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- Lawmakers in Nebraska are fighting on the number of casinos that should enter the state.
- Some feel that racinos should be banned from full-scale casino licensing until 2025.
- Senator Justin Wayne feels no cap should be placed on the number of casinos based on voter approval.
The process of bringing full-scale casinos to Nebraska seems to have come to an impasse. This week, lawmakers within the General Affairs Committee discussed amendments to a casino proposal with everyone having varying thoughts on the subject.
The main point of contention is just how many casinos should be allowed in the state.
Back and Forth Arguments
The closed-door discussion was not open to the public, but the Nebraska Examiner was allowed to attend, reporting on what took place during the session. First up, amendments were discussed among lawmakers, including banning any racinos from gaining licensing for full-scale gaming until early 2025.
This three-year delay was opposed by several in attendance, particularly Senator Justin Wayne. The senator pointed out that the referendum voted on by residents back in November to legalize casinos at the licensed racetracks did not stipulate a limit on how many venues were allowed.
For Senator John Arch, he feels that voters approved casinos at the existing racinos, of which there are six. With only six in operation, this would limit the number of total casinos in the state if no new properties are allowed.
Senator Mike Jacobson wants to see a racino added to the area west of Grand Island, where he is from. There are no racetracks in the region, so Nebraskans do not have a local facility they can go to and have to travel further in the state to reach a facility.
One way to solve this includes an amendment presented by Senator Tom Briese. He suggests that the existing racetracks be allowed to move to a new location. His idea also includes a study on the matter before new racinos can be approved by the Racing Commission.
On top of that, the amendment recommends establishing a minimum number of race days at current tracks and new ones. Right now, racetracks only have to hold one race a year, but that does not help the racing industry get back on its feet. The main argument to legalize casinos at the tracks is to boost the Thoroughbred market.
How Many Tracks Are Enough?
One senator wants to be sure that the state does not get in over its head when it comes to racinos and casino gaming. Senator John Lowe discussed how the state needs to be cautious when deciding on the number of facilities. He pointed out that in California, there are only six race tracks in operation, and the state has around twenty times the population of Nebraska.
Would more than six racetracks be too many for the state to handle? Lowe wants to know if more than six tracks will attract enough horses to stay afloat. Senators have been lobbied to approve new venues for racing in areas like Norfolk, North Platte, and Bellevue.
For now, the executive session was held in order to gain insight on proposed amendments and test the waters as to how lawmakers feel on the matter. It is unclear as to when the General Affairs Committee will meet again or if the bill will be advanced to the full floor for a vote.
If lawmakers cannot come to an agreement, it only adds more time regarding how long it will take for Nebraska casinos to become a reality.
