Operator News
US – Nebraska racetracks will need to pay $1m for casino licence fee
By Phil - 15 November 2021
Nebraska racetracks will have to pay $1m in licence fees to be able to add a casino to their facility according to a 67-page document of regulations published by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
New laws could regulate six licensed casino race tracks in Nebraska in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings, South Sioux City and Columbus.
The casinos won’t allow smoking. The Racing and Gaming Commission plans to hold a public hearing for the legislation on December 17 2021.
Lynne McNally, Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association EVP, said: “The regulations are very comprehensive, they’re heavy on security, integrity, background investigations, all of the things you need to maintain honestly across the industry and I think they’re great.”
Chris Kotulak, Fonner Park Racetrack CEO, believes the demand for casinos could see an over supply of racetracks. He added: “There’s not the human or equine infrastructure in place to support any more racing than we already have.”
