FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky's horse racing industry would get a stimulus package of its own under Gov. Steve Beshear's proposal to allow video gambling in the state, with the bulk of the proceeds going to the tracks.

The Kentucky Lottery Corp. would oversee video slot machines to be allowed exclusively at race tracks in the state under the plan Beshear released Tuesday. Military personnel and people who own motor vehicles would also get a financial bonus under the plan.
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"Kentucky's signature horse racing industry is in a state of crisis," Beshear said in a statement. "I believe my proposal will help level the playing field for Kentucky's horse industry."

Beshear ordered Kentucky lawmakers to hold a special session this Monday to address the gambling issue and the state's looming $1 billion budget shortfall. The General Assembly also is to consider legislation to handle new bridge construction and economic development tax breaks.

But the gambling plan - heatedly debated in Kentucky for years - has become the session's hot-button topic.

Twelve other states - including Kentucky neighbors West Virginia and Indiana - allow betters to wager on video gambling machines, slot machines or other casino-style games, according to the American Gaming Association's 2009 State of the States report.

Source: Forbes

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