Kentucky Attorney General Says Casino Gambling Constitutional
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway said today that casino gambling at state race tracks would not be a violation of the state constitution, clearing the way for lawmakers to consider the issue. Legislators are scheduled to meet in a special session starting today to debate a proposal by Governor Steve Beshear to introduce slot machines and video lottery terminals at horse tracks.
Conway told the legislature in an advisory opinion that there would be no need for a constitutional amendment to legally implement the governor's scheme. State Representative Jody Richards had inquired to Conway's office as to whether an amendment would be necessary.
"My staff and I simply followed the law and allowed it to lead us to the proper legal conclusion on this issue," Conway said, referring to his process in determining the constitutional requirements.
Beshear greeted the news, saying he expected the legislature to move forward now that the legal situation had been clarified.
"Now, it is time to move forward with a legislative proposal designed to assist one of Kentucky's signature industries during its time of need," said the governor.
The session was originally supposed to address the state budget crisis, but Besgear ordered lawmakers to include examining his plan to bail out the horse racing industry, saying the dire conditions did not allow for delay. Beshear also forbid the introduction and consideration of any alternative proposals, acting as unilaterally as when he ordered the ill-advised seizure of online casino domain names last year, although Conway refused to sign off on that operation.
