Nebraska is now one step closer to allowing sports betting at racetrack casinos – or “racinos” – after state regulators on Friday voted to approve rules for wagering on sporting events. However, it still remains unclear when Nebraskans will be able to start placing bets.
Local media reports it’s likely to take several months for the new industry to launch. The rules now must be vetted by the Attorney General’s Office, and then approved by the governor, a process that is not yet certain how much could take.
The rules, unanimously approved by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, mirror the framework adopted this year by the Nebraska Legislature, reports Lincoln Journal Star. They require that all sports betting take place in person at casinos at horse racing tracks, and they prohibit wagering on games involving teams when they are competing within the state.
Additionally, the rules also lay out many technical aspects of sports wagering, including what kinds of events people can bet on, and what kinds of bets they can make. Currently, there is only one casino in operation where sports betting could launch: WarHorse Casino at Lincoln Race Course, which opened its doors to the public last month.
Opening of the temporary WarHorse casino
WarHorse said it intends to offer sports wagering at its temporary casino facility as soon as the rules are finalized. Officials are currently working out the details of how the venue will do so, according to Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
“We are really excited to see the sports betting regulations pass out of the gaming commission yesterday,” added director of marketing Pete Graziano, as reported by KLKN. “It’s a great milestone to give the voters in the state what they asked for, which is casino gambling in Nebraska, including sports betting.”
While only WarHorse would be allowed to launch sports wagering as of now, it is expected two or three more racinos will be up and running before sports gambling becomes a reality. However, this process may take time to reach the finish line.
“If any of you think … you’re going to be able to do some sports wagering in the relatively near future, that’s not really accurate — nothing further could be from the truth,” said Commission Chairman Dennis Lee, as reported by Journal Star.
Elsewhere at Friday’s meeting, the Racing and Gaming Commission approved horse racing dates for 2023, including eight days at Lincoln Race Course. The course is spending about $2.5 million to resurface its track and add features, including a new safety rail.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/10/24/64741-nebraska-moving-closer-to-sports-betting-launch-after-commissioners-approve-rules
