Close Menu
  • Keno Strategy
  • Keno Variations
  • Keno Odds
  • News
  • Casinos
  • Games
  • Handpays
What's Hot

Kentucky Judge Upholds Ban on Controversial ‘Gray Machines’

July 1, 2024

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest VKontakte
Keno WizardKeno Wizard
  • Keno Strategy
  • Keno Variations
  • Keno Odds
  • News
  • Casinos
  • Games
  • Handpays
Keno WizardKeno Wizard
Home » Kentucky Judge Upholds Ban on Controversial ‘Gray Machines’
Casinos

Kentucky Judge Upholds Ban on Controversial ‘Gray Machines’

July 1, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

A Franklin County Circuit Judge upheld a Kentucky law that bans “gray machines,” slots-like devices that pay out money. The ruling was announced on June 28 and gave state officials a boost in their effort to rid convenience stores, gas stations and bars across Kentucky of the machines.

Judge Grants Summary Judgment in Favor of Kentucky’s ‘Gray Machine’ Ban

In his decision, Judge Phillip Shepherd granted Attorney General Russell Coleman’s request for summary judgment, meaning he decided the case without going to trial. Coleman praised the ruling, noting the vital role of the Legislature in protecting public interests, as reported by the Associated Press. He commended lawmakers for their bipartisan action against machines often alleged to have tenuous legal status.

The so-called gray machines triggered considerable controversy during this year’s legislative session. They were installed at various locations statewide and drew support as well as opposition. Advocates described them as valid “skill games” and put forward alternate legislative proposals to regulate and tax them as such. Critics warned they would enable the biggest expansion of gambling in Kentucky history.

ARKK Properties led the legal challenge along with other stakeholders including Pace-O-Matic, maker of the popular Burning Barrel machine. The lawsuit raised several arguments against the ban. ARKK Properties together with the other stakeholders claimed the ban violated free speech rights, was arbitrary, and impaired contracts, among other points. 

Judge Shepherd dismissed all these arguments, stating that expecting immunity from regulation for machines operating on the fringes of legality was unreasonable given Kentucky’s history of stringent gambling laws.

See also  Las Vegas Slot Machines Make Millionaires in July with Three Jackpot Wins

Court Decision Brings Closure to Contentious ‘Gray Machine’ Debate in Kentucky

House Bill 594, which initiated the ban, had a tumultuous journey through the legislative process before becoming law. Despite intense lobbying on both sides, it cleared both chambers with overwhelming support and Gov. Andy Beshear signed it. House Speaker David Osborne said he supported Shepherd’s ruling because it reaffirms that these games are illegal and cannot be operated without proper oversight. Regarding the next steps, J.Guthrie True, attorney for plaintiffs indicated an appeal may be coming.

In recent years, Kentucky has passed other significant gambling legislation, including measures that secured the legal status of historical racing machines at horse tracks. These machines, which allow betting on past horse races, have become a substantial revenue source for the tracks, helping to enhance the state’s horse racing industry.

The fight over gray machines has been costly and continued, taking place both in courtrooms as well as in political arenas. This issue involved more than just legal disputes – there were significant political moves made and heavy lobbying done around this subject, which points to how serious people take gambling regulation in Kentucky.

ban Controversial Gray judge Kentucky Machines Upholds
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024

Iowa: Linn County Casino Developers Consider Reapplying for License

June 28, 2024

Gambling Inspector in Maine Claims Retaliation by Boss over Concerns

June 28, 2024
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Editors Picks

Kentucky Judge Upholds Ban on Controversial ‘Gray Machines’

July 1, 2024

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024

Michigan Increases MGCB Budget for Enhanced Regulation and Responsible Gaming

June 28, 2024
Top Reviews

Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Casino Inches Closer to Reality

LeoVegas Secures GGL License, Forays into Germany

Caesars Palace Standoff Initiator Accepts Plea Deal

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news and blogs update directly in your Inbox!

Keno Wizard
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2024 Kenowizard.com - All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.