The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has released a 67-page document of regulations that could help bring casinos to six licensed race tracks in Nebraska, including Lincoln. According to the document, companies that intend to open a casino at a race track in the state will need to pay $1m upfront for a licence valid for 20 years.
The casinos will be smoke-free, and only law enforcement or licensed security officers will be allowed to carry a firearm. Voters of Nebraska have approved casino gambling at horse tracks in November 2020; the Racing and Gaming Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing of the rules on 17 December 2021.
The proposed racetracks casinos are planned to be located at Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings, South Sioux City and Columbus. Sports betting is not included on the agenda yet, but, if things go well in December, wagering on sports and other areas of gambling experience will probably be considered when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Lynne McNally, Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association EVP, commented: “The regulations are very comprehensive, they’re heavy on security, integrity, background investigations, all of the things you need to maintain honestly across the industry and I think they’re great.”
Chris Kotulak, Fonner Park Racetrack CEO, mentioned his worries about the state winding up with too many racetracks because of companies wanting to operate casinos. He added: “There’s not the human or equine infrastructure in place to support any more racing than we already have.”
