Kentucky lawmakers took the first step toward declaring historical horse racing games legal, after an adverse rulingfrom the Kentucky Supreme Court put the future of the gaming systems in doubt.
By ruling a type of historical horse racing machine is not pari-mutuel, and therefore illegal in the state, the high court left the matter in the legislature's hands. Their dilemma: Allow the ruling to stand and risk losing what's been called crucial funding for the horse racing industry, or pass legislation keeping the machines legal but raising constitutional questions.
Horse trainer Tom Drury told lawmakers the economic effects of losing the games could ripple through the industry and the commonwealth.
"I think the trickle down effect from this could be devastating to the state, whether it's a guy that sells programs, a farmer that sells hay, or tack supply stores," he told the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee.
Arguing against the proposed legislative fix was Martin Cothran with The Family Foundation, who warned of a shift toward gaming that makes the horse industry less relevant.
"In fact, far from saving the horse industry, this bill would more likely ultimately replace it," Cothran said. "It could also result in more money leaving the state."
The Senate bill ultimately cleared its first hurdle in committee and now heads to the full Senate.
