It appears the race to add more horse tracks in Nebraska won’t come down to the wire.
A report from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission says that the state doesn’t need more horse racing tracks beyond the six that are already approved. This could stop the process of approving new tracks and the associated casinos. The construction of the new casinos hinged on the approval of six additional tracks.
The report, conducted by The Innovation Group of New Orleans, states that the current six racing licenses are enough to significantly increase racing in Nebraska, and no data supports the need for more licenses. The existing tracks include:
- Lincoln’s Legacy Downs
- Fonner Park in Grand Island
- Horsemen’s Park in Omaha
- Atokad in South Sioux City
- Fair Play Park in Hastings
- Columbus Exposition and Racing
The report found that there is already enough capacity for a significant increase in racing in Nebraska and that having more tracks in the state could harm overall horse racing. The existing requirements make it seem improbable that new licenses will be approved soon, and there’s a possibility that it may never happen.
Nebraska residents looking to play casino games need not worry though, as they can still do so at top offshore sportsbooks.
More Race Days Expected to Alleviate Need for More Tracks
But here’s the good news. More race days will be added.
In 2022, the existing tracks had a total of 53 race days, with Fonner Park having the most with 42 race days. The report suggests that the number of racing days in the state could triple or quadruple from the 53 race days in 2022.
Legacy Downs, which had its first race last year and plans for four races in 2024, is expected to increase its racing days substantially when it opens for a full meet. This could nearly double the number of racing days compared to Fonner Park. In the coming years, the other four tracks are also likely to contribute significantly to the total racing days in the state.
Cities Losing Out on New Casinos (For Now)
The current decision not to issue new licenses, at least for the time being, must be disheartening for those who had plans for tracks and, more importantly, casinos. The study considered eight different scenarios involving new racetrack casinos:
- Adding a racetrack and casino in Bellevue
- Adding a racetrack and casino in Norfolk
- Adding a racetrack and casino in York
- Adding a racetrack and casino in North Platte
- Adding a racetrack and casino in Gering
- Adding a racetrack and casino in Kimball
- Relocating the racetrack in Hastings to Ogallala
- A combination of Scenarios 1-7
The analysis of the gaming market also looked into how much money Nebraska’s casinos could potentially make. the market analysis suggests the top candidates for expansion between three cities – Bellevue, Kimball, and Gering. So, if the decision is ever made to add tracks, those cities would most likely be the frontrunners.
The Report’s Findings Buys the State More Time
But some say that holding off on approving new racing licenses is a sensible move for several reasons, including:
- Assessing Horse Availability: The decision gives the state time to determine if there are enough horses for hundreds of days of racing in Nebraska.
- Testing Interest and Wagering: It provides time to gauge public interest on horse racing and how successful the tracks will be.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Holding off (for now) enables the existing tracks to finish construction and add improvements that may be needed, ensuring a manageable start for the statewide industry.
- Operational Assessment: Waiting will allow the six authorized casinos to operate fully, identifying and addressing any operational or gambling issues before authorizing new casinos.
It also enables a more accurate evaluation of the impact of casino gambling on the state, helping the commission decide whether more casinos are necessary.
So, although the new racetracks and casinos won’t happen at the moment, it appears that the idea is not dead forever.
