Legislation related to gambling in more than one form is likely to be discussed during the next month or so in Frankfort. Talk about a bill to legalize sports betting is just about a sure bet. There is also attention being given to so-called gray gambling machines. These are unregulated electronic machines, often found in service stations.
Senate President Robert Stivers said a clear direction is not in the cards right now.
“Is it an outright ban, is it regulate and tax? Do nothing. But, I don’t know what consensus has been reached over in the House,” said Stivers.
Stivers noted there are differences of opinion, probably in both Republican and Democratic caucuses. The Senate leader added this is one of the items likely to be taken up later in the session.
Meanwhile, another leader in the Kentucky Senate is weighing in on parking rates and hours in the state’s second-largest city. Lexington’s parking authority recently raised meter rates and extended the hours. Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer represents a part of northwest Fayette County. Thayer said owners at a couple of restaurants asked him to take a position.
“Nothing I can really do. That’s the authority of LexPark, but I did file a resolution to adopt that would urge LexPark to work towards a better outcome for downtown,” said Thayer.
Thayer said there are businesses still struggling in a time that he termed a post-COVID time.
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