Gaming Talk Escalates in Kentucky

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The same week Kentucky's Thoroughbred racetracks and horsemen agreed on how to divvy up revenue from video lottery terminals or slot machines, a state legislator unveiled a plan for land-based casinos that could be operated by parties other than tracks.

Rep. Greg Stumbo told the Louisville Courier-Journal he wants to help and preserve horse racing, "but I don't think it's good public policy to let them have a monopoly," he said. Stumbo believes his plan wouldn't require a referendum because the Kentucky constitution doesn't ban video or casino gaming.

Racetrack officials have said they want to control on-site alternative gaming at their facilities. In fact, the agreement between tracks and horsemen calls for the tracks to provide the infrastructure in a "break-even" proposition. Revenue then would be awarded to the state, horsemen, and finally the tracks.

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