A Louisville Democrat has drafted legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to allow three stand-alone casinos, plus five others at horse tracks. State Rep. Larry Clark said the proposal could generate needed cash for both state government and the horse tracks.
Gambling proposals have become perennial in the Kentucky Legislature, never garnering enough support to pass. Gov. Steve Beshear has pressed lawmakers since he took office in 2007 to allow Kentuckians to wager on more than horse races. The Bible-belt state has a longstanding tradition of betting on horses and playing lotteries while barring casinos.
Clark said his proposal could generate $286 million a year in new revenue. If approved by the Legislature, the proposal would then be placed on the ballot for voters to ratify or reject next November.