Governor backs casino plan pushed by Richards

Gov. Steve Beshear and House Democratic leaders met Thursday and agreed to support a casino bill approved Wednesday by a House committee -- if they must to keep the bill moving.

Afterward, they committed to move a casino bill through the House in coming days -- even if it doesn't guarantee casinos for racetracks.

"I am comfortable enough with it to keep this moving down the field," Beshear said of a constitutional amendment backed by House Speaker Jody Richards.

That bill allows open competition for nine casino licenses.

Beshear promised to address concerns of the racing industry later.

"Any enabling legislation that does not give protections to the horse industry I will veto," he said.

- Janet Patton

Comments

[nothing but the truth]

Another day, another mouthful of crow for the Dictator. Less than a two months ago, Beshear was proclaiming, like a silver haired Kim Jung Il, that he, Steve Beshear, would decide who got the casinos, and where they would go. Now he is hanging on to Jody Richards for dear life. Taking the scraps from Richards's table as his own.

Beshear has gotten his comeuppenace yet again. One has to wonder whether he has the intellect and self awareness to understand it. His previous feasts on black feathers have not made him so.

[Kelsey]

Let The People Vote.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

I don't know what if any Mr. Kelsey may have contributed to my campaign. I have no memory that he did.

I did not say at the Red Mile I was for Casinos.

I said I would put the question on the ballot and I have told you that.

I am not a member at all of KEEP.

Just for the record I have not said I am for casinos and only a fool would commit to such a bill until he sees the content of the legislation. No contributions by Mr. Kelsey or anyone else will intimidate me into voting a particular way. I would appreciate your straightening out the information on line. Julian

I don't know what if any Mr.Kelsey may have contributed to my campaign. I have no memory that he did.

I did not say at the Red Mile I was for Casinos. I said I would put the question on the ballot and I have told you that.

I am not a member at all of KEEP.

Julian . . . .

Funny that Kelsey's close personal friend Julian Carroll won't even admit to knowing him. And ,Senator Carroll plainly said so in his emails.

Why's that?

[Steve Morrison]

Screw the people! Let the new Dictator Governor the people voted for so overwhelmingly and brought back from the 1980's rule. Remember the old phrase, "be careful what you ask for, you just may get it". Well, here's your sign!

[Paul David Taulbee]

Does anyone recall the promises of the Lottery? The Lottery has fallen far short of predictions. Cansino Gambling will do much more harm than good for the citizens of this Commonwealth.

paul d. taulbee
anglo saxon American

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Here are some FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY OF A STATE WITH CASINO GAMBLING.

The economic impacts can flow outside of the reservation. A study in Minnesota found an increase in the wages of those in the amusement industry as well as an increase in sales in casino areas.20 Typically, these are smaller rural areas. Little overall impact to the state was noted, however. An interesting spin-off from the construction of Foxwoods at Mashantucket, Connecticut led to a marked increase in the profitability of area savings and loans.21

The problem with these types of studies are that they don't document all of the benefits and costs of gaming. They look at the size of the industry, which in many areas is quite significant. They leave unanswered, however, if costs exceed the benefits and what is the impact on a larger area, such as the state or nation. Another problem of the studies is that they are somewhat suspect because they are paid for by groups that have an obvious interest in continued gaming.

Gaming can have a negative impact on rural areas also, depending on the pattern of sales. One study showed that the California state lottery was in effect a $711 million anti-rural development program.22 This figure was arrived at by totaling the amount of money taken out of rural areas through lottery ticket sales, minus the funds that come back into the schools in those areas.

As noted in the discussion of Colorado, gaming enterprises can impact property values. According to industry material, casino gaming leads to higher property values.23 This is supported anecdotally by stories of non-gaming firms leaving towns. The closing of small businesses may be another symptom, although both could be a product of a substitution effect as well, meaning that expenditures for gambling were substituted for other goods. The data and anecdotes from Colorado suggest that the impact can be disruptive and create a land-rush type atmosphere, at least initially.

[Kelsey]

I have read your comments Mr Stivers about my close friendship with Sen Carroll. I would say you frighten him with your outthere comments, you do me. As for the Carroll Fundraiser at the RED MILE. For everyone that does not understand. The Red Mile is a Church on Red Mile Road in Lexington. The pastor is my close personal friend Joe Casta from New Jersey. The congergation that Sat afternoon were all people that are against all forms of expanded gaming such as Gov B Jones, Mr Yang, Governor Steve Beshear, and Nick Nickelson the General Mgr of Keenland. The money that was dropped in the plate that Sat service was given to Rev Carroll for being the speaker at that service. Now, how is that Mr Stivers does that make you feel better, O, and I forgot, no one that attanded had ever met Senator Julian Carroll including past Governor Patton and his wife or myself Kelsey. Now how is that Mr Srivers. Now you can go on beleving that you are the only person that knows Sen. Carroll. Go take your medication now and lay down.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Frighten him!

I assume that is what Julian Carroll told you. Is that right?

Frighten!

How can my words frighten anyone with good sense?

I am for LETS VOTE, but . . . LETS PROPERLY INFORM FIRST.

Or are you like Jody Richards, if a voice doesn't agree, you bump them out of the conversation.

You are saying the email Julian Carrol sent me, is a lie, right? I can post it again if you like!

That is good information Kelsey, Thank you!

Jim Anderson Stivers

"I don't know what if any Mr.Kelsey may have contributed to my campaign. I have no memory that he did."

[Let Us Vote!]

Mr. Stivers:

How can you say you are for letting the public vote but only after the facts? All you ever post are negative "facts". You don't want the people to vote.

At this point, it is up to the legislators to even decide if we can vote. If and when that bill passes, then you can start your anti-gambling stance.

But don't sit there and say that you want the people to have a vote when you don't.

[Philip]

Let Us Vote:

The only reason you want this to go on the ballot is to give the casino fatcats a chance to fool the people and buy the vote with their millions in dirty money and their slick, deceptive ads! Fortunately, there are enough legislators that are wise to this, and frankly, it is just not going to happen! Sorry! If you really want to vote that bad, run for the state legislature!

JAS: keep the info coming!

[Let Us Vote!]

Philip:

Then Mr. Stivers needs to quit saying "I am for Let's Vote". Because he is not.

Simply anti-gambling propaganda, and you have fallen for it.

I guess the general public is so stupid they will fall for the slick ads. A lot of faith you have in people.

Why don't you run for the legislature since you have everyone's best interest at heart. While you are at it, why don't you try to balance the budget and still take care of seniors, mental heath needs, disability and medicare.

And since you are solving the world's problems, how about lowering gas prices too??????

[Kelsey]

All Mr Stivers is trying to do is get me to slander my close personal friend Sen. Carroll. I have known him for 30 yrs, my dad was a good friend of his. We all are fedup with your Lies Mr Stivers, as the above comment stated, you are not for the people to vote or you would not be afraid of Letting the people vote. Why would the good Senator want to say anything bad about his supporters. He also knows your game Stivers. He called and told me. So lay off Sen Carroll, he is one of ours.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Philip]

Let Us Vote:

I didn't fall for anyone's propaganda. My own mind and soul convict me that we can do better to solve our state's problems.

Let's put our heads together and maybe we CAN help solve some of the challenges you raised! Then we will flip a coin to see which of us should run for the legislature!

[Kelsey]

WRONG, the good people of Ky gave Governor Steve Beshear a mandate on the Casino Issue. They elected this Governor 2to1 over Fletcher so he would put the issue to a vote. That is how the system we live in operate. If you Phillip, and Mr Stivers dont like our system than I suggest you both move to China, Cuba etc where the people cant vote.
Go Obama.
kelsey.

[Philip]

Kelsey: You are obviously a very disrespectful, rude, bigoted, dishonest, sick, and not very intelligent individual. Your support of Beshear and gambling is the single best reason to be against them!

Beshear was elected mainly out of rejection of Fletcher, NOT as a mandate for gambling or even of Beshear himself. MANY people already regret their votes!

I vote in every election. It is obviously you who do not like or understand our system of representative government.

Casino gambling will NOT make it to the ballot because there are enough legislators with the strength of conscience and conviction to block it.

Obama is suave, but inexperienced and naive. He will win the nomination, but will be defeated by John McCain, expecially once everyone discovers that you and Louis Farrakhan support him!

[Let Us Vote!]

If anyone is interested, the Powerball Jackpot is $153 million tonight. I have already spent 2 dollars on chances. Ooops, wait a minute, that is gambling. Where are the legislators? They need to immediately step in and kill the Kentucky Lottery Corporation. Afterall, I am not responsible enough to spend my money - they should tell me what to spend it on.

Let me see, 2 dollars for a chance to win $153 million - I believe I can make my own choice. But that means I won't be able to go to McDonald's this morning for that cup of coffee and hashbrown. Oh well, I didn't need it anyway.

You see, I am responsible with my money. Hmmmm.....

[Kelsey]

John McCain, is that the John McCain that has the backing of Mr Cunningham in Cincinnati who is a racist? Is that the John McCain who has the backing of the hate munger in Texas that says catholics were in with Hitler and is also a racist? We dont need that type of old thinking in this country any more. Is that the John McCain that goes around singing, bomb, bomb, Iran? I would bet that that is the same John McCain who would NOT Let the People Vote in Ky. Philip you let Mr Stivers know that if the 60+ votes dont make it that we will go thru the Lottery Bill for slots at the tracks, because Governor Beshear won on a Mandate for the right to Let The People Vote. Beshear is a man of his word and will get it done one way or another. So go sing that song instead of Bomb, Bomb Iran. One Way Or Another, remember that song.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Let Us Vote!]

Kelsey:

Are you sure we are still having a primary election? We may not be smart enough to make a rational decision.

This legislature may decide that we aren't responsible enough to vote and instead just vote for us.

What a joke! We are not asking them to pass a bill to authorize casino gambling, we are asking them to pass something to put on the ballot for the people to decide. We can have a wet/dry vote, but we can't have a vote for expanded gaming.

I know I will NOT vote for my current legislators if they do not vote to at least give the public a chance to vote. That is pure hypocrisy.

[To: Let Us Vote]

Let Us Vote, You really sound about as ignorant and communistic as Kelsey.

James Stivers does want the people to vote. However, as with all elections, Stivers wants the "people" to be educated on what they are about to vote on. Mr. Stivers wants to educate the VOTERS on both the Pros & the Cons of casino style gambling.

Why do you object to educating the voters on both pros & cons BEFORE they vote? What exactly is your motive for hiding the facts about casino gambling.

Why in the world would you want to keep voters in the dark about the bad aspects of casinos?

Why do you want the voters to only hear the propaganda that KEEP, Beshear and Lunsford are about to spend MILLIONS of dollars propagandizing to the voters?

Keep up the good work Mr. Stivers! You are true democrat!

[To: Let Us Vote]

Let Us Vote, you wrote, "This legislature may decide that we aren't responsible enough to vote and instead just vote for us." Guess what dumb a$$ that is exactly what is going to happen in the form of Super Delegates.

You see dumb a$$ - Some of the Ky. Super Delegates DO think "we aren't responsible enough to vote" and WILL "instead just vote for us" with their super delegate vote.

Some Ky. Super delegates have ALREADY pledged who they will cast their super delegate vote for regardless of what the "will of the People" say with their votes in May.

Wake Up dumb a$$ and stop believing everything the corrupt politicians in Frankfort say. Be more like Jim Stivers and do your homework on all the issues before you trust any of these corrupt, unethical, greedy politicians to VOTE FOR YOU!!!!! You may just find out, like Mr. Stivers has, that "all that glitters is NOT gold."

[Let Us Vote!]

To: To: Let Us VOte

Obviously, I struck a nerve with you. I don't think it is necessary to use that kind of language. That email was directed to Kelsey.

I am very aware of how elections work and about super delegates. And I know all about the Electoral College too.

And I disagree with you about Mr. Stivers. What are you afraid of? Are you afraid the people might vote for casino gambling?

"Why do you object to educating the voters on both pros & cons BEFORE they vote? What exactly is your motive for hiding the facts about casino gambling."

If you would read my posts, you will see that I don't mind at all for both sides to present the facts, but only after it has been decided to be put on the ballot. At the present time, it is not on the ballot, and all I want is a chance to vote on it. That is called a democracy.

I am not sure how I would vote on the issue - but I will study it. But at the present time, Mr. Stivers has the cart in front of the horse. To date, there is no vote - and that is the problem.

I want to have one vote and end it once and for all. Either the people of Kentucky vote for expanded gaming or they don't. End of Story.

[WakeUpKY]

"Let us vote" on casino gambling. And while we are at it:

Let us vote on polygamy.

Let us vote on child pornography.

Let us vote on legalizing cocaine.

Let us vote on whether Kelsey is an idiot.

Let us vote on ...........

Why don't we just abolish our legislature and Let The People Vote on everything. Now THAT would be "true democracy"!

Now how stupid does that sound?!

Come on, folks! We elect and employ legislators to enact laws, and when necessary to amend the constitution by approving by an overwhelming majority for critical issues to be voted on by the electorate. I am sorry, but IMO casino gambling should NOT be one of those critical issues! And, we have no inherent right to vote on this issue any more than any other, unless the legislature deems so!

IMO it would be largely detrimental to our state, and our legislators should block this bold-faced, exploitative, money-grab by the gambling interests!

[Kelsey]

LET THE PEOPLE VOTE.
Go Obama
Kelsey.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

This is a lift from the AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION. This is their positive part of Casino Gaming.

Diversity
The commercial casino industry has been a long-time proponent of diversity in the workplace,both in internal hiring and human resources policies as well as in purchasing and contracting practices.

The commercial casino industry and the companies that comprise it are engaged in
a variety of diversity initiatives, some of which are described below. For more information about industrywide and company-level diversity initiatives, visit the AGA Online Diversity Resource Guide
(www.americangaming.org/diversity) or contact individual companies.

RESEARCH

PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2003 released the second Gaming Industry Diversity Snapshot (the first
was released in 2001), which provides an analysis of workforce diversity in the U.S. commercial casino industry. A total of 138 individual casinos voluntarily participated in the 2003 Snapshot, which was
conducted from February through April 2003. Among other comparisons, the 2003 Snapshot compared diversity within the participating casino companies to diversity within the national U.S. workforce. In this particular comparison, the Snapshot findings showed that:
• Casino companies employ a higher percentage of Black executives

• Casino companies employ a significantly higher percentage of minorities (17.4 percentage points
higher than the national U.S. percentage)

• Casino companies employ a greater percentage of Black and White female executives

• Casino companies employ a greater percentage of women
For a copy of the 2003 Diversity Snapshot, please contact the AGA’s director of communications.
)
INDUSTRY PROGRAMS

AGA Diversity Task Force
Created in 2000, the AGA Diversity Task Force promotes inclusion in all aspects of the commercial casino industry. The task force conducts workshops for industry professionals, suppliers, and minority,
women and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBE); collects data on industry diversity; and creates and organizes programs designed for industrywide implementation.

The task force has two subcommittees: Human Resources and Purchasing and Contracting.
G2E Diversity Exhibitor Program
Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the world’s largest gaming industry trade show and conference, debuted a new diversity exhibitor program at G2E 2006. The program focuses on bringing MWDBEs together with
purchasing executives from leading gaming companies. To facilitate this networking, the G2E Diversity

Exhibitor Program highlights program participants in pre-show materials and makes it easy for casino purchasing executives to find the companies on-site with special signage and dedicated listings in show
materials. Program participants also receive special price consideration for exhibit space. (See Global

Gaming Expo (G2E) in section five for more information.) U.S. Commercial Casino Industry: Facts at Your Fingertips

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

For the details of the affirmative part of Casino Gaming here is the web sight.

www.americangaming.org/industry/faq_detail.cfv?id=60

[Let Us Vote!]

To: WakeUpKY

Now you are being silly. First of all, casino gaming is not an illegal activity. KY just has not realized the benefits of it. But Mr. Stivers finally posted some positive facts, including the fact that it would produce thousands of jobs. We could sure use those!

We could never depend on the legislators to give an up or down vote on expanded gaming because they don't have the backbone to do so. Heck, they don't even show up to vote.

I will personally feel disenfranchised if my legislators don't give me the opportunity to vote on it. I am not asking for the legislators to say they are for or against it, just get the language right, put it on the ballot and let's decide it - once and for all.

The more I read these posts from the anti-gambling side, the more determined I feel that the entire state needs to vote on it.

By the way, Keeneland opens for live racing on April 4th. But I guess that is not gambling. How come you aren't lobbying your legislators do save Kentucky from horse racing?

[WakeUpKY]

From Let Us Vote: "casino gaming is not an illegal activity."

I hate to break it to you, but "Yes" it is!! Just like prostitution! If it were not illegal, why would we need to change the constitution?! Duh!

Just think how much $money$ we could make off of licensing prostitution!!! Don't you think you deserve the right to vote on that, too?! Just think of all the disenfranchisement you will feel if you do not get the chance to vote on whether to legalize houses of ill-repute!

Bottom line: You may WANT to vote on expanding gambling, but you have no inherent right to vote on it, unless the legislature grants it! You can lobby your representatives and I will lobby mine. Whoever wins, wins! Want to bet on the outcome?!

The more I read these posts, the more hollow the demands to be allowed to vote on this regressive idea appear.

"Let the peope vote" is a thinly-veiled threat to our representatives to wimp out!

[Let Us Vote!]

Wake Up KY:

First of all, get your posts straight. I said casino gaming is not illegal activity, it is just not available in Kentucky. You will not get arrested for it if you go to Indiana, Atlantic City or anywhere that offers it. So, obviously you need to consult an attorney about what is legal and what is illegal. You obviously don't know.

The examples you gave were: polygamy, child pornography and cocaine - which are illegal no matter where you go in the US. Now you are trying to throw in prostitution, which was not in your original post. So get your facts straight before you look sillier that you already do.

And you can lobby your legislators and I will lobby mine. All I want is a vote on it.

By the way, I love your comment, "Want to bet on that one". That proves right there that you are a gambler at heart.

DUH, DUH, DUH, DUH

[WakeUpKY]

Let Us Vote: "casino gaming is not illegal activity."

Get YOUR facts straight. Casino gambling IS illegal in Kentucky. Period. If that is not so, why are we debating?!

As far as the other examples, some were extreme to make a point. My point is that your comment about feeling disenfranchised if you cannot vote on casino gambling appears disingenious. Why don't you feel like you should vote on everything?! That is just not how our government works!

As far as the examples I use, you don't make the rules! But, prostitution is another activity that is legal and raises revenue in one state, Nevada. Don't you feel you should have the opportunity to vote on that here, too, to raise $money$ for education and healthcare?! You haven't answered that yet?

The bottom line is that we are NOT Nevada (thank goodness!), and casino gambling is a bad idea for Kentucky! Our legislators have enough information of the negative impact to see the fallacy of even putting this on the ballot to risk its passage.

[Suspicious]

Good points and arguments WakeUpKy!

If our illustrious powers-that-be in Frankfort want casino gambling, then let them have the balls to try and pass legislative action to go ahead and amend our constitution to reflect that casino gambling will be legal instead of doing it under the guise of "let the people vote". See how far that would get them! But no, everthing this administration has done right from the beginning is in an underhanded, backdoor kind of way, and they think most Kentuckians are either too stupid or too apathetic to notice or care.

[Let Us Vote!]

Wake Up Ky:

Good, glad you see my point. And if you will read my post, I said that casino gaming is not an illegal activity, it is just that Kentucky has not realized the benefits of it yet. Therefore I admitted that it is not allowed in KY. But it is not like drugs and child pornography, which is against the law everywhere in the US.

As far as prostitution, if there was a push to legalize that, I would demand a vote on that as well. But, let's don't mix apples and oranges. No one in Kentucky will ever want to legalize prostitution. And that would be degrading to women to legalize that just so the state could have money to operate on.

But, you never answered my question. Why don't you protest about horse racing? You don't think people become compulsive gamblers from that? There are people that are there every single day, betting large amounts of money, and yet, I don't see anyone stopping it.

As far as our legislators, they don't want to take a stand on anything that is controversial. That is why they push off to the local communities to enforce smoking bans, etc. But, Beshear was elected and he ran on one big agenda - expanded gaming. Now, you can say that anyone could have beaten Fletcher, but if people were so against expanded gaming, they would have voted for Fletcher anyway. And they didn't. That still does not mean that expanded gaming should be an automatic, but it should be put to a vote.

Whenever there is a local option election for a wet/dry vote, the reason that they are usually voted down is because the naysayers turn out the vote. And you can do the same thing if/when expanded gaming ever comes to a vote. And I want that. I would like to see a 100% turnout, and therefore get the true picture of what the people want. But, I do want the provision that this will never be voted on again, at least for 10 years. We need to vote, and move on. If the people don't want it, then fine, let's find other ways to increase revenue (raise taxes).

[Kelsey]

Prostitution would not produce any tax money, there is too much free walking around Lexington, but a Casino would produce tax dollars, So.
Let The People Vote.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

HERE IS THE REASON THE TRACKS AND MR YUNG WANTS SLOTS! IT LIKE DISCOVERING GOLD IN THE EARLY DAYS.

In calculating what a Casino would TAKE IN from slots the following table illustrates.

It is a business that is in favor of the person that owns the Casino. If it were not, why then would they go to the trouble to project losses on a ten hour avg.? And, when slots begin to PAY OFF to heavy, Casinos use computer techs to fine tune the average number of wins per hour.

I would say, if it goes below the figure below, then the odds would certainly change. I mean that is good business, isn’t it. If someone beats you, then change the odds. HMMM ASK SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE RICHARDS?

How much does playing slots instead of table games cost you?

Let's take a look at the expected loss for a weekend (10 hours) of play, using the Crash Course methods described below:

Avg. loss per 10 hours
Slots, dollars
-$800

Slots, quarters
-$360

Slots, nickels
-$160
Roulette, $5/spin
-$80

MiniBaccarat, $5/hand
-$80

Blackjack, $5/hand
-$80

Craps, $10/round
($5 Pass, $5 odds) -$30
Assumptions: Slots played 800 spins/hr. Slot returns are average for Las Vegas Strip & Downtown casinos as published in Jan. 2002 Casino Player (94% for quarters and 95% for dollars). MiniBaccarat, Blackjack, and Craps played at 150, 100, and 30 rounds/hr. respectively. Table games played as per crash course strategies listed below. Table shows mathematical expected result, though results obviously will vary due to short-term fluctuation.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Feb. 27--The New York-based union that is hoping to organize dealers at two MGM Mirage resorts said the company's decision to raise the base salaries of its Strip casino dealing staff won't affect the labor group's tactics.

Transport Workers Union of America officials also took credit Tuesday for the raises, where some MGM Mirage dealers will see their paychecks increase by as much as 22 percent.

"Those raises are the direct result of our organizing efforts," said Steve Roberts, an international organizer for the Transport Workers and a director of Las Vegas Dealers Local 721. "The company might have appeased some employees who were sitting on the fence from joining the union, but we're moving ahead with our plans."

Meanwhile, representatives of other hotel-casino companies said they were looking at how the new MGM Mirage pay scale might affect their own dealing staffs.

A previous post suggested the economic of people working in Casinos brings good jobs, and more people employed.

If pay scale were not a problem for dealers at Casinos in Vegas then why do they want a union to rescue them from $7.75 per hour.

On Friday, MGM Mirage informed its more than 5,100 dealers at 10 Strip resorts that it was implementing a uniform pay structure.

All dealers not earning $7.75 an hour were brought up to that pay level starting Monday.

(Does this mean that 60% of the workers were unpaid and in lieu of having a union the Casino owners raised the pay of some workers.)

The raise affected some 60 percent of its dealing force. Dealers making more than $7.75 an hour were given a cost of living increase.

Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort, KY.

[Kelsey]

Let The People Vote.
Go Obama.
Kelsey

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

This is the income per slot machine in a ten hour period. How long Casinos stay open varies, but in Vegas, to my knowledge they never close.

I did some daily income math on this issue
base on slots taking 1360 per machine per day. (That may not be the right equation)
If, so that means if a track has 500 slot machines they would, if the amendment passes, generate $1,320,000 per day.

Well over 300 Million. Now, we understand the math, in the Casino industry. 1.3 Million per day . . . $300 Million per year.
That is a very good business. Who would not want to own a Casino with that kind of potential, well . . . I would not . . .

DUMB AS HELL, RIGHT!

That depends on how one wants to make money
and for me, I find it difficult\ or as the politico says' "Highly Inappropriate" to make money, off the misery of other people.
Plus to teach our children Gambling is OK, cause our STATE SUPPORTS IT? NO!!!!

Lets Educate, then let's vote.

FROM THE AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION IT SHOWS HOW THEY CALCULATE INCOME FROM SLOTS.

Avg. loss per 10 hours
Slots, dollars
-$800

Slots, quarters
-$360

Slots, nickels
-$160

[Philip]

From another Polwatchers blog by "Brad":

"This "Let Kentucky Vote" thing is so deceptive. How democratic is it that the casino lobby will have millions upon millions of dollars (already transparent with this "Let Kentucky Vote" campaign)to buy up votes while the folks against casinos are simply a grass-roots effort?"

"Don't be fooled people. If you're FOR casinos...stand up and say it. Don't hide behind this "Let Kentucky Vote" stuff. At least then you can speak with some honesty and integrity."

Well said, Brad!

[Preston]

Over the years key segments of the thoroughbred industry convinced others that purses would go up with casinos or slots attached to tracks.

They opened a door without knowing clearly what was on the other side.

It is a whirlwind.

[Preston]

Now it will be up to those men and women in the Legisature who represent the average working families to wrestle the door closed again. It will take those who know who they are, who can't be co-opted by box seats at Keeneland or tours around "the farm".

I've heard powerful horsemen refer to their lawyers and lobbyists as "wh_res".

But the majority of our legislators are not dumb nor cheap. Most come from good roots, from good soil.

They will do the right thing.

[Wanted: Legislators who represent the people]

Since all our legislators have no backbone and won't pass the casino bill, Kentucky will take another step back in every area.

Apparently Kentucky takes great pride in the fact that we are 49th in everything, but one of these days Mississippi will catch us.

So, everyone get ready for higher taxes, higher tuition, and services cut. And we still won't have enough money. Meanwhile the legislators will still be funding their retirement, taking trips to Turkey and buying widescreen TV's. The legislators could care less about the average person. It is all about them.

If more of them had stock in the horse racetracks this bill would be on the fast track to being approved. Instead, they will cry and moan about not having money for the budget and no substantive ideas on how to solve the problems.