Two bills introduced on January 2 would expand gambling in Kentucky. State Senator Julian Carroll’s legislation would authorize sports betting in the state if the U. S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban in New Jersey’s lawsuit against the NAACP. State Rep. Dennis Keene’s measure would allow up to four casinos in the state.
Keene said he believes “the atmosphere is more receptive right now” for expanding gambling in Kentucky, which is one of only 10 states without casinos. The others are Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.
Under Keene’s proposal, the state lottery would license up to four new casinos. Each would pay $50 million for a 10-year license, with an annual renewal fee of $6 million. In addition, casinos would pay 31 percent on revenue and a $3 admission charge per person per day.
Potential operators would have to submit a proposal and bid for a casino license. Local municipalities also would have to approve hosting a casino in a voter referendum before operators would be evaluated by the state lottery.
The bill also would permit racetracks also would be permitted to offer limited casino gambling. Observers said that’s likely a move to get the powerful state horseracing industry on board, although that may not be enough for the bill to win passage.
State Senate President Robert Stivers recently said he does not support allowing casinos in Kentucky and doubts the legislature will approve a casino measure in 2018. Governor Matt Bevin also said casino gambling “is not going to happen in Kentucky.”
