Nebraska: Regulator report says no new racetracks needed

This could halt efforts to license new tracks statewide.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has released a report regarding the need for additional horseracing tracks around the state.

The regulator said the state “has no need for additional horseracing tracks beyond the ones already licensed,” according to the report.

The Commission went on to add that there is “more than sufficient capacity with the state’s existing six racing licenses to allow for a tripling or quadrupling of racing in Nebraska” and “the data does not support the addition of more racing licenses.”

The Fremont Tribune reported that this could impede efforts for new tracks to gain state licensing, along with accompanying casinos.  

Those that could be the most affected are WarHorse Casino, which is currently under construction and the proposed Bellevue racetrack casino. The regulator’s report examined the potential impact Bellevue could have on the local economy and concluded that “opening the facility would boost the projected overall gambling revenue in the state.”

Currently, only one of the six existing tracks in the state offers a full racing schedule, the local report said. Fonner Park in Grand Island had 42 race days during the year.

The six Nebraska tracks offered 53 race days during 2022, the commission’s report said.

Commission Chairman Denny Lee told local news that the report “is a draft that could be amended or supplemented in the future.”

He went on to add that he believes the report could be on the next commission meeting agenda after commissioners have read it. The next meeting is scheduled for January 19.

Carlos Mendez

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