Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting (https://kycir.org/tag/gambling/)
Keeneland, Ellis Park, Kentucky Downs and two machine manufacturers paid more than $845,000 for testing services with virtually no direct oversight from the horse racing commission.
State legislators are once again being called upon to allow casino gambling in Kentucky as a way to pump revenue into the ailing pension systems for public employees.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo has pledged to propose a constitutional amendment to allow as many as seven casinos to open in Kentucky. In announcing his proposal, Stumbo cited KyCIR’s examination of tax revenues from eight casinos just across state lines on the north bank of the Ohio River.
Kentucky eschews casinos but embraces horse betting. Meanwhile, neighboring states have netted a total of $3.9 billion in taxes in the past decade from their combined eight casinos on the north bank of the Ohio River.
One candidate openly endorses casinos, while two oppose them. Two others won’t say where they stand.
Amending the Constitution has become the go-to route to bring casinos to Kentucky. Here are the steps the state would have to take in order to get more gaming.