The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is calling for voters to be given the opportunity to decide whether the US state should allow casino gaming at racetracks and other locations.
At a meeting yesterday, the chamber formed a new coalition of business, labour unions, teachers, local governments, horsemen and others in support of a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November.
David Adkisson, president and CEO of the chamber, announced the creation of the Kentucky Alliance for Jobs group, which will support state Governor Steve Beshear's bipartisan initiative for an amendment on expanded gaming.
"We have a very simple goal - let the people decide how to handle this issue of casino gaming," said Adkisson. "Year after year, the Kentucky Chamber has polled business leaders across the state on this issue. And year after year, our members overwhelmingly support expanded gaming and the citizens' right to vote. We believe it is time to finally put the issue on the ballot."
A statewide poll conducted in December found that a majority of those surveyed would be in favour of a vote being held. Kentucky's internationally-renowned horse industry is presently experiencing losses due in part to neighbouring states offering expanded gaming, Adkisson said.
"We are losing tax dollars, world class horses and horsemen - and most importantly the jobs that go with them - to these other states. Permitting our citizens to vote on this important issue is a very reasonable economic response. Let's bring those tax dollars home and invest in our kids, our families and our future."
A recent study commissioned by the chamber found that adding casino-style gaming to eight Kentucky racetracks could create nearly 11,000 jobs and $1.14bn in gross gaming revenue. Around $450m in tax revenue would also be raised.
