Legislation is on Governor Andy Beshear’s desk that will formally legalize historical horse racing machines such as the ones at Oak Grove Gaming, Racing and Hotel and it passed without the support of any local legislator.
State Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke says even though he’s long been an opponent of any type of expanded gambling, it was still a tough “no” vote for him.
Senator Whitney Westerfield fears the legislation opens the door to new forms of legalized gambling in Kentucky.
Representative Walker Thomas says historical horse racing is slot machines by a different name and he couldn’t support it.
The governor is expected to sign the legislation and it will almost certainly be challenged in court by the Family Foundation—the same organization that got certain types of the machines deemed unconstitutional by the Kentucky Supreme Court.