Kentucky state senators introduce bill allowing casinos

Two Kentucky state senators have introduced a bill that would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot calling for casinos in Kentucky, but the bill has little to no chance of passing, according to lobbyists.

The bill was introduced to the Senate by Sen. Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat, and Sen. Julie Raque Adams, a Republican, despite opposition from Gov. Matt Bevin to expanded gambling. The bill would use taxes on casinos to provide funding for the state’s beleaguered pension plans and to subsidize horse-racing purses.

Racing lobbyists have said in recent weeks that the legislature has not displayed any appetite to consider a bill that would establish casinos in the state. Last week, Bevin released a budget that called for across-the-board cuts in government spending in order to provide money to shore up the state’s pension plans.