A free-standing casino could be built next to Turfway Park in Florence if a bill being proposed in the Kentucky General Assembly passes.
The bill would allow Kentucky's thoroughbred race tracks to operate video poker, slots, and other video casino-style games. But, it would not permit table games, such as craps or roulette.
Turfway President Bob Elliston says the track would look to build a "destination" casino to compete with the riverboat casinos in southern Indiana.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) says the bill does not require a constitutional amendment because it is basically treating the video gaming as an extension of the Kentucky lottery with the money being spent on education and drug treatment programs, among other things. Only about 15 percent of the money risked by gamblers would go to track owners.
Not surprisingly, anti-gambling groups oppose the bill and it's unclear whether it has the support it needs to pass the House, let alone the Senate.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a forum to discuss the gambling issue. Elliston will face off with Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper, Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.
The forum is Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Club in Covington. For ticket information, contact the Chamber at (859) 578-8800.
