Last November, Nebraska voters approved constitutional amendments to legalize casino gambling at licensed Nebraska horseracing tracks. Now the tracks, including Fonner Park in Grand Island, can’t move forward until Governor Pete Ricketts names a gaming commission to establish the rules and regulations that will govern casino operations.
Meanwhile, Fonner Chief Executive Chris Kotulak said, “We continue to go through the interviewing process with casino operators, and once we find a partner, we can really shift gears and move closer in the process of getting money generated here in Grand Island for our city, county and state.”
Kotulak said Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, “is among those that we are considering for our potential casino operator.” Ho-Chunk has launched a subsidiary, WarHorse Gaming LLC, which will partner with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to develop casinos at the Lincoln Race Course, Horsemen’s Park in Omaha and Atokad Downs in South Sioux City. WarHorse recently announced plans for a $200 million casino resort at the Lincoln track.
Kotulak said Fonner Park may add casino gambling this year at its current facility while it waits to build a new casino. “If feasible, I could foresee some form of slot machine operation on our property before the end of the year,” he stated.
