The Nebraska legislature on May 20 voted 44-3 to pass a gambling bill, one which will limit casinos to Nebraska racetracks.
The legislation took a convoluted path with amendments, objections and revisions. Some amendments designated portions of revenues for projects to help communities, a move to help garner support from reluctant senators.
Lawmakers also took out a mobile sports betting provision on May 13, according to Sports Handle.
While Governor Pete Ricketts opposes gambling, his opposition will not kill the proposal. In November, voters approved a change in the constitution to permit three initiatives to expand gaming at the six racetracks. The expansion will bring slot machines and table games, will regulate the games and initiate a tax, according to Saturday Tradition.
Ricketts has until June 2 to act on the bill, and if he vetoes it, the legislature can try for a veto override by June 3. The session is set to adjourn June 10. The final version included an emergency clause which says that as soon as the bill becomes law, work on regulations and the application process can begin.
Elite Casino Resorts, based in Iowa, will build and operate a $100 million casino resort at Fonner Park track in Grand Island.
“Thus far all things to occur in Lincoln have moved along favorably for Fonner Park, the horsemen and most importantly Nebraskans who voted for these casino initiatives,” Fonner Park Chief Executive Officer Chris Kotulak said.
Another 11th hour change prohibits betting on teams playing home games within the state like the Nebraska Huskers.
“I am not a sports gambler myself, but I do feel that that is not the most contemporary thinking regarding sports wagering,” Kotulak told The Independent.
Voters approved a proposed constitutional amendment in part because 70 percent of the 20 percent tax would be earmarked for property tax relief.
Lincoln’s casino, which will probably be the largest in the state, will be constructed by WarHorse Gaming, an economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe’s Ho-Chunk Inc. A hotel will also be built as part of the project.
Casinos could also be located in tracks in Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus and Hastings.
