Governor of Kentucky putting Restrictions on Online Gambling

On Feburary 15,th 2008, Steve Beshear unveiled a legislation that would allow casino gambling in Kentucky, which he claimed would generate "several hundred millions of dollars" in tax revenue for the state. Although he supports casino gambling, he is a staunch advocate of prohibiting online gambling statewide.

Governor Beshear is presently leading a suit against online betting and gambling related websites. The state is asking the court to give the control rights of some 140 gambling related domains in an attempt to prevent Kentucky users from accessing the gambling websites. Beshear's stance on this issue is that, "Unlicensed, unregulated, illegal internet gambling poses a great threat to the citizens of the Commonwealth because of its ease, availability, and anonymity. The owners and operators of these legal sites prey on Kentucky citizens, including our youth, and depriving the Commonwealth of millions of dollars in revenue".

Opposition to the governor's actions in his move to gain internet censorship control has grown from several sources including The Poker Players Alliance, The Media Freedom Project, and Americans for Tax Reform. A video released regarding the governor's stand against online gambling has even aggravated the residents of Kentucky. His actions have resulted in a lot of negative criticism towards his policies and governmental decisions from the locals.