Kentucky Democrats, Republicans at odds again over gaming

Although two Kentucky Senate Republicans announced plans to file constitutional amendments regarding expanded gaming in the Bluegrass State, Democrats quickly voiced their disapproval, including Gov. Steve Beshear, who released a statement calling the two proposals “cynical” and “political.” 

At a meeting Tuesday of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Senate president David Williams—an outspoken opponent of expanded gaming at racetracks in Kentucky—said he plans on introducing a measure that would ban expansions of gambling without a constitutional amendment, which would require voters’ approval. Sen. Damon Thayer’s proposal would let the voters decide if video lottery terminals should be allowed at the tracks. 

“The Republican leadership’s proposals for constitutional amendments are a cynical maneuver designed to take pressure off of some members who regret their unwillingness to help the industry and our state just a few months ago,” said Beshear. 

Democratic leaders quickly stated their belief that that any plan that calls for a constitutional amendment to allow expanding gaming would take too long to come to fruition to save the racing industry. Former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones, the founder of the Kentucky Equine Education Project, was quoted in the Lexington Herald Leader as saying that the long timeframe would likely cause The Red Mile, Turfway Park and Ellis Park to close before any implementation of slots. 

« Back