Last November, Nebraska residents voted to legalize gambling at six horse racetracks. But recently, the Nebraska State Racing Commission received applications from five other cities hoping to open a racetrack, with the long-term goal of adding a casino. Those are Bellevue, York, Norfolk, North Platte and Gerring.
But some Nebraskans are concerned 11 casinos would be too many. The additional five, they say, would cannibalize business from the original six locations people voted for. State Senator Ray Aguilar said, “That was our intention and I think it was the intention of the voters. That’s the most important part. We need to do our best to adhere to the will of the voters.”
Aguilar added, “I don’t think we want to get put ourselves in a position where we over-saturate the market here. The people voted for having maybe six casinos with existing racetracks in place and now we have people popping up really quick and installing racetracks. I just don’t know if it’s a good idea.”
