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More Slots In Kentucky?

To many, it is starting to appear as if slot machines could end up being the thing that saves Kentucky’s long and storied horseracing tradition. It’s been a long road towards reform, but gradually, slot games are making their way into the hallowed halls of racetracks throughout the Bluegrass State. The combination of thoroughbreds and free spins sounds like an agreeable one to Greg Stumbo, House Speaker and proponent of expanding current gambling laws in the state. Stumbo has officially filed a bill that would allow racetracks throughout the state to bring in slot-esque lottery terminals that he believes would help fill the coffers of the state and the embattled racetracks.

The General Assembly reconvenes next month, and Stumbo wants his slot machine bill to be a priority for the Legislature’s consideration. With major issues few and far between this session, he says that his goal is to get the measure voted on and enacted just as soon as possible. Granted, this session is one lasting just thirty days, so Stumbo recognizes that fast and expedient action is necessary.

Stumbo says that he has learned from Governor Steve Beshear’s mistakes. Beshear tried to force a bill expanding gambling last year, and died after an arduous series of false starts and revisions in committee. Beshear had aimed to get slots and other gambling devices permitted at twelve racetracks and establishments throughout the state. Stumbo claims that he will not demand a full House vote unless he knows that he has the minimum of sixty pledged supporters that it takes to prevent a legal challenge to a constitutional amendment.

Back to January 2009 Archive.