Kentucky Lawmaker On Casinos: 'Atmosphere Is More Receptive Right Now'Pre-Filed Legislation Would Allow Up To Four Casinos |
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Could a U.S. Supreme Court case help move the casino issue forward in Kentucky?
According to a report from WCPO Cincinnati, Democratic lawmaker Dennis Keene said he believes “the atmosphere is more receptive right now” for gambling expansion. Earlier this month, the high court in the land heard arguments for why the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 is unconstitutional. That law bans sports betting outside of Nevada.
If the court challenge, led by the state of New Jersey, is successful, casinos could be more attractive to Kentucky. About $150 billion is bet on sports each year, with the vast majority happening on the black market, according to research from the American Gaming Association. It’s also worth noting that Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia all take gambling dollars away from the state. All three states would presumably have sports books if allowed.
Kentucky poker players would have easier access to games if the state approved casinos. There are six poker rooms in neighboring states that are accessible to Kentuckians, with the largest being the 31-table room at JACK Casino Cincinnati and the 30-table room at Horseshoe Casino Southern Indiana, which sits outside Louisville.
Keene has pre-filed the casino bill for 2018. It would allow up to four casinos in Kentucky. The state already has legal gambling on horse races. Keene believes the parimutuel facilities and the newly authorized casinos could offer a wide array of sports betting.
Keene said that there hasn’t been the “political courage” in the past to allow Las Vegas-style casino gambling in the state. However, now could finally be the time.
Kentucky is one of just 10 states in the country without a casino. Despite the historically anti-casino stance, Kentucky does have online lottery gambling.
The U.S. casino industry is worth north of $70 billion annually these days, thanks to regional casino operators bringing more gambling to those living outside of Las Vegas.
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