The leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives plans to revive a decades-long effort to expand gambling in the state.
Following this year’s legislative session, Speaker Greg Stumbo said casino legislation will be part of his "personal agenda" in 2016. But Martin Cothran of the Family Foundation is doubtful it will gain much traction.
“We’ve been saying for several years that this issue is effectively dead and if he’s got some power of resurrection, he’s a better politician than I think he is,” Cothran said.
Cothran believes infighting between the casino and horse industries is one reason expanded gambling is likely to fail again.
“There’s been a lot of organized opposition to it, is one of the reasons why bills expanding gambling don’t pass,” Cothran said. “And I think there’s a fundamental political dynamic on this issue that just will never allow it.”
Stumbo told the Lexington Herald-Leader he thinks 2016 will present a better opportunity as a new governor grapples with preparing a new budget.
