Kentucky House Committee Discusses Laws to Expand State Gambling

Earlier this week Kentucky Representative Larry Clark discussed proposed gaming legislation during a meeting of the House Committee on Licensing and Occupations.

Clark has filed two gaming related bills, one that proposes a Constitutional amendment to allow a state-wide vote on casino gambling and the other that would allow up to eight gambling sites across the state.

Clark has estimated that eight gaming sites, five at racetracks and three at non-track facilities, could bring in as much as $286 million per year to the state for education, pensions and the general fund.

While legislation to allow casino gambling hasn’t been successful in previous sessions, Clark remains optimist saying, “I think we are in a good position this year to make progress.” Despite this, no votes were taken at the House committee meeting.

However, gaming advocates in the state are pleased that the committee is finally talking about the subject. Ed Glasscock, the head of a coalition of business leaders known as Kentucky Wins said, “We want to thank Representative Larry Clark for his sponsorship of a bill that finally allows Kentucky voters to decide the issue of expanded gaming … We are hopeful that the General Assembly will put this important issue on the ballot, and let the people decide.”