In just one day, the Kentuckybill that banned gray machines in Kentucky swept through the Senate. It moved from committee to the Senate floor and passed. Now it is headed to Governor. Andy Beshear’sdesk. According to the Lexington Herald–Leader HTML, Beshear indicated that he supports the bill.
The bill was passed with a margin of 29-6, all seven Democratic senators voting in favor and 22 Republicans supporting it.
Timoney overjoyed at gray game ban success
Rep. Killian Timoney, sponsor of HB594, told SBC Americas he was “ecstatic” about the outcome.
He said, “You know, it’s been two years.” It was a tremendous lift and, truthfully, it was very winding. Sometimes, the most beautiful scenery is found on the winding roads.
Timoney said that he was aware this year would be more difficult than the previous year, as gray games lobbyists had more time to prepare.
Timoney acknowledged that there was one change to the bill. It removed the emergency clause. Businesses that have these machines now have until July for them to be removed from their premises.
The committee room was again packed with small-business owners from the local area, but there was no public support for the motion. Timoney was joined by representatives of the KY Chamber of Commerce as well as veterans organizations, just like the House hearing. The House hearings were mirrored in that Pace O-Matic as well as Prestigious Games also testified against the measure.
Opponents claim that bill is fuelled by greedy horse racing
Former Kentucky lawmaker Bob Heleringer spoke for Prestigious. He again blamed Churchill Downs, the horse racing industry, and other stakeholders for the passage of the legislation.
Let’s discuss someone else, the horse racing industry. This is who is behind the bill. They come up to the front to represent themselves, they are in the room, but won’t sign the witness list or answer your questions about how these people threaten their industry. The number of purses is at an all time high. They are a potential threat. He said that they don’t want them to answer any questions about the reason for this, or any other question.
Minority Whip Senator David Yates originally proposed an amendment to bill to allow gray machines to be used in bars and other 21+ venues. However, that amendment was pulled when the bill was brought to the Senate floor.
The gray machine issue has been settled. Now lawmakers can focus their attention on sports betting which will be heard in Senate on Wednesday. Rep. Michael Meredith is the sponsor of sports betting. stated that is within one to two votes of obtaining the three-fifths majority required for him to pass the Senate.
