Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe, and the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association announced they will partner on a petition drive next year to place on the 2020 ballot an amendment allowing casino gambling at the state’s horse racetracks.
If voters approve the proposal, South Sioux City, Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Columbus and potentially Hastings racetracks would become racinos, offering casino gambling and possibly sports betting.
Ho-Chunk and the NHBPA said Nebraska loses an estimated $500 million in annual revenue from residents gambling at casinos in Iowa and other surrounding states.
Ho-Chunk Chief Executive Officer Lance Morgan said since the petition drive will cost millions of dollars, he has started lining up financial partners. “We’ve had several calls from people who are interested in partnering,” he said.
He added Ho-Chunk and the NHBPA will work on finalizing petition language over the winter and start collecting signatures next year.
In 2015-2016, Ho-Chunk attempted a similar petition drive but it fell short of the required signatures. Morgan said the company had to circulate three petitions, which challenged the effort. “That complicated it quite a bit in terms of the signature gathering,” he stated.
In 2016, Ho-Chunk acquired the former Atokad Downs in South Sioux City in anticipation of turning it into a casino and events center. It eventually reopened as Atokad Park, running at least one live horserace every year to comply with state law for tracks that simulcast races.
