A poll conducted for the Louisville Courier-Journal among 617 registered voters shows nearly 60% favour slots at Kentucky racetracks, but 85% think the decision should be made by voters and not the General Assembly
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The newspaper reports support for slots at tracks are at the highest level since the polls on expanded gaming were initiated eight years ago.
Governor Steve Beshear, who included revenue from expanding gaming in his proposed 2010-2012 budget, was cited as saying he sees a need for speed in reaching a decision.
He said “the vast majority” of Kentuckians would approve VLTs, and said the General Assembly may have to choose between support for slots or reduced support for education.
David Williams, president of the senate, favours a referendum. House speaker Greg Stumbo does not.
Stumbo was quoted as saying, “We’re not a referendum state. We don’t need to have a vote on it. If we wanted to be a referendum state, then we’d have to change our constitution.”
The poll found stronger support from those under 50, and more men than are women in favour.
(Harness Tracks of America)