We commend the Kentucky General Assembly for bringing House Bill 594 across the finish line to protect Kentucky families and communities from the dangers of illegal gray machine gambling. The passage of HB 594 is yet another example of Kentucky lawmakers wisely, carefully and deliberately debating the expansion of gaming and only doing so in the best interests of Kentuckians. We now urge Governor Beshear to swiftly sign HB 594 and make it the law of the land.

Kentucky communities are one step closer to being free from the dangers of illegal gray machine gambling. We applaud the Senate Licensing & Occupations Committee for passing HB 594 and now urge the full Senate to swiftly send a clean version of this good bill to the Governor’s desk. This is the only way to prevent thousands of Kentucky’s restaurants, gas stations and small businesses from turning into mini casinos.

We applaud the Kentucky House of Representatives for quickly reconsidering and passing House Bill 594 to ban illegal gray machines. This was the right decision to protect Kentucky’s future. We urge the Senate to quickly do the same and stop the massive proliferation of illegal gray machine gambling that is threatening the safety of Kentucky families and communities. Passing HB 594 is the only certain and viable option to prevent every restaurant, gas station and convenience store in the Commonwealth from becoming a mini casino— bringing robberies, underage gambling, and violent crime to our communities.

We are extremely disappointed in Representative Doan and all members of the Kentucky House who voted to table House Bill 594. They have just voted for the largest expansion of gambling in our state’s history. The fight to ban gray machines and protect Kentucky families is far from over. We strongly encourage the House to reconsider HB 594 as soon as possible. Not passing HB 594 is a vote for the continued proliferation of untaxed, unregulated and dangerous illegal gambling across the Commonwealth.