Brief: Motives of Harrah’s, GTECH questioned

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1999 | 11:52 a.m.

GTECH, Harrah's and Turfway Park owner Keeneland says they want to operate Turfway in order to preserve thoroughbred racing in Northern Kentucky.

The Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper reported legislators questioned their motives during a hearing Friday.

"This is a ruse," said Sen. Tim Shaughnessy, D-Louisville.

Added Rep. Larry Clark, D-Louisville: "I know where we're headed to in the next four or five years" -- expanded casino-type gambling.

Clark said GTECH and Harrah's will inevitably push for legalized slot machines or video lottery machines, a move that could leave the state lottery without its main supplier, GTECH.

Harrah's and GTECH officials said fears they want to expand gambling in Kentucky are premature. But pressed, they said they might be interested in that exact result.

"We're entering this venture to operate a racetrack. If at some point in the future a bill is raised and it would benefit Turfway, we would consider that," Harrah's executive Peter Weien said, the Lexington newspaper reported.

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