City Council approves horse racetrack and casino in Nebraska
The project is now in hands of the Racing and Gaming Commission
US.- North Platte City Council in Nebraska has approved a conditional use permit to allow a horse racetrack and eventual casino between the two Interstate 80 exits.
After mayor Brandon Kelliher broke a 4-4 tie, North Platte Exposition and Racing Inc.’s proposal is now in the hands of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
The month-old firm, led by Hastings quarter horse owner and racetrack operator Brian Becker, plans a five-eighths-mile oval track.
The casino and horse racetrack could employ 200-275 people, with an annual payroll in excess of $5m per year. If licensed by the state commission, the casino would have 650 electronic games, 10 table games, race simulcasting and sports betting.
Attorney Brian Jorde, a member of the board of directors for the project, said that the company plans to attract 1.7 million people to North Platte per year, with 33 per cent coming from other states.
It is estimated that the casino could generate new taxes in excess of $1.4m for the city, plus an equal amount for Lincoln county and $8m annually for the state’s property tax relief fund.
