Last November, Nebraska voters approved casino gambling at the state’s six existing racetracks, and since then five operators have applied for licenses. Now state lawmakers are considering how many casinos the state should allow.
“We could limit the number of casinos based on geographical proximity to existing casinos,” said State Senator Tom Briese, “or we might require a minimum number of races to be conducted at the tracks before they could be issued a license.”
Lynne McNally, president of the Nebraska Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Organization said, “Part of our commitment during the campaign was not only to keep the money in Nebraska, but that these facilities were not going to be next to every church and school in every county of the state. So, we feel strongly that they should be limited.”
Briese and McNally are working together to find the perfect balance of casino regulations. Briese hasn’t always been in favor of gambling, but said voters have asked for it. “They want the property tax relief that gambling revenue provides and it’s really incumbent on us to see that the voters will is respected. And, so any cap or limitation in here, we want to make sure that that also is consistent with what the voters demanded. But again, also consistent with Nebraska values,” Briese said.
He stated he’ll introduce gambling legislation when the next legislative session commences in January.
