A petition from the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is hoping to garner support for the authorization of video lottery terminals at local racetracks.
The horsemen's group is circulating a petition in favour of legislation introduced by democrat Greg Stumbo, the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The petition states the following: "We, the undersigned, fully support House Bill 158. Horse racing is the signature industry of Kentucky. It provides thousands of jobs for Kentuckians and billions of dollars for our economy. Due to competition from our neighboring states, racing and breeding in Kentucky is in jeopardy. We respectfully request that the General Assembly respond to our urgent need and save the racing industry."
Reports state that the bill calls for VLTs on racetrack property only with Keeneland and The Red Mile sharing a license. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation would operate the VLTs.