The Kentucky state Senate on Thursday rejected a proposal introduced by Senate president David Williams that would have required a constitutional amendment as a requirement for any expanded gaming in the state. Williams’ proposal had been soundly rejected by racetrack officials, stating the bill would essentially significantly delay adding slots at the tracks and that machines are allowed under existing laws. The state Senate voted along party lines in defeating the Republican Williams’ proposal. The vote was actually 21-16 in favor of the measure, but it required 23 votes—three-fifths of the membership—for passage because it was a constitutional amendment. One independent voted for the measure while one Democrat was absent from the vote. "Anyone who did not vote for that amendment and claims they are against the expansion of gambling might have a hard time in explaining that vote," Williams was quoted as saying after the vote was taken.
Although Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear earlier this week proposed a budget that depended on $780 million in revenue from expanded gaming at the racetracks, on Friday Williams and Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo both said the issue was dead. Last year, the state House passed a bill allowing video lottery terminals at racetracks, but the proposal never got past a Senate budget committee. Stumbo said Friday that there is no chance any expanded gaming bills will be discussed during the current legislative session.
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