A study published last year in Kentucky pointed out that well over half a million residents travel to casinos in neighbouring states and spend millions of dollars gambling. The racing fraternity in Kentucky has been pushing for years to get casino legislation passed, although only for the racetracks. The present Governor of Kentucky, Ernie Fletcher, is now saying that next November’s race for the governor’s office will be resolved on a single issue – casinos.

The anti-gambling governor, who yesterday commenced a statewide tour on the subject, has annoyed the city of Aurora in Illinois by using its Hollywood Casino in an advertisement against casinos. According to the authorities in Aurora, the casino industry has been beneficial for the city and a key driver of economic development. Fletcher’s argument is that everyone loses with casinos and that he is educating the people of Kentucky.

Democrat opponent for Governor, Steve Beshear, wants voters to decide whether to change the Kentucky constitution and allow casinos. He is supporting the idea of racetrack casinos and from two to four casino facilities along state borders. An estimated US$500 million in gambling tax could then be used to improve education, health care and other programmes.

The Democrats are saying that Fletcher is using the casino issue to deflect attention from accusations of political patronage and corruption indictments that have plagued his administration. The Fletcher campaign points to problem gambling and unspecified disturbing conclusions about the casino industry. It remains to be seen which way the traditionally conservative Kentuckians will vote on the casino issue. (E-08.23.07)

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