Exec Optimistic About Kentucky Expanded Gambling

KENTUCKY – As reported by the Kentucky Courier-Journal: "Churchill Downs Inc. chief Tom Meeker says momentum toward expanding gambling in Kentucky is building to the point that he sees more reason for optimism than in the run-up to prior General Assembly sessions.

"Meeker credited the Kentucky Equine Education Project, a lobby that represents all horse breeds, with raising awareness of the state's horse industry and said other business and education organizations have rallied behind the gambling effort.

"…'There are several things happening that provide some degree of optimism -- without any assurance of passage -- but some degree of optimism that certainly didn't exist at this time … in prior years,' he said.

"Meeker's comments come a month before the Kentucky Equine Education Project's board of directors is scheduled to vote on whether to endorse gambling legislation during the General Assembly, where attempts to add slot machines and casino games at racetracks have repeatedly failed.

"…Expanding gambling at Churchill Downs Inc.'s tracks -- including the flagship Louisville track -- has long been part of the company's strategic plan. In recent years it has spent heavily on slot-machine initiatives…"