Gambling in Kentucky

Located in the Eastern Central region of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is one of the one of the only four states to earn the title of commonwealth. Kentucky is known to all as the "bluegrass state", and is a very popular tourist attraction. People come from all over to visit its long catacomb of underground caves, navigable waterways and streams and its immense man made lakes. The biggest tourist attraction in Kentucky is the annually held horse race "Kentucky Derby", and in fact the state is renowned not only for its horse racing, but also the leading state in America for horse breeding.

Kentuckians love to gamble, but unfortunately, any other form of live gambling is illegal in the state. This is why Kentuckians are inclined to travel long distances for some casino action, or play online in the comfort and security of their own home. Yet Kentucky's economy owes a lot to gambling, of its population of more than four million 50,000 are engaged in the horse racing industry, the highest percentage per capita in all of the United States. Other prominent industries in Kentucky are agriculture, coal mining, industry and as mentioned, tourism.

Kentucky stands out as the fourth leading state for auto assembly, servicing the East Coast. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford and Toyota all have large plants in the state and employ tens of thousands of people.

Kentuckians love to go horse racing and there are eight beautifully designed and highly developed race tracks spread out around the state. A day at the races is very much a part of the state's culture, yet it is obvious that it is not enough to satisfy the gambling needs of many who live in the state or come to visit.

Like so many other states, Kentucky is slowly beginning to wake up to the possibilities that legalized casino gambling will afford. After all, some of the more enlightened legislators say that if people are prepared to travel hundreds of miles to wager live in a casino, why not allow them the pleasure of doing so a little nearer to home. And for the many tens of thousands of visitors who come to the state every year, especially those who attend the Kentucky Derby, why not give them the opportunity to round of their stay, with a visit to a Casino. To play their favorite table games, spin a few wheels of the slots and enjoy a drink or a good meal at a casino restaurant.

The recent online gaming revolution has caused many state legislators to wake up to the reality that people like to gamble, and despite every effort on the part of US congress to block the flow of money into virtual casinos, it continues unabated. There is a place for online gaming and the alternatives it offers. However there is still a large percentage of the population who enjoy the social aspects of visiting a casino, even now and again. Casinos create jobs, bring in tax revenues and are in demand. That is why it is only a matter of time before Kentucky takes its head out of the sand and begins to legalize gambling in the state.