Nebraska state Senators recently passed LB561, sponsored by state Senator Tom Briese, which would allow casino gambling at licensed horse racetracks in Omaha, Grand Island, Columbus, South Sioux City and Hastings. A new $200 million casino hotel would be built in Lincoln.
Lawmakers rejected amendments to remove electronic keno wagering from the bill and restrict sports betting on Husker football and other in-state teams. Currently Nebraskans wager on Husker games at casinos in Council Bluffs, Iowa or on smartphones.
Forecasters said the new Nebraska casinos could result in $455 million in gambling activity by fiscal 2022-23, producing $91 million in revenue for the state, of which about $64 million would be allocated to property tax relief. A voter-approved initiative dictated that 70 percent of revenue generated by a 20 percent tax on casino gambling would go toward easing property taxes.
Players of electronic keno could purchase tickets through a mobile device or electronic tickets sold at keno operations locations in statewide communities. Keno operators requested that option out of concern they could lose revenue when casinos opened. State Senator John opposed the amendment to remove electronic keno gambling from the bill, since communities throughout the state depend on keno revenue to help fund “a lot of great projects,” he said.
Also in Nebraska, Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 461, a new anti-trafficking bill requiring casinos to display informational posters about human trafficking. Currently, Nebraska law requires human trafficking posters in rest stops and strip clubs.
