Kentucky’s schools, health departments, libraries and other public services are the foundation of our communities, but they’re being shortchanged by an outrageously low tax on slot machine gambling.

We have a one-time opportunity with House Bill 481 to fix this inequity, and generate $100 million to invest in healthy communities with strong schools and a better standard of living.

Betting on slot machines in Kentucky, known as Historical Horse Racing or “HHR”, has exploded in popularity. Three times more money is bet in Kentucky on HHR slot machines than is spent on lottery tickets, but the lottery brings in nearly 20 times more tax revenue.

Why? Because, unlike other states, Kentucky has an HHR tax break costing our communities nearly $100 million a year. Slot machine tax rates in states like Ohio, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia and Pennsylvania are four to seven times higher than in Kentucky.

The 2021 Kentucky General Assembly is likely to act soon to protect HHR following a state Supreme Court ruling. At the same time, they must ensure that our public schools and communities get their fair share. It’s time to end the tax break for HHR.

With $100 million Kentucky could expand preschool, give teachers a raise, lower class sizes, improve our failing unemployment system, expand broadband and much more. Let’s not let wealthy casino owners continue to pad their profits with monies we need for our communities.

Tell your representatives that by enacting House Bill 481, we can WIN new revenue for Kentucky’s future, protect the horse industry and clean up the slot machine tax break – all at the same time.