Kentucky, Delaware scuttle gaming expansion

Two states have put off gaming expansion for the time being.

In Kentucky, the state Legislature passed a two-year budget plan during a special session.

Gaming expansion, including racetrack slot machines and stand-alone casinos, had been presented during the regular legislative session. But the ideas never surfaced during the special session.

Analysts believe gaming won’t be brought up in Kentucky until 2012.

“This would benefit southern Indiana gaming operators on the Ohio River,” Union Gaming Group Principal Bill Lerner said, alluding to casinos owned by Penn National Gaming, Pinnacle Entertainment and Tropicana Entertainment.

Meanwhile, in Delaware, Gov. Jack Markell asked the sponsors of a bill that would expand gaming to include stand-alone casinos, to hold off until the 2011 legislative session.

The legislation was opposed this year by the state’s three racetrack casinos, which are in the process of adding table games.