Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s attack on online casinos may be taken down from the inside.  The Governor got the state tied up in a prolonged legal battle that has gone all the way up to the Supreme Court when he decided to seize the domain names of 141 online casinos as if they were gambling devices.  His purpose was to prevent Kentucky residents from spending their money at online casinos when that same money could be profiting local gambling establishments.

However, Churchill Downs has sided with the enemy in a very wise ‘if you can’t beat them, join them business move.’  Churchill Downs purchased the Burbank, California based online horse wagering site YouBet.com. 

President and Chief Executive of Churchill Downs, Bob Evans, said his company made the purchase because it is at this point obvious that online gambling will only increase over time.  There is no question the Evans is absolutely correct, particularly when it comes to an activity like betting on horse races.  While going to the races is a fun activity in and of it self, there are many gamblers that just want to bet on the horse.  Instead of going to a club to watch the races on a television, it is just easier to bet from you personal computer of smart phone.  

However, this is likely to throw a wrench in Beshear’s plan.  He may not be able to so openly detest the dangers of online casinos and online gambling.  If YouBet.com continues to operate on the same level of success it could save the racing industry in Kentucky.