Kentuckians reach slots pact

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Representatives of Kentucky's Thoroughbred tracks and horsemen's groups agreed late Thursday to a contract that defines revenue splits in the event slot machines at racetracks are approved in the current session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, said all parties had agreed not to release details of the agreement until further notice. Switzer said Friday the coalition of Thoroughbred interests were optimistic that an industry-sponsored slots bill could be drafted "within the next 10 days" and presented to legislative leaders "before we go public with it."

In a related development, Greg Stumbo, who as Democratic floor leader is regarded as the most powerful member of the Kentucky House, announced a plan Thursday that not only would give existing racetracks the right to have slots, but also allow a limited number of licenses for full-scale land-based casinos.