The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission’s (NRGC) regulatory duties expanded greatly after the November 2020 election when state voters passed a ballot referendum that amended the Nebraska Constitution to allow commercial casino gambling at the state’s six licensed horse racetracks. More than two and a half years later, the NRGC says it’s still struggling to bring on more staff to regulate the ballooning industry.
The 2020 referendum allowed Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, Lincoln Race Course, Agricultural Park in Columbus, Fonner Park in Grand Isle, FairPlay Park in Hastings, and the shuttered Atokad Downs in South Sioux City to become Las Vegas-style casinos. All but Atokad Downs are undertaking the redevelopment of their horse racetracks to become casinos with slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
The 2020 referendum allowed Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, Lincoln Race Course, Agricultural Park in Columbus, Fonner Park in Grand Isle, FairPlay Park in Hastings, and the shuttered Atokad Downs in South Sioux City to become Las Vegas-style casinos. All but Atokad Downs are undertaking the redevelopment of their horse racetracks to become casinos with slot machines, table games, and sports betting.