Nebraska proposes $1m casino licence fee
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has released a 67-page document containing the rules of a framework for legalising casinos.
US.- The state of Nebraska is closer to introducing casinos at racetracks. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has released a 67-page document of regulations that could bring casinos to six licensed race tracks. The rules are at the preliminary stage.
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. Nebraska casinos will start smoke-free and will ban all weapons on the premises unless they are carried by security personnel or law enforcement.
Voters of Nebraska 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 December 17, 2021.
All six licensed horse tracks, in Lincoln, Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings, have announced plans to add casinos. Six additional racetracks have been proposed in Bellevue, Gering, Kimball, Norfolk, North Platte and York.
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.”
There’s nothing set for sports betting, though. There is a chance that, if things go well in December, the legislature will reconvene in January, allowing lawmakers to discuss the possibility.
