Kentucky casino bills filed

Bills that would allow for casino-type gambling at nine sites in Kentucky - including five sites run by racetracks - were filed in the state's Senate and House of Representatives on Friday.

The bills would allow for a referendum on this year's November ballot asking voters whether or not they approve of the plan. Under the proposal, five tracks, including Churchill Downs, Kentucky Downs, Turfway Park, Thunder Ridge, and a partnership of The Red Mile and Keeneland, would be allowed to operate casinos.

The House bill was filed by Rep. Larry Clark. Its companion legislation in the Senate was filed by Sen. David Boswell. Both are Democrats.

Kentucky tracks have been reluctant to support casinos at non-racing sites. Lobbyists for tracks attempted to negotiate with Clark last week, but attempts to change the bill substantially were unsuccessful.