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Gambling expansion doesn’t look like good bet in 2005

Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 | 9:16 a.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The odds seem stacked against passage of legislation to expand gambling during the 2005 General Assembly.

Opponents and even some supporters of the idea say the stars would have to align for legislation to pass, though there might be an outside shot at getting a proposed constitutional amendment approved for placement on the ballot in 2006.

Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, said some old rivalries and disagreements make it far less likely that some basic opposition to casino gambling can be overcome.

Buford said race tracks, which would like to ensure that they get to keep casino action for themselves, cannot agree on a strategy. Hotels and resorts, which would also like a piece of the pie, would lobby against any plan to let the tracks keep all the games. "And you've got the churches and nonprofits protecting their income," Buford said.

Even if Gov. Ernie Fletcher weighed in, it would be a hard sell, Buford said.

"If the governor came out for it and pushed it, it would still have a tough time," Buford said.

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