In November 2020, Nebraska voters approved an amendment allowing games of chance, including sports wagering and casino gambling at racetracks. Governor Pete Ricketts signed the bill into law in May 2021. But sports betting still isn’t expected to launch before the end of 2021. Tom Sage, executive director of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, said, “The people of Nebraska, our voters, some of them are frustrated. I hear that. Bear with us. We’re working on it.”
Sage explained, “There’s an extensive background review for anybody that wants an authorized gaming license in Nebraska, as there is in many other states.” He said wagering will not be allowed on an app or online. “It has to be done within a brick-and-mortar casino or specific location approved by the commission,” he said.
Also, Nebraskans will not be allowed to bet on University of Nebraska Cornhusker home games. “Later in the season, Nebraska is playing in Iowa. We could then wager on the Huskers,” Sage said.
At Lincoln Race Course, plans already are underway for a sportsbook. Lynne McNally, executive vice president of Nebraska Horsemen, said, “As soon as we’re able to be licensed, we can immediately start redoing this building and making it more conducive for sports betting patrons.” The venue will build a restaurant, 196-room hotel and a spa. “All of the entertainment options that you get from sports betting and all of that revenue is going to stay right here in the state,” McNally stated.
Meanwhile, Sage said it’s not likely the racing and gaming commission will vote on the first casino application for several months. “It’s a slow process,” he said. He explained commissioners only recently received a report from Gaming Laboratories International about casino gaming rules and regulations. He said once the proposed rules are written, a public comment period will follow, then a public hearing and the vote, which is not expected to happen before December.
Sage said if the commission approves the rules, both Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson would have to sign off on them, and then they would be sent to the secretary of state’s office for approval. He said that would move the start of the application process to early next year. Then, any applicant would be subject to an intensive vetting process that could take at least 30 days or more.
All six licensed horse racetracks, including tracks in Grand Island, Columbus and Hastings, have announced plans for casinos. In addition, new tracks are proposed for Bellevue, Gering, Kimball, Norfolk, North Platte and York. Also, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc. to build WarHorse casinos in Lincoln, Omaha and South Sioux City.
Fonner Park Chief Executive Officer Chris Kotulak said the industry should have “grave concern” about the possibility of too many casinos. “The best way to dilute and ruin the best potential for revenue is to oversaturate,” he stated.
Sage commented the commission has formed committees to consider the new proposals. He said some could be granted racing licenses before the casino application process is complete. Also, he noted Ricketts has filled only one of the two empty commission seats and has not indicated when he plans to fill the second seat.
