a potential game-changer when it comes to helping the state financially.

The Senate will likely be the driving force behind any legislation to expand gambling. Governor Beshear has not released a time table for a bill to be proposed, but most analysts believe the bill will come to fruition before the end of the year. If passed in the Senate, lawmakers believe there is also enough support for gambling expansion in the House to pass the bill.

The new coalition that has been formed consists of some groups that typically have been against gambling. The Kentucky Education Association and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. With the two major groups on his side, Beshear has enough of a backing to continue his push for new gaming avenues.

Churchill Downs, the famed race track where the Kentucky Derby is held each year, would benefit greatly from adding slot machines. In states such as West Virginia, New York, and Florida, slots at tracks have helped racing industries rebound in the years since the economic recession. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue would be generated from gambling expansion, with thousands of employment opportunities coming as well.

February 10, 2012
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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