Ky. House approves slots, barely; Senate hurdle looms

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that the Kentucky House of Representatives has narrowly passed a bill that would allow video lottery terminals at racetracks in the Commonwealth.

Passing by a vote of 52-45, the bill now goes to the Senate, where opposition is anticipated in the form of Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville). The Senate is developing an alternative bill that would tax lottery tickets and use those revenues to subsidize purses at Kentucky tracks while refusing casino-style gaming at racetracks. The Courier-Journal reports that it's unclear whether the Senate will even consider the House bill.

As the story develops, I just find it worthwhile to say that I've yet to figure out state politicians who seem to have little or no problem with the parimutuel wagering already going on at the racetrack, but get their shorts in a wad about a slot machine, poker game or craps table.

As a non-Kentuckian, the House bill seems to me the better option, but either way, the legislature better get its act together in this session and make some sort of positive movement to benefit the racing industry.