The mayor of Bellevue believes his city needs a racetrack casino.

Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike supports the Bellevue Downs Racetrack & Casino, believing it would boost the city revenue, competing with Iowa casinos.

Hike thinks it could surpass the estimated $60.7 million revenue and enhance tax income for the state, city, and county.

A report for the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission suggest that the WarHorse casino in Omaha might lose $24.7 million if the Bellevue facility is approved.

 

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Mayor Rusty Hike's support for the Bellevue Downs Racetrack & Casino is based on the belief that it would significantly boost the city's revenue and help it compete with Iowa casinos. By surpassing the estimated $60.7 million revenue, the casino could potentially enhance tax income for the state, city, and county. These additional funds could be used to invest in various public services and infrastructure, benefiting the community as a whole.

The report presented to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, which suggests that the WarHorse casino in Omaha might lose $24.7 million if the Bellevue facility is approved, raises important points of consideration. It highlights the potential impact that the new racetrack casino could have on existing gambling establishments in the region. This aspect needs to be evaluated carefully to ensure a fair and balanced outcome for all parties involved.

Competition within the gambling industry can be fierce, and it is common for new casinos to impact the revenues of existing ones to some extent. However, it is also essential to consider the potential benefits that a new casino can bring to a community, such as job creation, increased tourism, and economic growth.

If the Bellevue Downs Racetrack & Casino is approved, it will be vital for government agencies and local communities to work together to mitigate any negative consequences for existing establishments. This could involve implementing strategies such as marketing campaigns, offering incentives, or diversifying offerings to attract and retain customers.

Ultimately, the decision to approve the racetrack casino in Bellevue should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of its potential benefits and drawbacks, taking into account the economic impact, the potential displacement of revenue, and the overall welfare of the community.