By AP
Frankfort, KY – The growing popularity of online wagering on horse races is getting the attention of Kentucky lawmakers looking for ways to boost live racing in the state. A House committee Tuesday approved a bill that would levy an excise tax on advance deposit wagering providers. Online and phone betting has been a growing segment of betting on U.S. thoroughbred racing. Bill sponsor, Democratic Representative Larry Clark, says the tax would be equal to half a percentage point of money wagered by Kentucky residents through ADW providers. Clark says two-thirds of the revenue generated by the tax would be returned to Kentucky racetracks, with half that amount devoted to boosting race purses.