A bill that would bring legalized sports betting to Kentucky appears to be "running short on steam," as it has "yet to be put to a vote by the lower chamber of the state legislature" since being approved 18-0 by the House Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations Committee earlier this month, according to Tim Sullivan of the Louisville COURIER JOURNAL. Andy Beshear's victory over incumbent Matt Bevin has given Kentucky sports betting advocates a "new ally in the governor's office, but old objections continue to impede the bill's passage on moral, religious, social, political and Constitutional grounds." Sullivan notes state Sen. Robert Stivers, who is "admittedly 'ambivalent' about the bill, remains dubious of its potential to generate significant revenue for the state." Despite thoroughbred racing's impact and influence on the state, and the "windfall sports betting could mean for licensees," some Republican leaders have "encountered more enthusiasm from state Democrats than from members of their own party." State Rep. Al Gentry on Thursday said a house vote was "possible by the end of the week, provided Republican leadership could agree on a course of action." But minutes later, Rep. Adam Koenig said "probably not this week" after all (Louisville COURIER JOURNAL, 1/31).
