FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bill that would clear the way for historical horse racing has moved ahead in the Kentucky legislature.
What You Need To Know
- Senate voted 22 to 15 to pass Senate Bill 120 Tuesday afternoon
- Kentucky Supreme Court ruled last year that the horse racing machines — similar to slot machines — are not part of what’s called “pari-mutuel wagering”
- Sen. Damon Thayer (R) of Georgetown said the bill keeps money and jobs from going away
- bill passed with bipartisan support, but some Republicans voted against it
The Senate voted 22 to 15 to pass Senate Bill 120 Tuesday afternoon.
The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled last year that the horse racing machines — similar to slot machines — are not part of what’s called “pari-mutuel wagering.”
The bill states "pari-mutuel wagering ... means any method of wagering previously or herafter approved by the racing commission in which one (1) or more patrons wager on a horse race or races, whether live, simulcast, or previously run."
In remarks on the Senate floor, Sen. Damon Thayer (R) of Georgetown said the bill keeps money and jobs from going away.
"It’s a growing source of revenue for our general fund," he said. "If it goes away, you’re going to have a $25 million-dollar hole in the budget."
Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R) of Crofton called gaming "predatory."
"For the government to get in bed with an industry that requires its people to lose for the industry to succeed, I think we’re doing our people a great disservice," Westerfield said.
The bill passed with bipartisan support, but some Republicans voted against it.
It will be heard in a House committee Wednesday morning.