A Franklin County Circuit judge in the state of Kentucky has issued an order giving the Commonwealth of Kentucky permission to seize control of some 141 illegal online gambling websites. In order to regain control of their domains, site owners will either have to implement software to block Kentucky residents, or risk forfeiting their businesses. The irony here is that Kentucky is one of the United States' most gambling-friendly states—as long as we're talking about horses. Betting on a race is a tradition, a right, and a pleasurable leisure activity for prole and patrician alike. Betting at an online casino? We're shocked, shocked to find out that gambling is going on here.

Horse racing is to Kentucky what surf and sun are to California, and mountains and snow are to Colorado—a vital part of the economy and a unique cultural inheritance. The breeding and racing of thoroughbreds in the Bluegrass State has its roots in the actions of no less a figure than Daniel Boone himself, and it has been a central part of the commonwealth's identity for centuries. More practically, horse breeding, raising, and racing are extremely important to Kentucky's economy. According to data released in 2005, horse-related activities directly and indirectly provide some 96,000 jobs state-wide. The Kentucky Derby is one of (if not the most) popular horse races in the world, and has been host to any number of celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II. The race has been run at Churchill Downs since it began in 1875; the photos here show the track as it looked in 1901, and how it appears today.



Not pictured: Queen Elizabeth II, George Steinbrenner, George W. Bush

It would be hard to overstate the importance of horse racing as both a cultural institution and a massive revenue generator for Kentucky's state coffers, and both factors have undoubtedly emphasized the state's reaction to online gambling. According to Kentucky.com, KY Governor Steve Beshear spoke at a recent news conference, saying: "Unlicensed, unregulated, illegal Internet gambling poses a tremendous threat to the citizens of the commonwealth because of its ease, availability and anonymity." These websites, Beshear claimed, are no less than "leeches on our communities."

Beshear, who supports initiatives to legalize casino-based gambling in Kentucky, claims that the judge's decision in this case is potentially groundbreaking. Under Kentucky law, the state has the right to seize devices used in illegal gaming, and while this would normally apply to roulette tables or slot machines, the governor believes it extends to domain names, as well. Other lawmakers and attorneys have already weighed in, calling the order little more than a stunt. Kentucky isn't the first state to try to crack down on online gambling, but such efforts have yet to meet with much success.

Considering how quickly websites can be brought back from the dead, Beshear's effort seems practically useless, if politically expedient. The blackjack, roulette, and poker games will likely remain open for the indefinite future, regardless of what a judge in Franklin County does or does not order.