‘Instant Racing’ moves forward in Kentucky
March 12, 2010,by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager
Columbus, OH — A Kentucky Senate committee approved a proposal which would allow racetracks to add electronic gambling commonly known as “Instant Racing,” which offers wagering on random previously run races.
Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, who filed the legislation, said it is designed to shore up the state’s horse racing industry.
“I do think it will provide some help and a great deal of hope for the horse industry,” Thayer said in a story in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, said the proposal, which was added to a racing-related bill that passed the Kentucky House last month, could come up for a vote in the Senate as early as next Tuesday.
At least 81.5 percent of all the money wagered on “Instant Racing” would go back to bettors in the form of winnings. Of the remainder, 1.5 percent would go into the existing Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund or Kentucky Standardbred Development Fund for purse supplements. The rest of the revenue would be divided between the racetracks and horsemen.
- ‘Games of skill’ could add $28 million to Kentucky purses (Friday, March 05, 2010)
Legislation filed this week in the Kentucky House would allow “electronic games of skill” to be installed at the state’s racetracks.
- Instant Racing put in legislative limbo in Kentucky (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)
Members of the Kentucky Senate may not have to vote on what to some might be an unpopular expansion of gaming in the state.
- Kentucky Instant Racing bill is dead (Friday, March 26, 2010)
State Senator Damon Thayer of Kentucky has administered last rites to his Instant Racing bill, at least for the moment, in the absence of enough votes to pass it and opposition to it.