Kentucky slot machine casino gambling is essentially nonexistent. While casinos and gambling establishments are strictly illegal in Kentucky, it’s important to understand how the Commonwealth of Kentucky has defined and interprets “gambling†as:
“Gambling means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device which is based upon an element of chance, in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.â€
Kentucky’s interpretation of gambling depends whether or not skill is a prevailing factor in the activity, and that the competitor’s level of skill “must sufficiently govern the results.†Therefore, competition-based games are legal including pari-mutuel wagering but, relevant to our interest as slots enthusiasts, slot machine casino gambling is illegal.
However, Kentucky currently has 1,720 competition-based electronic games available in a few of their pari-mutuel facilities, which might be of interest.
Historically speaking, Kentucky has had a fascinating relationship with gambling. While casino gambling was never legal, gambling dens were prevalent before the Great Depression of 1929.
Much of this opening display of gambling was located in Newport, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, and included an element of organized crime. If ever in Newport, consider walking the historic Newport Gangster Tour.
This post continues the weekly blog series “Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State“, a year-long online resource project dedicated to guiding slot machine gambling enthusiasts to success.
Keep Reading … or Listen to my Episode on Kentucky Slots!
The legal gambling age in Kentucky is 18 for individuals engaged in bingo, lottery, and dog/horse race betting. The legal age for gambling online is 21.
Individuals engaged in what Kentucky defines as illegal gambling generally have little or nothing to worry about, as Kentucky state law does not prescribe punishment if partaking of these “illegal†acts of gambling.
However, it is punishable to “advance gambling activityâ€, so operators of anything related to illegal gambling need to be careful. For example, gambling advertisements or otherwise inducing someone to gamble would be illegal and punishable.
A more common example would be to host a poker game: This is legal only if no one is “induced†to play or if an individual directly benefits financially due to game rules, i.e., if the “house gets a cut of the actionâ€.
Kentucky’s anti-gambling laws do not include gambling devices such as kiosks dispensing tickets at licensed pari-mutuel facilities.
Kentucky has a state lottery and also permits charitable games.
In 2010, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear generated a great deal of controversy with regards to online gaming. Because it is illegal to run a casino in Kentucky, the state felt compelled to enforce their anti-gambling laws against online casinos based outside of Kentucky at which citizens of Kentucky had lost money.
Per the ABC News Report, the lawsuit wasn’t written to return lost money to private citizens, but instead any recouped funds would be received by the state of Kentucky. The lawsuit specifically identified 141 online casinos, eventually seizing their domain names.
In 2015, Judge Thomas Wingate found in favor of Kentucky in its lawsuit, awarding Kentucky $870,000,000 in damages for violating Kentucky’s anti-gambling laws. Legal appeals set to contest the ruling began in January of 2016.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws apply to various forms of gambling. This information is not intended to provide legal advice.
Kentucky Slot Machine Casino Gambling: State Capital Courtroom in Frankfort.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Kentucky
It is legal to privately own a slot machine in Kentucky.
Gaming Control Board in Kentucky
The Department of Charitable Gaming is under the authority of Kentucky’s Public Protection Cabinet. Their mission is to:
Provide a regulatory framework allowing charitable gaming to thrive as a viable fundraising mechanism; and
Ensure the productivity of charitable gaming through appropriate regulation, oversight, and education.
Kentucky Slot Machine Casino Gambling: Kentucky and the horse racing industry.
Kentucky slot machine casino gambling does not exist. However, Kentucky holds the greatest prestige in the world with regards to pari-mutuel wagering, with tracks opening in 1875.
Kentucky is generating ongoing controversy in the online gaming industry, an activity considered illegal by state law, in part by attempting to recoup funds for the state from money lost by its citizens to online gaming.
While casinos have never been legal in Kentucky, historically this state has provided a significant contribution to the history of gambling.
Illegal casinos and organized crime in Newport in northern Kentucky generated an enduring long-term negative perception of casino gambling still influencing Kentucky to this day as well as the nation as a whole.
Kentucky Slot Machine Casino Gambling: Bridge in Bourbon County on a misty morning.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
Previous: Kansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Kansas slot machine casino gambling consists of nine casinos, of which four are state-run casinos and five are American Indian tribal casinos. Kansas does not require its state-run or American Indian tribal casinos to release payout return information. No pari-mutuel facilities have been open in since August 2008.
Next: Louisiana Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Louisiana slot machine casino gambling includes riverboat casinos, a land-based casino, pari-mutuel casinos with slot machines, and American Indian tribal casinos. The gaming industry has become an important part of Louisiana’s culture and economy, including the spread of video poker across loosely-defined truck stops.
We at the City-County Observer strive to be the best at what we do, which is why we focus on only what is laid out in our Mission Statement:
SINCE WE BEGAN TWO YEARS AGO, OUR GOAL HAS BEEN TO KEEP THE EVANSVILLE AREA INFORMED, EDUCATED AND ENTERTAINED WHILE SERVING AS THE COMMUNITY’S WATCHDOG, SOUNDING THE ALARM WHENEVER OUR CITIZENS RIGHTS ARE IN DANGER OF BEING VIOLATED BY OUR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS. OUR PUBLICATION IS BUILT ON THE CORNERSTONE OF SERVICE AND TRUST TO THE TAXPAYERS AND CITIZENS OF EVANSVILLE AND VANDERBURGH COUNTY.
With that in mind, we acknowledge the other fine media in our area and commend them for the great work they do. Local newspapers such as Evansville Courier and Press; the Mount Vernon Democrat; Posey County News; Warrick County News and the Gleaner of Henderson all do a commendable job of covering their communities. They are all good reading, and we encourage you to visit their web sites on our blog in the upper right corner of our paper. We also would like to recognize our three area television stations, and encourage you to check out their links on our website. We consider ourselves as casual media partners.
While they all do a great job, the City-County Observer is also a media source providing you with contemporary, in-depth coverage of the not-so-obvious happenings in the Evansville area. Starting today we will post daily items, such as breaking news and updates to current articles, seven days a week. After months of analyzing research data, utilizing other marketing practices and conferring with our consultant, we are close to completing Phase I of our original mission (good public policy as pertaining to governmental entities) while making it more reader-friendly and readily available.
As we move forward and successfully complete this first chapter of our reorganization, we will let you know what lies ahead in Phase II. We want to thank our advertisers for staying committed to our cause and continuing to support us with their advertising dollars during our transition. On a final note, our staff will soon expand with the addition of two former members of the established print media who will help us continue our crusade of ensuring that public officials are held accountable.
The Indy Star just reported that a casino magnate treated Gov. Eric Holcomb to two private jet flights last year and made big donations to Holcomb’s largest 2016 campaign donor while he was pushing for changes to Indiana law that would benefit his business.
The Indianapolis Star reported Spectacle Entertainment’s CEO and chairman, Rod Ratcliff, flew Holcomb to Colorado and Arizona meetings hosted by the Republican Governors Association.
Those chartered flights were among $500,000 Ratcliff and his companies contributed last year to the Republican Governors Association, which largely funded Holcomb’s 2016 campaign.
The flights gave Ratcliff and his business partners exclusive access to Holcomb, who will have final say over their plans to move two Gary casinos to more lucrative locations. Spectacle Entertainment owns the Gary casinos.
Holcomb’s campaign treasurer called the flights “perfectly legal and customary.â€
The news came after state lawmakers significantly amended a major gambling bill on Wednesday, removing language that would have allowed mobile sports betting and adding a huge relocation fee for the owner of Gary’s casinos, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee approved the amendments authored by committee chairman Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, despite concerns from some representatives.
The changes to Senate Bill 552 included adding a $100 million fee for moving one of the casinos in Gary from Buffington Harbor on Lake Michigan to another part of the city. They also removed a provision that would have allowed horse-track casinos to offer live-dealer table games this year instead of the already approved date of 2021 and eliminated the financial support other communities, associations and casinos would have received if the Gary casinos are moved.
Ronald Eugene Ricketts 72, of Mt. Vernon, passed away March 21, 2019. He was born June 21, 1946, in Mt. Vernon, into the late Homer and Emma (Mercer) Ricketts.
Ronnie served in the National Guard. He had worked for Frank Moll Motors, Art Hall Motors, Weintraut Motors, and K-B Auto. Ronnie was currently working at Bruce Hall Body Shop where he helped out any way he could.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Thomas.
He is survived by his partner of 43 years, Katrina (Redden) Edwards; daughters, Raena (Zac) Edwards-Stutsman, Julie Ricketts and Amber (Vernon) Bontrager; granddaughter, Alexis Anderson; brothers, Jerry Ricketts of Florida, Marvin Ricketts of California, Wayne Ricketts and Benny Ricketts both of Evansville; sisters, Rita Smith of Evansville, Glenda Bell of Kentucky and Janice Troncoso of Mt. Vernon; several nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at Schneider Funeral Home, 512 Main St., Mt. Vernon, IN, with Rev. Dallas Robinson, officiating.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Posey Humane Society.
Jai’Areria Whitsell, affectionately called “Pink,†age 15, made her transition into eternal rest on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 5:00 am while surrounded by her loving brother and sister. She was born on March 23, 2004, in Madisonville, Kentucky to the union of Eulan Rhenea Allison (deceased) and John Whitsell.
Jai’Areria was truly dedicated to trying to meet all her health goals. She also participated in the Special Olympics where she was in the fishing game and where she competed in the wheelchair race, winning first place.
Jai’Areria attended Pride Elementary in Madisonville, KY where she was deeply loved. She also attended James Madison Middle School and graduated from Greenwood Leadership Academy with honors. She received the Dewey Moore Award and was the outstanding student of the year. This past year, she attended Harrison High School as a freshman.
Jai’Areria was preceded in death by her mother, Eulan Rhenea Allison, and her grandparents, John and Willie Dee Whitsell.
Jai’Areria leaves to cherish her memory her father, John W. Whitsell of Madisonville KY; two brothers: Jai’Arius “Jai†Allison of Evansville IN and Wesley “Wes†Noel of Madisonville KY; two sisters: Porchia “Mimi†Burroughs of Evansville IN, and Dezaree Stone Woodbey of Tucson AZ. She also leaves behind two best friends and a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services are Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Disciples of Christ Christian Worship Center, 552 E. Center Street in Madisonville, KY with Bishop Robert Garrard officiating. Visitation from 11:00 am until service time. Burial at Eastside Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. Arrangements entrusted to R. Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jai’Areria Whitsell please visit our Sympathy Store.
Kenneth William Merritt passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital.
Kenneth was born on October 12, 1960, in Evansville, into the late James Merritt and Valaida (Manion) Merritt. Kenneth graduated from Bosse High School in 1980. He married Evelyn Martin in 1982 and to this union, two children were born.
Kenneth loved sports and was a member of Alexander AME Church. In earlier years he worked for Ball Plastics and TJ Maxx. He loved being around his family and friends and would help them when he could. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Stanley Crowe.
He leaves to cherish his memory two children Michael Merritt and Karis Merritt; sister Janita Merritt-Brown (Clayton Sr.); his niece Jaylyn Brown; nephews Clayton Brown Jr., Aharon Brown, and Jacob Brown; and a host of close cousins and friends.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth William Merritt please visit our Sympathy Store.
Ollie Marie McNary, age 79, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019. She was born May 2, 1939, in Henderson, KY. Her parents were Everett McNary and Josie Johnson.
Ollie attended the Henderson County Schools and graduated from Douglas High School where she served as a cheerleader. She was a real sports enthusiast. She played on the Women’s Softball team and loved football, especially the Dallas Cowboys.
Ollie Marie was an active member of Seventh Street Baptist Church until her health no longer permitted her to attend. She served on the Culinary Committee and her good cooking was enjoyed by many.
Through the years, she worked at the Community Methodist Church and retired from the Henderson Housing Authority.
Ollie was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Everett McNary and Maurice Edmond, Sr.
She leaves behind cherished and fond memories for “the love of her life,†her son, Rodney (Angela) McNary of Indianapolis IN; four grandsons: Elijah McNary, Ethan McNary, Jarrod Lindsey, and Gabriel McNary; five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held Monday, April 1, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Henderson, KY with same day visitation from 11:00 am until service time. Burial at Fernwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Brothers Audubon Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ollie Marie McNary please visit our Sympathy Store.
Kenneth Ray Curtis, 87, of New Harmony, IN passed away March 26, 2019, at Linda E. White Hospice House. He was born in Mt. Vernon, into the late Amos and Inez (Todd) Curtis.
Kenny was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He was a Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Korean War. Kenny had worked for CountryMark, formally known as Farm Bureau Refinery. He was a member of the Evansville VFW. Kenny enjoyed gardening, reading, history and traveling with his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Catherine (Andrews) Curtis; son, Matt (JoDee) Curtis; daughter, Cindy Curtis of Owensboro; stepdaughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Guy and Doris (Kenny) Peerman; six grandchildren; brother, Glenn (Dolores) Curtis; half-sister, JoAnn Moll; numerous nieces and nephews; and granddog, Dexter.
Private funeral services will be held on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet St., Evansville, IN 47710.
