The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday night that will legalize historical horse racing machines in the state.
The bill changes the definition of pari-mutuel wagering in Kentucky statutes to include the historical horse racing machines, which closely resemble slot machines.
It passed the House by a 55-38 vote after several floor amendments were defeated and several Republican members spoke out against the bill. Tuesday, it passed the Senate by a 22-15 vote.
Up next, the bill heads to Governor Andy Beshear for his signature. Earlier this week, the governor said he would sign it into law.
A historical horse racing machine is a cross between a video game and a slot machine. A past race with no identifiers is selected from a library of thousands of previous races. The player deposits their wager, receives handicapping information, and picks the order of finish.
Future of Ellis Park in jeopardy, says track officials
Future of Ellis Park in jeopardy, says track officials By Aaron Hancock and Keaton Eberly | January 27, 2021 at 8:24 PM CST - Updated January 27 at 8:36 PM
HENDERSON, Ky. (WFIE) - The future of Ellis Park could be in jeopardy, and the issue has nothing to do with action on the track.
For over 10 years, Ellis Park’s Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines have been a huge hit with customers, as well as a financial boom to the track. However, the Kentucky Supreme Court recently ruled these games as illegal.
If this decision is not overturned, track officials told 14 News that Ellis Park would have to close.