Kentucky governor says ‘time is of the essence’ after Ohio voters approve casino gambling

Gov.: Ky. needs to act on casinos after Ohio vote

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said it’s time for the state to act on approving expanded gambling now that Ohio voters approved casinos in four cities.

Beshear said Ohio residents will reap the benefits of thousands of new jobs and millions in new tax dollars. He said Kentucky “can’t afford to wait any longer” on the issue, claiming it could lead to immediate economic benefits.

Kentucky already allows gambling on a state lotto, bingo and horse racing. But Beshear has been a staunch advocate of legalizing additional forms of gambling, such as video gambling machines at horse racing tracks.

A gambling measure cleared the Kentucky House earlier this year, before stalling in the state Senate.