By Todd Hatton
Murray, KY – Kentucky is making inroads into casino-style gambling. Kentucky Downs horse racing track and simulcasting facility in Franklin has offered Instant Racing since September. It's the site of Kentucky's first gaming machines. The gaming center in Kentucky Downs has 200 electronic machines, strongly resembling casino-style slot machines. Kentucky Downs officials say players have won about $700,000 in jackpots since September, including one of about $6,000. According to state racing commission figures, the total wagered on Instant Racing at Kentucky Downs was almost 8 and a half million dollars in November, over 6 and a half million in October and over 4 million in September. Governor Steve Beshear has been a proponent of casinos and slot machines at horse tracks during his administration.