Proponents and opponents of the Horse Race Wagering Amendment are lining up in Nebraska. The November ballot measure would allow betting on historic horseraces shown on machines that some say resemble casino slots. The video terminals could be installed at licensed racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus.
Ho-Chunk, the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, supports the ballot which would allow it to pen a faming facility at the former racetrack Atokad Downs in Sioux City. Ho-Chunk President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Morgan said, “We’ve done some initial polling and the numbers are very favorable for passage of the amendment.” Supporters also said the machines will help the state’s struggling horseracing industry.
At the other extreme, the group Gambling with the Good Life is traveling the state urging voters to oppose the proposal. Director of the group, Pat Loontjer, said the historic racing machines run as fast as regular casino slots and can be equally addictive.
Nebraska voters rejected two proposals to allow casino gambling in 2004, and a measure to authorize video keno was defeated in 2006. The state does not negotiate Class III compacts with tribes.
