But it is still Kentucky Downs, a name that “stays true to the horse racing roots.” More machines, variety among historical horse racing games. The additional HHR machines have led some to ask if the new gaming hall will feature other casino games, too. Kentucky gambling law won’t allow that, but visitors will be encountering some new games. There are no traditional slot machines in Kentucky casinos. Instead, they all offer instant racing betting machines. While these machines may appear to be regular slot machines, they are actually gaming machines that are based on unidentified past horse races and the spinning reels shown on the machines are for entertainment purposes only.

2nd largest jackpot ever recorded at Kentucky Downs hit June 18, 2020 for $741,849!

The Franklin Kentucky Downs Casino is the only casino that we can find within the State’s territory even though they are other forms of gambling such as horse tracks. This casino features not less than 500 slot machines, simulcasting and “Horses Racing Jackpot”.



Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs

Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs Racetrack



Retired Teacher Hits $780K Jackpot !!

A retired school teacher turned a $3 play into a record $780,307 jackpot Tuesday, April 9th at Kentucky Downs. Click below to read more.

Pull up a seat and start Playing!

With hundreds of historical horse racing machines, you’re sure to find a favorite at Kentucky Downs. We will soon be offering 513 Exacta Systems terminals with a total of 61 unique game titles. Correctly predict the finishing position of as many of the horses from the three historical horse races as you can, and you could be on your way to a jackpot! We also have games coming soon upstairs in the Simulcast Room and the Bingo Hall.

Kentucky Downs is pleased to offer a designated non-smoking area for guests, located on the right side of the building near our non-smoking Lucky 7s restaurant and High Limit room.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Rather than playing against the house, pari-mutuel wagering allows you to wager against other guests. All wagers are combined in a collective pool.

Pari-mutuel Wagering
Exotic Wagering

Jackpot Pools

Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs

Each of our games is identified by denomination and color. This categorization will determine which jackpot amount you are playing for.

To determine which jackpot you are playing for, you may visit the jackpot tracker located on our gaming floor or on our website here to view the various jackpot pools in real time. For example, if you wanted to play the Penny Slate jackpot pool, you can check the current jackpot amount and find the machine that has that jackpot pool displayed along with the .01 cent bet option.

Note: Machines are not physically color-coded according to the jackpot pools. Please use the method above or ask an attendant if needed.


Special to the KyForward from the Paulick Report

Attorneys representing both sides in the debate over historical racing were back in court this week, arguing whether the machines currently in use at Kentucky Downs comply with the regulations that govern the games.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the debate centers around the type of race replay used for the machines – actual video of racing or ‘animated’ racing replays.

Stan Cave, the attorney representing the conservative group the Family Foundation, argued against the machines, claiming that they show “cartoons” rather than actual racing videos. Cave said that the games do not meet the legal requirement and should be removed. There are currently 625 machines installed at Kentucky Downs.

Historical Racing machines are currently in use at Kentucky Downs (Photo Provided)

Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs Race Track

Cave added that if the “cartoon” games continue to be allowed, it would progress to “cartoon frogs or wiener dog races … and they’ll say it’s tied back to horse racing.”

Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs Handicappers

William Hoskins, the attorney for Kentucky Downs, argued that the type of replay was “irrelevant”, and the only question important to the case was whether the betting was pari-mutuel.

Are There Slot Machines At Kentucky Downs Win

Historical Racing machines, which are similar to slot machines in appearance, use historical racing data to generate random numbers that determine winners. The devices, which are also called instant racing machines, use data from previously run, but anonymous races to determine payoffs.

The terminals are designed with display features that are similar to slot machines to provide a user-friendly experience for wagerers.
For more information on historical racing machines, click here .

Downs

Turfway Park in Florence received approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Association in December to install up to 250 Historical Racing Machines.

Turfway is working with contractors and vendors to determine the best way to integrate the machines but no timetable for construction or installation has been announced.

The machines are expected to be installed on the first floor in the area that houses the Race Book. Turfway Park General Manager Chip Bach said there is adequate space to install the devices and continue to offer race wagering on the floor, which is located at track level.

Cavernous Turfway Park also has space to install additional machines if the devices are successful. The fourth floor of the five-level structure is largely vacant much of the year.

Franklin Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate asked whether the games allowed players to bet win, place, or show on the races, “just like the racetracks do,” and Hoskins responded yes.

According to the Herald-Leader, both sides discussed the issue for over an hour. Wingate then said he would rule on the matter within a week.

NKyTribune staff contributed to this story