A Kentucky sports betting bill has exposed tensions among Republicans who control the legislature, revealing a divide between Christian conservatives who oppose it on religious grounds and lawmakers who see it as a new revenue source.
After approval by a legislative committee last month, the proposal has languished in the full House, awaiting a vote. House Speaker David Osborne says the bill remains a divisive issue, and those divisions were on display February 6, when Republican Rep. Chris Fugate denounced gambling on moral grounds.
“If you think about when we depend on the people of our districts to lose money so the state can gain money, it’s not biblical,” Fugate said. “It’s against the Bible. It’s morally wrong.”
In the Senate, leading GOP lawmakers were at odds as well.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer predicted the proposal would pass. A day later, Senate President Robert Stivers said he’s not sure it has enough support. A similar sports wagering measure died in last year’s legislative session.
The new bill’s supporters, including Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, tout the revenue potential from sports betting in a state struggling to meet pension, health care and education needs. It might also stop Kentuckians from flocking to neighboring states that allow sports betting, thus siphoning residents’ money across the border.
“I’m tired of trailing other states,” Beshear said at a joint appearance with lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Adam Koenig. “It’s time we get into this game and we make sure that we are keeping these dollars at home.”
Calling himself a “Ronald Reagan Republican,” Koenig said the bill is in step with the ideals of individual freedom and responsibility espoused by the former president.
“Let’s give grown adults the opportunity to make their own decisions,” Koenig said.
Beshear campaigned last year on the legalization of casino gaming, but this year set his sights on the more modest sports-wagering proposal, which would allow bets on both professional and college games, including those in Kentucky. Last year, that provision was missing.
Supporters estimate sports wagering would generate up to $25 million in yearly revenue. It’s a fraction of what the state needs to deal with its pressing financial needs, but supporters said any new revenue helps. As crafted, the bulk of the money will support chronically underfunded public pension systems. A portion would aid gambling addiction services.
Under the measure, people could place sports bets at Kentucky’s racetracks and at the Kentucky Speedway or online through an app downloaded at the tracks.
Fugate warned that gambling addictions can be as devastating to families as the opioid epidemic that’s ravaged the state. “Gambling does the very same thing,” he said. “It causes the same addiction that destroys families.”
Supporters including Democratic Rep. Al Gentry say the bill acknowledges the reality that sports betting already occurs. “Like it or not, residents from every community in the commonwealth are already betting on sports, either illegally through bookies or online, or legally crossing our border,” Gentry said.
