Before some even open, restrictions on casinos in Nebraska could soon come.
Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) – Before some even open, restrictions on casinos in Nebraska could soon come. A number of companies looking to take advantage of the new law in the state. A senator examines how many casinos are too many?
“That’s five new applications, there are six existing race tracks in the state. So if all five were approved it would bring the total to 11, ”said Lynne McNally of Nebraska Horsemen.
It’s been a whirlwind for those in the casino and racetrack industries since voters took polls to approve games in Nebraska.
Given the potential of 11 racetracks within the first year, the Senators are examining the potential for restrictions on the number of casinos the state should have.
“There are really several avenues I could take in this regard. It could be an absolute cap on the number, we could limit the number of casinos due to geographic proximity to existing casinos, or we could impose a minimum number of races on the tracks before a license can be issued, ”said Senator Tom Briese of Albino said.
Senator Briese, who also sits on the General Affairs Committee, is considering introducing laws that would investigate possible regulations for casinos.
It’s an idea that even Warhorse and Nebraska Horseman officials agree with.
“Part of our commitment during the campaign was not just to keep the money in Nebraska, but that those facilities wouldn’t be next to every church and school in every county in the state. We therefore firmly believe that they should be limited, ”said McNally.
Briese and McNally said that striking the perfect balance of what these regulations will be might be difficult, but it is something that needs to be done.
Briese said while he hasn’t always been a proponent of gambling in the state, he knows voters have asked for it, so they will work to make sure everything goes smoothly.
“They want the property tax break, and it really is our duty to make sure that the will of the voters is respected. And with any cap or restriction here, we want to make sure that it also complies with the demands of the voters. But here, too, in line with the values of Nebraska, ”said Senator Briese.
The legislation would be introduced at the beginning of the legislature in January.