Careful The Devil You Don’t Know – the Debate Over Expanded Gambling in Kentucky Looks to be Raucus

2 Comments

1. Ken Moellman  •  Nov 28, 2011 @2:17 pm
   

   Leland,

   Mike Nemes’ (R-Lou) bill is pretty good. I like the county-by-county option. His bill accounts for the tracks. I only wish it would give localities a little more flexibility as far as how much they want to expand in a community.

   I’m not one who gambles at casinos, but up here in NKY, we see the folks willing to drive 45 minutes to a casino. And with a casino going in directly across the river in Ohio, I have serious concerns for the economic future of NKY (which currently provides more tax revenue to Frankfort than we get back). NKY currently is the “entertainment” district for the area. The casino in Cincinnati could reverse all of that, and in a hurry. At least give the people of NKY the option.

   From the political side, I’d also like to be allowed to do things like Texas Hold’Em tournaments for political fundraisers. LP Indiana has been quite successful with these type of events. They are currently illegal in Kentucky.

2. BILLY TAYLOR  •  Nov 30, 2011 @6:05 am
   

   Any legislation on gambling should be put forth in a state wide referendum. The Kentucky House and Senate have already shown time and time again that they will not always do the will of the people and be fair about it when it comes to this issue.
   As far as the horse industry goes, state lawmakers on both sides should look at the unintended consequences of choosing or not choosing the winners in the gambling debate. If a bill is passed aimed at protecting the interest of the racing venues like Churchill Downs Inc., the horse men in KY will take it on the chin. Churchill is in the business of making money and slots do not need stables.

   And finally, the fact that everyone looks at this as a win-win for the state in revenue might be right, that depends on how you spend the money if it comes in. But you can bet the Governor will be a “kid in a candy store”. The more money you give a liberal, the more he wants. With so much red ink in Frankfort, and a fiscal liberal running the state who can’t add, well, here’s a sure bet, there is going to be a whole lot more ‘new’ spending taking place in Frankfort if any gambling bill passes.