State-sanctioned sports wagering in Omaha is on the horizon following a recent decision by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. The commission’s approval allows WarHorse Casino Omaha to offer sports wagering, provided that operators meet certain security and regulatory conditions.
The launch of the sportsbook at WarHorse is expected no sooner than November 1. This is contingent on the operator satisfying 14 conditions specified by the commission
The construction of WarHorse Casino Omaha is currently underway at Horsemen’s Park, located at 63rd and Q streets. As a result, sports betting will temporarily take place at a facility within the racetrack infield, where simulcast horse race betting had been previously relocated.
Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, explained the delay in launching the sportsbook: “We just really wanted to get open as early in the football season as we could. That’s a huge chunk of sports betting. Everything else is dwarfed by the NCAA and NFL. Better late than never, I guess.”
Sports betting in Nebraska commenced on June 22 with the opening of a sportsbook at WarHorse Casino in Lincoln. Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island also launched sports wagering, on August 23.
In Omaha, sports betting will be available alongside simulcast horse racing in the temporary facilities until the construction of the $250 million casino is completed. Patrons can currently bet on horse races inside a small mobile building.
Additional space in the form of a three-season tent will be added to accommodate more sports bettors, although the sports bets will still be placed inside the temporary building.
There are currently no casino games such as table games or electronic games of chance on site. Those won’t be offered until the new casino opens because there isn’t enough room for those games in the temporary buildings, McNally said.
McNally, says the goal is making the temporary facilities as accommodating as possible until the grand opening. “If the current simulcast customers and our future sports betting customers can be a little patient with us, they’re going to see something really spectacular next fall. We’re shooting for September,” she said, as per Omaha World Central.
WarHorse Casino Lincoln
The ongoing construction effort involves more than 110 workers. The foundation for the parking garage has been laid, and they are currently assembling the precast concrete panels to construct the garage.
Additionally, improvements have been made to water and sewer systems, box culverts, and drainage. Turning lanes have been installed on Q Street between 60th and 72nd Streets, and the road has reopened after being closed for construction.
In November 2020, Nebraska voters approved ballot Initiatives 429, 430, and 431, allowing for casino-style gambling at licensed horse tracks. Sports betting in these locations is in-person or via a wagering kiosk in the designated sports wagering area at the licensed racetrack enclosure.
Participants must be 21 years or older to enter these sports betting areas. Initiative 431 imposed a 20% annual tax on gross gaming revenue from games of chance at licensed racetrack locations.
WarHorse partnered with Kambi to provide the sports betting platform and odds for both the Omaha and Lincoln locations. McNally anticipates substantial interest in sports betting in Omaha, given its proximity to the river and existing gambling establishments.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2023/10/23/69318-nebraska-warhorse-casino-omaha-gears-up-for-november-sports-betting-launch
