KENTUCKY (WFIE) -
A new push tonight for expanded gaming in Kentucky could mean a casino at Ellis Park.
Governor Steve Beshear has a plan to change the state constitution to allow casinos to open, most of them at horse tracks.
It's an issue that's been debated for about 15 years and Tuesday, it's back. This time though, there's support on both sides of the aisle.
Senator Damon Thayer, a Republican, is giving an old issue a fresh look.
He's sponsoring a bill by Democratic Governor Steve Beshear that would allow Kentucky residents to vote on expanding gaming.
"We believe we have fashioned something that could, and should, and hopefully will pass both chambers," said Gov. Beshear.
"To once and for all, put this issue on the ballot and let the people vote, said Sen. Thayer.
"If they let the people decide, you know, that's what our country is about, isn't it?" said Henderson resident Randy Wishon.
Wishon lives in Henderson and doesn't believe slot machines and blackjack tables in Kentucky would be a bad thing.
"They already have a casino 10 miles away on a boat, so I don't think slot machines would really hurt anything honestly," said Wishon.
In fact, Gov. Beshear believes it would only help the state.
He says the hundreds of millions of dollars of extra revenue would help areas like job creation, education, human services, health care, public safety and the horse industry.
Under the governor's plan, five casinos would be built at current horse tracks. Two others would stand alone.
"A freestanding casino couldn't be located within 60 miles of a licensed racetrack," said Beshear.
Some listening to the governor's proposal Tuesday say they're still against it.
Martin Cothran with the Family Foundation doesn't believe it has the votes to pass.
"We see no more than 19 votes for this. We only saw 10 senators here," said Cothran.
If this bill passes both chambers, it could go to voters in November.
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