Editorial: Will Kentucky gamble on casinos?
0By Ashley Stugell
For years, the state of Kentucky has held a long-standing tradition of horse racing, front-pew-sitting, and lottery ticket buying. However, the fun-loving Bluegrass State still remains one of 33 U.S. states that does not allow commercial gambling! After years of traveling to Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana, all you Kentucky gambling lovers out there may have finally struck gold. Set for voting in November, the state of Kentucky is currently seeking approval of an expanded gambling bill that would allow for eight casinos (three stand-alone and five at horse tracks).
While many argue that casinos are against Kentucky tradition, and are “morally wrong,” casino-style gambling would benefit the state tremendously. According to the American Gambling Association, commercial casinos in the U.S. generated $34.41 billion in 2007 alone, and the sponsor of the new bill says that if approved, it would generate $286 million a year in revenue in Kentucky.
Not only does it seem to be a waste for Kentucky citizens to travel to borderline states spending money in casinos that could be benefiting Kentucky’s economy instead ($451 million was spent in surrounding states in 2010), but think of the jobs that would be provided for Kentuckians with eight casinos, housing bars, restaurants, and various businesses. In 2012, it was estimated that these casinos would generate nearly 11,000 full-time jobs. With the state of Kentucky having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at around eight percent, this is something that is worth consideration.
Let’s face it, with commercial gambling already legal in other neighboring states, people are going to do it whether it is legal in Kentucky or not, so why not allow the state to benefit from it? It is time to think deeply about whether there is a real difference between spending money in our local gas stations on today’s big Powerball or putting money in a machine. While tradition is important in the Bluegrass state, casinos would allow Kentuckians to let loose and have fun in a controlled setting without having to leave the comfort of Kentucky’s borders, opening the door for a new and exciting Kentucky tradition! So let’s ask ourselves, should the state of Kentucky finally fold?