Nebraska Casino Proposal Gains Early Approval
Gaming stakeholders in Nebraska have been given a shot in the arm this week as news broke of a poignant legislative victory in the state house. The Cornhusker State’s lawmakers have voted in favour of legalizing a bill which would initiate the construction of a number of casino venues.
The state has long since awaited approval to establish a gambling industry, and, although this proposal is exclusive to the casino sector, it could usher in further verticals into a fledgling marketplace.
The bill would facilitate the creation of bricks-and-mortar casinos in Nebraska’s six counties who already possess a horse track license. These are Douglas, Lancaster, Adams, Dakota, Hall, and Platte, who are scattered across the state’s eastern and central belt. Should an operator wish to engage in the creation of a facility outside of these jurisdictions, they’re application would be vetted by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. This screening would be conducted via an impact assessment, which would consider the commercial and community impacts of a local casino venue.
It’s been a protracted process to get to this point. Back in November 2020, residents consistently backed a number of proposals to give safe passage to the building of gaming outlets, with voters endorsing this notion on three occasions at the ballot box. Nearly eighteen months on, and locals have finally seen a tangible step in the right direction.
The current proposal dovetails with an earlier piece of legislation forwarded by the NRGC last November, which details that any candidates authorized to enter the new market would be required to pay a lump sum of $1m, which would give them access to a twenty-year gaming license.
