Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear, running for the Democratic party’s nomination for governor, recently said he supports expanded gambling to help fund the state’s struggling public pension systems. was asked at a campaign event how he would fix the state’s pension woes. He said he would consider new revenue streams “that don’t raise anybody’s taxes. I’m for expanded gaming, and it’s time we get it done,” including casino gambling and sports betting.
The issue is one his father, former Governor Steve Beshear, promoted without success. One of four Democrats seeking the nomination, Beshear faced criticism from one of his opponents, state House Minority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins. “To talk about an unrealistic proposal that he knows doesn’t have a chance passing, I think, is not being truthful to the people of Kentucky,” Adkins said.
Former state Auditor Adam Edelen added expanding gambling is the “right thing” to do, but said it won’t provide enough revenue. “We have to be careful not to just make promises to people because they’re easily consumed. Expanded gaming is a no-brainer, but we haven’t been able to get it done in Kentucky. And putting all our eggs in that basket seems to be an irresponsible gamble,” Edelen said.
This year a proposal to legalize sports betting in Kentucky failed in the legislature, like other gambling measures in previous years. But Beshear said he believes he can make expanded gambling happen in the state because what his father and others “have never done is tie 100 percent of the proceeds of expanded gambling to our pension system.” Beshear said casino gambling and sports betting could generate up to $500 million a year.
Republican Governor Matt Bevin, seeking re-election this year, has said proposals to expand gambling are “a sucker’s bet” because of societal costs. Davis Paine, Bevin’s campaign manager, said, “Voters won’t roll the dice” on Beshear’s plan. He noted Bevin also has proposed ways to fully fund public pension plans.
The Democratic primary will be held May 21.
