Kentucky lawmakers could see casino gaming bill ‘in a matter of days’

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear reached an agreement with a state lawmaker on the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment that could bring casino gambling to the Bluegrass State.

The long-awaited proposal could be introduced in the state senate in a matter of days.

Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, supports casino-style gambling as a means to generate revenue for Kentucky’s thoroughbred industry. He plans to sponsor the measure in the Republican-controlled Senate.

"We will spend the next few days laying the groundwork for its introduction," Beshear said in a statement. "We are hopeful that our senators will give this bill the full consideration it deserves, since repeated polls show that Kentuckians are demanding an opportunity to vote on this issue."

Beshear has been a long-time proponent to legalize casinos in Kentucky. He wants to lift the constitutional ban on casinos in hopes of keeping money in Kentucky that is now being gambled in neighboring states.

If lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment, it would be placed on the ballot for voters to ratify or reject in November.