Racetracks step closer to VLTs in Kentucky

By a vote of 52-45 the Kentucky House on Friday afternoon approved a bill introduced by House Speaker Greg Stumbo that would allow video lottery terminals at racetracks. With 51 votes needed for passage, the bill squeaked through by one vote (there was one abstention) after more than three hours of discussion.

The next obstacle will be the state Senate, where chamber president David Williams has continuously stated the bill will not pass. “The slots bill, you know, you can stick a fork in it, it’s done,” Williams was quoted saying before the House gathering during the emergency session called by Gov. Steve Beshear. Williams also said the special legislative session could end before the Senate convenes.

A ruling by the state’s attorney general Jack Conway stated that he believes the addition of video lottery terminals does not call for a constitutional amendment, although opponents of the now-passed bill believes there would be court challenges.

The bill includes provisions for more than $1.3 billion toward education, including the building of public schools. It also includes an income tax exemption for active-duty military pay.

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