Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear wants 12 casinos in his state that he says will generate $600 million in taxes a year to help pay for education and other key services. This is a game of chance, but it's one the voters of Kentucky should get to decide.

For Kentucky casinos to become a reality, Beshear's proposal must first be passed in the General Assembly, which is expected to take up the measure almost immediately. If it passes there, a constitutional amendment will be placed on the state ballot this fall, allowing Kentuckians to decide if they want casinos. The proposal calls for seven casinos at the state's horse tracks, including Northern Kentucky's Turfway. The other five would be free-standing gambling palaces in various regions of the state, including one in Campbell or Kenton counties. Just where the free-standing casinos would go would require voter approval in the host communities.