Kentucky Governor’s Budget Plans Include A Big Push For Sports Betting

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has always been outspoken about his support for the expansion of gambling throughout his campaign. Now, with his first budget proposal for Kentucky, he’s pushing this issue once more.

As the legislative term’s clock counts down, Beshear has intensified his efforts to legalize sports betting in his state. However, nothing is currently certain.

How does the Kentucky budget proposal impact gambling?

Many state legislators view gambling expansion as a tool to achieve a goal. They see it as a fresh stream of income.

Not only does that originate from taxes paid by gaming operators, but also from regulatory fees. Beshear’s initial plan for his state’s revenue and expenditure proposes increased spending on education, Medicaid, and transportation.

Beshear, a Democrat, is confronted with the common question from his opposing party: how will he fund his proposals? One of his responses relies on the cooperation of the state’s legislature.

Beshear is advocating for the expansion of gambling in the state to include casinos and sportsbooks.

I hope, as we move forward, that we can fully embrace expanded gaming to compete with Indiana, Ohio, and our other neighboring states. These are Republican-led states that are currently earning money that Kentucky could be making.

Beshear’s appeal for the legalization of sports betting seems to garner support from both political sides. However, it’s uncertain whether this would be enough in due time.

Challenges in legalizing sports betting in Kentucky

Republican Kentucky Senate Majority Leader, Damon Thayer, supports the legalization of sportsbooks in Kentucky, but not all of his party members share his stance. For the sports betting bill to pass, it’s crucial that Beshear secures most of their votes and quickly. Republican Representative Adam Koenig, who is sponsoring the bill, has already emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to achieve this goal.

Certain legislators from Kentucky, such as Sen. Johnny Ray Turner (D), believe that legalizing sports betting necessitates a constitutional amendment. Turner revealed this concern to WCHS News while discussing the legislation.

I believe we should propose a constitutional amendment and put it to a vote, allowing the public to decide.

How Indiana benefits if Beshear fails on this issue

Beshear asserted that many people in his state could drive 40 miles and locate a casino in a different state. He is accurate, particularly in reference to Indiana.

Casinos in Indiana such as Hollywood Lawrenceburg are not only close to the Kentucky border but also Indiana’s online sportsbooks currently permit Kentuckians to legally wager within the borders of the Hoosier State. However, if Beshear’s desires are fulfilled, Indiana’s gaming operators and the state treasury may face a decrease in revenue drawn from Kentuckians.

The issue at stake for Beshear is a clear illustration of how what benefits one party can disadvantage another. If Beshear fails to get this passed, Indiana stands to be one of the major beneficiaries.