Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-06-23)
LEXINGTON, KY
(WEKU) -
It appears legislation that expands gambling in Kentucky is dead. The state Senate's budget committee easily voted down the slots bill last night.The Kentucky House Friday barely approved legislation to allow video lottery terminals or slot machines at horse tracks. After hearing extensive testimony from supporters and opponents, the Senate panel voted 10-5 with one abstention late Monday to kill the bill. Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said competition with other states for purse money will worsen.
"I don't want any Kentuckian to be surprised if Ellis Park soon goes out of business if this is the last year of their 88 year history," Nicholson said.
Ellis Park President Ron Geary says he was disappointed the bill didn't make it to the Senate floor to see how the entire 38 member body feels about the issue.
Bill sponsor, House speaker Greg Stumbo said it's never over until the General Assembly adjourns, but he doesn't expect the measure to end up in a joint conference committee. Stumbo also said he doesn't believe the issue needs to go on the ballot. He says Kentucky is not a referendum state like California. The family foundation has been outspoken in its opposition to expanded gambling. Director Kent Ostrander expects a push next January for a constitutional amendment. He believes the issue would be rejected at the ballot box.
"For our side, we have the advantage of having fought this for 10 to 12 years. There are a lot of people who really understand the issue and will not be persuaded by some high class expensive ads, so I'm optimistic," Ostrander said.
David Edmunds with The Family Foundation said "Everybody loves horses, it's kind of like puppies, but not everybody likes slots machines." He adds, citizens of the commonwealth are still a family-based group and many are concerned about the social impact of this measure. © Copyright 2012, WEKU
