Thursday, January 07, 2010
Thoroughbred Wagering Declines...Slots Wait
KENTUCKY....
As Kentucky lawmakers consider expanded gambling, thoroughbred racing officials are reporting the horse industry took a huge financial hit in 2009, with wagering falling almost 10%. Last year, wagering on U.S. races fell $1.3 billion. That figure puts it at about $12.3 billion, the lowest level since 1996.
Thursday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo announced he likely won’t file a bill that would allow expanded gambling at racetracks until after Governor Steve Beshear delivers his budget proposal on January 19th. Stumbo says he will wait to see if possible revenue from video lottery terminals at tracks is part of his proposal to plug a potential $1.5 billion shortfall over the next two years.
As Kentucky lawmakers consider expanded gambling, thoroughbred racing officials are reporting the horse industry took a huge financial hit in 2009, with wagering falling almost 10%. Last year, wagering on U.S. races fell $1.3 billion. That figure puts it at about $12.3 billion, the lowest level since 1996.
Thursday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo announced he likely won’t file a bill that would allow expanded gambling at racetracks until after Governor Steve Beshear delivers his budget proposal on January 19th. Stumbo says he will wait to see if possible revenue from video lottery terminals at tracks is part of his proposal to plug a potential $1.5 billion shortfall over the next two years.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:27 AM 
