While the bill that would regulate gaming machines heads back to committee today, House Bills 607 and 609 passed on the House floor Monday. HB 607 comes because of the Pari-Mutual Task Force, following the passage of a bill during last year’s session that made historical horse racing in Kentucky legal. Democrat Representative Lisa Willner voted against HB 607, saying the revenue structure isn’t beneficial.
One argument made by several lawmakers was that earlier legislation meant Churchill Downs does not have to pay property taxes on the track itself. Republican Representative Jason Nemes said revenue is still coming in from Churchill and he believes HB 607 would also raise millions for the state.
The House also passed HB 609 which would earmark money from a gaming settlement to provide awareness and prevention services around gaming. Both bills now head to the Senate.
