Kentucky lawmakers proposes two gambling expansion bills

Representative Mike Nemes has been around for these debates, and he has come up with a solution that would take the issue out of lawmakers' hands. Nemes has proposed two bills, that, if passed, would give Kentucky residents the right to decide the future of gambling in the state.

"This issue has been debated for years in the commonwealth on whether to allow gaming in Kentucky, even whether it needs voter approval or not," said Representative Nemes, as reported by Cincinnati.com. "While the commonwealth drags its feet on this issue, other states like Indiana and Ohio have approved legislation on expanded gaming. It's time for the voters of Kentucky to end debate and decide whether Kentucky needs to legalize expanded gaming."

The bill would not be a broad attempt at gambling expansion. One of the factors that Nemes believes is different than past bills is that residents in each county would be deciding the fate of gaming in their area. Counties with existing gaming facilities such as race tracks, would have the right to add licenses for additional gaming, such as slot machines.

The power in the new bills all lies with individual counties. The county would have certain rights if the bill was passed, including fees for each person that enters a new casino, and the right to limit how many gaming licenses are issued in their jurisdiction. It is a bill that Kentucky residents appear to be in favor of.

"I think anytime you allow voters to decide the issue, regardless of the issue, it is a good thing," said Henry Frank. "I would rather vote on a bill, and accept the outcome knowing that my peers made the decision rather than lawmakers, some of whom have never even been to the city that I live in. It just makes more sense this way."

Not everyone feels this way. Several lawmakers have already come out against the new proposal, but the issue is one that has generally fallen along party lines. Governor Steve Beshear has been pushing for slots at state race tracks in recent years, even as he has attacked the online gambling industry, citing the negative effects gambling can have on Kentucky residents.