Timoney noted the bill represents “hundreds of hours of effort by a number of stakeholders, as well as input from those for and against the proposal. “We must restore the proper order, empowering the legislature to lead by drafting the laws that precede the addition of gaming in the Commonwealth.” “These machines represent the single largest gambling expansion in Kentucky history, yet they are unauthorized, unregulated, and unaccounted for,” Timoney said. Timoney introduced an outright ban afterward. Initially filed bills regulated and taxed gray machines. Owner Timothy Reese said of the machines last year: “Anything we can do to bring in customers, bring in excitement, bring in gambling, we love to do.”
Opponents said the machines help small businesses, like PeeWee’s Place in Crescent Springs.
