Kentucky Attorney General Says Casinos Legit
The casino industry got the needed support in its bid to gain state recognition as Kentucky's Attorney General declared that track side casino gambling is constitutional.
According to Attorney General Jack Conway, trackside gambling in no way violates existing laws. He also added that no amendments is needed for be made on the state constitution in order to pass legislation regarding casinos on the race tracks. Conway was requested by State Representative Jody Richards to appear in front of the legislature to provide an advisory opinion.
According to Conway, he arrived on the conclusion after an analysis of the the current legislations. 'My staff and I just followed the law until it led us to the proper legal conclusion to the issue.'
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, who initiated the push for more gambling expansion, welcomed Conway's statement, saying that the proposal can now move ahead as the legal issues have been clarified. Beshear proposed to introduce track side slot machines in several race tracks around the state as a means to help the state's falling horse industry.
He further added, 'Now it's time to move forward to design a legislative proposal to assist one of Kentucky's signature industries during its time of need.'
Beshear had earlier ordered the issue to be tackled in the in the recent State Council general meeting. The move was by critical reception, both by the state officials and the public alike. Beshear however, insisted that the discussion pushed through in order to find a solution to the financial problems affecting the state's horse industry. Beshear refused to accept any alternative proposal for the resolutions.
The state legislation is set to meet in a special session that started Monday to further discuss and debate on the proposal presented by Beshear.
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