Nebraska looks into historical horse race betting

The Nebraska Racing Commission will consider to approve bets on previously run horse races.

US.- Nebraskans may soon bet on previously run horse races as a push to legalise bets on historical races will be considered. Despite the state attorney general challenging its legality, the Nebraska Racing Commission may look into a request from Fonner Park in Grand Island to allow such bets.

The commission had already approved Fonner Park’s request, but then rescinded it last Wednesday due to Attorney General Doug Peterson’s concerns. He said that the meeting in which historical horse race betting was approved violated open-meeting rules and explained they don’t have legal authority to approve a new form of gambling.

“As much as the commission wants to approve historic horse racing, it cannot,” said Assistant Attorney General Laura Nigro. “That must be decided by the Legislature or the people of Nebraska.”

After hearing testimony on the issue this week, Commission Chairman Dennis Lee announced that the board will take public comments on historical horse race betting until February 1 and will decide some time in the next few months.