“Gambling money is the crack cocaine of public policy”. Gotta love that line. In truth, it appears that gambling expansion in any state is incredibly unpopular. Just look at the recent special election results for an open state senate seat in Kentucky. The seat was previously held by the newly elected Democrat Lt. Governor, who stumped for the Democrat candidate, along with the state’s Democrat Governor.   The election boiled down to the Democrat candidate supported the Governor’s plan to expand gambling in the state, and the Republican candidate opposed expansion. Who came out on top – well, it was a Democrat held seat prior to the election, it’s a well known Democrat district, and…the Republican won. The voters did not like what they heard from the Dems on gaming expansion it appears.  They said no to “crack”.

INDIANAPOLIS — This year’s debate over expanding legalized gambling is yet another chapter in a saga that has dragged on for more than two decades in the General Assembly. The focus this year is on a bill that would allow bars and taverns to offer pull tabs and other low-stakes, paper gambling opportunities. It’s getting much attention in a session that Gov. Mitch Daniels and legislative leaders say must first result in significant property tax relief and reform.

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