Kentucky Gubernatorial Candidate Andy Beshear Eyes Expanded Gambling Legislation

Andy Beshear, a Democratic Party candidate for the position of Kentucky Governor, has vowed that, if elected, he would legalize commercial casinos, sports betting and online gambling in this state – effectively, introducing the so-called expanded gambling environment.

He has elaborated on the policy he would propose to go along with his plans. The gambling expansion would be followed by sufficient taxes whose revenue would be used to help the underfunded pension system for public servants. Also, state educational system, police departments and social workers would all get their share.

A Dramatic Change For Kentucky

Beshear went on to say something enticing to voters…

…when he remarked that there wouldn’t be need to increase local taxes if gambling tax revenues came to be. In fact, there might be enough funds left to assist local services such as health clinics, as well.

Needless to say, his actions would dramatically alter the gambling landscape of Kentucky, where only certain horse and dog racing is allowed at the moment. In addition to this, state lottery charitable games are also permitted.

The burning issue of losing money is a big thing in this state, however, since six of seven neighboring states have legal casinos. West Virginia an Illinois has already began the procedure of legalizing this vertical.

For Beshear, this is a legitimate cause for concern – Kentucky is losing tax revenue and jobs. And he points at current Governor, Republican Matt Bevin, as someone who could have prevented that.

Hitting Out At Current Governor

“Estimates show that Kentucky loses over $500 million in tax revenue a year to neighboring states and less than ten casinos could generate over $1.7 billion in economic activity in their first year. Indiana alone consistently nets hundreds of millions of Dollars in revenue every year,” said Beshear and continued:

“Matt Bevin used to say that neighboring states were ‘eating our lunch. But rather than make Kentucky competitive with its neighbors, this governor prefers to spread lies about expanded gaming, while states like Indiana, West Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio continue to open up new gaming opportunities just across our borders.”

He finished off by saying that expanded gaming could make Kentucky much more competitive and would prove to be a way to prevent nearby states from stealing this state’s revenue, as well as employment opportunities.

Expanded Gaming Raises Problem Gambling Concerns

Beshear addressed the concerns over problem gambling…

…by saying that, in planning expanded gaming scene, organizations specialized in tackling this issue will be included. He would also have casinos pay for facilities that conduct treatment of this problem. Also, annual report on gambling addiction statistics would be a duty of Cabinet of Health and Family Services.

Last month, Julian Carroll – former Governor and now a State Senator – tried to make sports betting legal in this state. He pre-filed the necessary legislation, that would alter current state of gambling laws, for next year’s legislative session. His bill would permit sports betting at horse racing tracks.

He tried the same last year and the year before that, but his initiative didn’t reach a hearing.

Source:

“KY Governor candidate reveals gambling expansion plans”, igbnorthamerica.com, September 17, 2019.