SEARCH NEWS:

 

Kentucky Racetracks Given Ultimatum

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – As reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader: "Kentucky's racetracks have been given an ultimatum: share casinos or do without.

"Rep. Larry Clark, D-Louisville, said yesterday that, although he is willing to ask for an amendment to Kentucky's constitution to allow casino gambling, it seems unlikely because the tracks won't agree to his terms.

"…Racetracks don't want casinos anywhere but at the tracks.

"…Clark said he's given the tracks until next Wednesday to agree or forget it. 'If they say no, then there won't be any legislation passed this session for expanded gambling,' he said.

"…Exactly who would get the casinos and other details would be spelled out in legislation that would come only after an amendment had been approved by Kentucky voters.

"…The tracks have proposed to legislators allowing slots or casinos at the eight tracks only: Keeneland and The Red Mile in Lexington, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Turfway Park in Florence, Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Players Bluegrass Downs in Paducah and Thunder Ridge in Prestonsburg. Churchill owns Ellis Park and has a minority interest in Kentucky Downs. Keeneland owns a third of Turfway Park.

"The tracks contend they are being hurt by competition from out-of-state casinos and racetracks buoyed by revenue from slots. And they have said that casinos at other locations in Kentucky would only hurt them more…"

< Gaming News