The devices are known as “gray machines” by critics because they operate in a gray area of Kentucky gambling law, which falls outside regulated forms of gaming, including the lottery, parimutuel wagering, and charitable gaming.
Competing bills – both sponsored by Republicans – would either legalize and regulate the games or outlaw them. Those hoping to scrap the slot-like games maintain they’re funneling dollars away from officially sanctioned forms of gambling.
This is Sen. Damon Thayer with WTVQ when the same issue was debated last year.
"These gray machines are taking away from the legally-passed forms of gambling," the Senate leader argued.
The proposed ban, House Bill 594, is set to hit a committee docket on Wednesday.
Proponents, who describe the machines as “skill games,” instead favor the establishment of a commission that would oversee the games, enforce new regulations, and make sure gross profits are taxed at 6%.
Meanwhile, a bill expanding gaming in the state to permit betting on professional sporting events has been introduced in the Kentucky House. Gov. Andy Beshear has been a consistent supporter of expanded gaming, while the top Republican in the Senate, Robert Stivers, has maintained the change would not bring in significant amounts of revenue.
The expanded gaming bill would not extend to fantasy sports or online poker.