Plans for Gambling Expansion in Kentucky

The measures range from allowing casino-style gambling at Kentucky’s eight licensed horse tracks to allowing expanded gambling in all 120 counties with voters to decide on whether to allow them in their respective counties, according to a story by the Thoroughbred Times. State Senator David Boswell filed a bill similar to one already presented during the last two sessions of the Legislature that would allow expanded gambling at horse tracks and stand-alone casinos. According to his estimates, the state could glean as much as $431 million annually from expanded gambling. State Representative Tom Burch plans to submit a pair of bills. One would permit gambling machines only at the state-licensed horse tracks, and the other would let voters decide whether to allow the machines in their countries. Burch told Louisville’s WHAS-TV that he has not discussed his proposals with racetrack officials but believes his plan is the fairest way to introduce gambling machines throughout the state. (Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times )