Fletcher: I'll target machines

By Patrick Crowley Enquirer staff writer Gov. Ernie Fletcher says he'll take action against the proliferation of illegal video gambling machines at truck stops, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. The spread of the machines was detailed in a recent series of articles published by the Louisville Courier-Journal. In an interview with the Enquirer, Fletcher said he "was not aware of the extent of that problem." "That's something we are going to have to address," Fletcher said. "You've got to enforce the law or you've got to make some accommodations that will ensure the law is enforceable. "So we're studying that at this time to see what kind of action should be taken, but I think it's important that some action be taken on that," he said. Fletcher did not offer specifics but members of his administration have told the Courier-Journal that a legislative remedy is likely needed. "It's a question of looking at some of the issues and determining: 'Does there need to be greater oversight?'" Mark York, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, told the paper. A nine-month investigation by the Courier-Journal revealed that thousands of the electronic devices, which resemble slot machines found in casinos, are operating openly and illegally in the state. Many are found at interstate highway exits. The paper reported that in one trip along Interstate 75 a reporter found 137 machines at 19 truck stops, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. An informal survey conducted Monday by the Enquirer found the machines installed in video game rooms at stops just off the interstate in Walton, Richwood and Florence. The machines pay out tickets redeemable for money. The promised crackdown on illegal video gambling comes as Fletcher's administration is studying expanding legal casino-style gambling in the state. Lt. Gov. Steve Pence has been talking to lawmakers, gambling advocates, developers, members of the thoroughbred racing industry and others. Last month Pence met in Northern Kentucky with developer Jerry Carroll, who has for years pushed for legalized gambling as a way to increase tourism, development and tax revenue. There have been estimates that legalized gambling could generate $400 million or more in new tax revenue for state and local governments. While Carroll and others want casinos legalized, the thoroughbred industry has lobbied the Kentucky General Assembly to allow casinos at racetracks, a concept known as "racinos." Racinos would provide revenue for the thoroughbred industry while helping tracks in Kentucky compete with casinos and racinos in neighboring states including Indiana, Illinois and West Virginia. Pence met three weeks ago with Bob Elliston, president of Turfway Park in Florence. Elliston described Pence's visit as a "fact-finding" mission with no indication about where the administration stands on the issue of legalized gambling. "We appreciate that he asked our opinion and that he is researching the issue," Elliston said Monday. Fletcher said he would not stand in the way of gambling legislation and sent Pence to research the issue so he can have an informed analysis of what gambling would mean to Kentucky. "I made the commitment that if that issue was going to move forward I was not going to stop it, and I was going to make sure it was favorable for all Kentuckians and that it would be regulated," Fletcher said. "So the lieutenant governor is helping me by ... doing the research," he said. E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com