Will Casino Gambling Mean a Tourism Increase for Kentucky?
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Updated: 12:32 AM Feb 27, 2008
Will Casino Gambling Mean a Tourism Increase for Kentucky?
There's no question Kentuckians are split on their feelings about casinos coming to the Commonwealth. But will the addition of casino gambling mean an increase in tourism for Kentucky?
Posted: 12:29 AM Feb 27, 2008
Reporter: Forrest Sanders
Email Address: forrest.sanders@wbko.com
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"I think it'll help college universities because it'll bring revenue that can be put toward students," says area resident Amanda West.

"There are too many bad things that come with it than just casinos," adds resident Sam Coffey.

There's no question Kentuckians are split on their feelings about casinos coming to the Commonwealth.

"I think it's a great way to increase revenue and help boost the economy," adds WKU student Matthew Ballinger.

But will the addition of casino gambling mean an increase in tourism for Kentucky?
Sandra Jenkins at the Travel Authority isn't so sure.

"I think there are a lot of things that bring people here and I just don't see that as a big attraction," explains Jenkins.

Jenkins says in order for a tourist destination to become a true success, it needs to be more than a center for gambling.

"The only reason I think people do Las Vegas is because of the shows because of the name," Jenkins adds.

But even if Kentucky adds those attractions to the state some say they'd rather Kentucky not be known as a casino state.

"It'll bring so many tourists to this area, but I think the risk of people getting addicted to gambling would increase," says West.

Others say the addition will just keep Kentuckians from going traveling to other states.

"My parents go down to Memphis all the time, they go up to Indiana on the boats all the time," Ballinger adds.

But with the house rejecting the amendment, the issue will return, giving residents plenty of opportunities to speak their mind.

"I think it's going to be great," says Ballinger.

"I hadn't made up my mind yet," adds West.

"If it came to a vote, I'd vote no," Coffey concludes.


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