Lawmakers are back in Frankfort resuming the 2021 session of the Kentucky General Assembly and there is pressure on them to pass legislation to legalize historical racing machines that are at horse racing tracks across Kentucky, including in Oak Grove.
The Supreme Court last year ruled certain machines unconstitutional and declined to re-hear the case last month, resulting in machines shutting down at Red Mile in Lexington. Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel has kept its machines operational, saying the machines there are not the ones in question in the Supreme Court’s ruling.
There’s debate about whether legalizing all of the machines would require a constitutional amendment or if it can be done with simple legislation. Either way, State Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County won’t support the measure.
Westerfield says the state shouldn’t be dependent on revenues from historical racing to have a balanced budget.
He believes the horse racing industry knew the machines would ultimately be deemed unconstitutional when they were instituted about a decade ago.
The overwhelming priority of the House and Senate will remain passing a one-year budget before legislators adjourn again for the veto recess.