Home

Greg Stumbo, Kentucky’s newly elected House Speaker will attempt to preserve racetracks in a much healthier way than the attempts of Governor Steve Beshear.  Stumbo would like to expand gambling in the state but has pledged not to do so unless he gets majority support from no less than 60 of 100 house members.

Stumbo’s proposes a significant gambling expansion at Kentucky racing venues.  His plan would allow video lottery terminals and as many as eight racetracks.  Slot machines would be permitted as many as seven of Kentucky’s eight standing tracks.

Slot machines could also be approved for an operator applying for a new racetrack license.  In today’s racing business, slot machines have become an essential.  Slot machines bring in the proper revenues to keep tracks open as well as creating sweeter purses to attract better competitors.  

Stumbo’s plan for expansion differs from prior plans in that he is not attempting to change the Kentucky constitution which has a clause against gambling devices in the state.  Under this plan slot machines would simply become a part of the Kentucky Lottery.

During the odd-year 30 day session, revenue bills require no less than a three-fifth majority from the house.  In order to stay clear of any legal question of his expansion plan as to whether majority of three-fifth majority is needed, Stumbo said he would only call a vote if 60 votes supported ushering slot machines and video terminals into local racetracks.

At the moment, Stumbo claims to be unsure as to how much support he actually has for his plan.

Casino News