The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has released regulations that could see the six licensed horse racing tracks in the State applying for casino licences. Operators seeking to open a casino at a Nebraska racing track will be required to pay a $1m fee for a 20-year licence. In addition, any casino will have to be entirely smoke-free. 12 months ago, voters approved casino gambling at horse racing tracks and the Racing and Gaming Commission will hold a public hearing of the new rules on December 17th.
Other companies that work with the casinos, such as suppliers and equipment operators, will also be required to pay an initial licence fee of between $5,000 and $15,000, plus additional annual fees. The Executive Vice President of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Lynne McNally, said that the regulations are “Very comprehensive. They are heavy on security, integrity, background investigations, all of the things you need to maintain honesty across the industry, and I think they are great.”
